ADHD and Worry Thoughts: How to Help Your Child

Children with ADHD often struggle with anxiety, which can manifest as worry thoughts. These thoughts can hinder their daily activities and enjoyment of life. Here are some strategies to help your child manage worry thoughts:

Understanding Worry Thoughts
Worry thoughts are often negative and fear-based. They can include thoughts like “I bet they are laughing at me,” “What if the worst possible thing happens?” or “What happens if my parents can’t pick me up after school?” These thoughts can be overwhelming and can lead to a cycle of anxiety.

Coping with Worry Thoughts
One effective strategy to manage worry thoughts is to confront them with positive, realistic coping thoughts. Here’s how to teach coping thoughts to your child:

Discuss Positive Thoughts: Talk with your child about different positive thoughts. Have them choose 1-3 thoughts that are meaningful and feel true to them.

Write Down the Positive Thoughts: Write these positive thoughts on a small card or Post-it note. This makes them portable and easy to reference when worrying thoughts arise.

Rehearse the Positive Thoughts: Practice these positive thoughts daily. Refer to the card as needed when worry thoughts get stuck.

Here are some examples of coping thoughts:

I’ve done this before, and I can do it again.
I can handle whatever happens.
The worry and feeling can’t hurt me.
The feeling will not last forever.
Thoughts are just thoughts.
I have tools I can use to get through this.
I am strong and brave.
I can boss back my anxiety.
This is hard now, but it will get easier.
Remember, it’s important for your child to choose their own coping thoughts so that they feel true and important to them.

In conclusion, helping your child understand and manage their worry thoughts can significantly improve their ability to cope with anxiety. By discussing positive thoughts, writing them down, and rehearsing them regularly, you can equip your child with the tools they need to confront their worry thoughts and reduce their anxiety.