How to Talk to Your Child About Their Amazing ADHD Brain

One of the questions I often hear from parents of young kids with ADHD is, “How do I explain ADHD to my child?” It can feel overwhelming to know where to start. As parents, we naturally want to shield our kids from challenges, but deep down, we know that the best way to support them is to empower them with understanding. So, how do you break it down in a way that’s age-appropriate and uplifting? Here are some suggestions to get you started.

1. Start with Simple, Age-Appropriate Language
Young kids don’t need complex medical terms; they need relatable metaphors.

🧠 Try this:
"Your brain is like a race car—it’s super fast and full of energy. But sometimes, it can feel like your race car brain has bicycle brakes. It can feel really frustrating to not be able to steer your car in the direction you want or put on the brakes and slow it down the way you need to. ADHD means your brain is a little different, but it’s also really amazing."

Explain that ADHD is just a way to describe how their brain works, and it doesn’t define who they are.

2. Celebrate Their Strengths
It’s important to focus on the positive aspects of an ADHD brain. Kids with ADHD are often creative, energetic, and curious.

🎨 Talk about their superpowers:

• “You’re great at coming up with fun ideas!”

• “Your brain notices things that other people miss, and that makes you awesome at solving problems.”

Reframe their challenges as opportunities for growth, showing them that everyone’s brain works a little differently.

3. Use the Power of Stories
Kids love stories and visuals! Use books, videos, or even drawings to help them understand ADHD.

Here are some of my favorite children’s books about ADHD.

Shelley The Hyperactive Turtle- This book helps parents start the conversation about why some kids with ADHD take medication to help slow down their brain.

Brain Cell by Jacky Robb- This book helps explain how brains work from a neurological perspective.

My Brain is a Race Car- This book describes common traits in neurodivergent brains.

What Were You Thinking?- This book helps teach impulse control.

These books can make ADHD feel relatable and less intimidating. For more books that teach important skills like self-esteem, confidence, bullying, hope, and emotional intelligence, check out my school counselor’s library.

As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can view my full affiliate disclosure here.

4. Teach Them About Strategies, Not “Fixes”
Make sure your child knows there’s nothing “wrong” with them—they just need tools to help their brain stay on track.

🔧 Empower them with strategies:

• “When your brain feels like it’s racing, taking deep breaths can help it slow down.”

• “Timers are like magic wands for helping your brain remember what to do.”

Teach them that using tools like fidgets, checklists, or quiet spaces is smart and helps their amazing brain work even better. For more help on teaching strategies, check out this free training.

5. Normalize the Conversation
Talk about ADHD regularly and openly. Share examples of successful people with ADHD and remind them that being different is what makes people extraordinary.

🌟 Say this often:

• “I’m so proud of how hard you work to focus.”

• “Even grown-ups like me have to practice strategies to stay organized—it’s normal!”

This helps your child feel less alone and more confident in their abilities.

You’ve Got This!
Helping your child understand their ADHD brain is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. By teaching them to embrace their differences, celebrate their strengths, and use tools to manage challenges, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of confidence and resilience.

When ADHD is managed well, your child’s brain transforms from a problem to be fixed to a gift to nurture. And with your guidance, they’ll grow up knowing just how incredible they truly are.

Free Training:
Want more tips on parenting kids with ADHD? Sign up for my free training, where I share the 3 Steps to Move Your ADHD Child from Struggling to Thriving.

Want more support on your ADHD parenting journey?

💛 Join my Facebook group, ADHD Parenting Pathways, where you’ll find resources, tips, and a community of parents just like you. Let’s navigate this together!