15. How can I improve the self-esteem of the ADHD child?

15.1. Watch your own attitude and behaviour towards your child – he sees himself through your eyes. Accept your child as he is and he will accept himself.

15.2. Recognise your child's strengths and teach him to recognize them too, by noticing and commenting on desirable behaviour, efforts to improve etc. If possible, allow him to pursue his area of strength so that he can experience success (in outside-school situation, if success is not possible in school context).

15.3. Avoid “attacking” your child's character with negative labels like “naughty, lazy, stupid, bad”, address his specific undesirable / inappropriate actions instead

15.4. Give children opportunities to do and decide things for themselves. If they make mistakes, accept it as part of the learning process – there are no failures, only feedback.

15.5. Avoid being over-protective and give the children room to make mistakes without fear of failure

15.6. Teach your child how to handle criticism - see what can be improved and gauge if person giving the criticism is exaggerating the situation.

15.7. Teach your ADHD child to see things in perspective and not be too hard on himself for mistakes made. Explain to him that statements such as “why am I so stupid / clumsy / useless?” or “why is everybody picking on me?” or “why does it have to be me?” are not helpful at all, and show him better alternatives.

15.8. Teach your child to accept praises and compliments graciously and humbly.