Menu
Parenting
When Parenting a Child with ADHD, Days Always Seem Too Short
by Jamie Thompson
Updated: March 13, 2020
Originally Published: March 13, 2020
I was discussing my ten-year-old daughter, Lucy, and her ADHD challenges with my older sister recently. Her son, who is now thriving in college, had similar ADHD struggles as Lucy, and I needed someone to share my frustrations with. I vented about the arguments, the procrastination, and the seemingly endless time it takes for Lucy to finish her assignments.
She chuckled and said, “With Ethan, it felt like there simply weren’t enough hours in the week to keep him on track. Forget about my own plans in the evening; I had to sit with him to keep him engaged and focused… it was overwhelming.”
Although her words didn’t provide me with any groundbreaking solutions, it did reassure me that the constant battle we face at home isn’t unique. I suddenly felt less like a failure and more like I was doing exactly what I should be to support Lucy’s education.
This is one of the toughest realities of raising a child with ADHD, and it’s rarely talked about openly.
Lucy often struggles to keep up with her schoolwork, and something inevitably comes home that needs completing—despite a comprehensive 504 plan and the right medication mix. Each evening feels like a sprint to get her focused while also balancing the breaks she needs to maintain that focus. The frustration is palpable when she tries hard to grasp a concept yet has to exert double the effort to master it.
More often than not, we find ourselves past bedtime, trying to catch up on assignments. It’s not unusual for schoolwork to spill into the weekends. It feels like a precarious juggling act, balancing her academic needs, her well-being, and our family life.
Compared to our other children, Lucy requires more effort to complete her tasks. She learns differently than her older brother and younger sister, and that’s perfectly acceptable. My wife and I have been upfront with her about this, and I’ve shared my own ADHD experiences. We are committed to doing whatever it takes to help our daughter succeed academically.
But let’s be honest: sometimes managing Lucy’s ADHD feels like it consumes our lives. We’ve consulted doctors, read countless books, and explored various study plans while collaborating with her school. Adjusting the 504 plan has become a regular task, with changes happening so frequently that it feels like the ink is still drying on the latest version. We are dedicated to supporting Lucy because we know how crucial it is for her success. To her credit, she puts in twice the effort as her siblings for half the results, and all that hard work makes me want to hug her tightly, cheer her on, and reinforce that, with time and dedication, she will carve out her path in this world.
But I must admit, I’m exhausted. My wife is exhausted. If anyone deserves empathy, it’s the parents raising children with ADHD.
So, to all the parents struggling to find enough time for their ADHD kids, I’m right there with you. I understand the challenges.
When you’re bent over a math book, attempting to explain fractions yet again while your child fidgets in frustration, it can feel like the end is nowhere in sight.
What my sister shared hit home for me. It was comforting to speak with someone who had been through similar struggles and emerged successful. Her son is now in college, far from home, on a scholarship, achieving good grades, and nearing graduation. Knowing that she faced challenges akin to mine with Lucy filled me with optimism. I believe in my daughter’s potential, and I know the effort will pay off.
If you’re seeking further insights, check out this other blog post on home insemination here. For authoritative information on home insemination, visit Make a Mom, and for excellent resources about treating infertility, head to ACOG.
In summary, parenting a child with ADHD can be an exhausting endeavor, feeling like there are never enough hours in the day. This journey, while challenging, is not faced alone. It’s essential to connect with others who understand and to recognize that, although the road may be tough, success and understanding are within reach.
Leave a Reply