My two boys, ages 7 and 5, and I all have ADHD, and let me tell you, forgetting backpacks is our specialty. Some days, we forget to even grab it from the house; other days, it stays in the car, and occasionally, we actually manage to get it to school. But then, once he’s done, my eldest crams his completed assignments into his worn-out dinosaur backpack, which, let’s be honest, is long overdue for replacement. And guess what? It often ends up abandoned on the floor, while he happily marches out.
I can sense the eye rolls from the other parents in our homeschool group. They seem to have their lives perfectly organized. My son Blaise and I often feel like square pegs trying to fit into a round hole. It’s a lonely feeling to be the only ones struggling with something as simple as a backpack when others seem to manage so effortlessly. I can only imagine how Blaise feels as the kid who frequently leaves his backpack behind. It’s only a matter of time before the whispers start: “That’s just Blaise.” But that’s not who he is — it’s a symptom of his condition, and he deserves the understanding that comes with that acknowledgment.
Blaise doesn’t have many friends in his class. I’ve witnessed him sitting alone while everyone else engages in activities, often because he’s too chatty or restless, likely due to his ADHD. He regularly borrows supplies since he forgets his backpack, and he hastily finishes his work just to dive into his favorite pastime: drawing. He’s not the kind of child that other kids typically gravitate toward, especially since he’s petite, loud, and tends to speak out of turn, despite being incredibly intelligent.
Birthday party invitations are a rare occurrence for us. My circle of mom friends consists of maybe two or three women. They’re lovely, but I sometimes wonder if their kindness stems from genuine friendship or simply from their strong faith. The others are polite but distant. I struggle to remember their names, which sends me into a panic spiral, making it hard to forge connections. Plus, I’m often glued to my phone for work, which doesn’t help my social standing. As a result, my friendships remain limited.
Then there are those moments at the playground when Blaise and my younger son, Oliver, start tossing pinecones, as young boys do when in nature. Other kids react by calling them “freaks,” saying they don’t want to play with them, and scurrying away. I’ve heard them mutter, “Oh great, here comes Blaise and Oliver.”
I want to shout back, “They have impulse-control issues!” I can remind them not to throw pinecones until I’m blue in the face, but their ADHD makes it a challenge to remember.
ADHD is a neurological disorder that affects how we remember and manage responsibilities. It’s not that we’re lazy or careless; it’s simply how our brains operate. Yes, it’s frustrating when Blaise forgets his backpack, but a gentle reminder — “Hey, don’t forget your backpack!” — would go a long way in easing our daily chaos.
Social interactions can be equally challenging. If our family had a different neurological condition, I bet people would go out of their way to be accommodating. They wouldn’t judge my phone habits or overlook my kids’ quirks. They’d likely recognize that their differences enrich our community. Why can’t people see that children with ADHD aren’t misbehaving intentionally? They struggle with impulse control, and we’re actively working on it. I don’t enjoy being that distracted parent who forgets names; my brain simply works differently.
We don’t operate like most people, and that can lead to misunderstandings. It’s disheartening when others don’t take the time to know us better. What’s the point of reaching out when we seem like the disorganized, chaotic family? Without our ADHD, we might just come across as socially awkward. But since they’re aware of our condition, all we ask for is a bit of grace, understanding, and support.
If you’re curious about home insemination options, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and related topics from the CDC. And if you want to explore fertility boosters for men, take a look at this blog post. You can also learn more about birth centers for guidance on your journey by visiting this authority on the subject.
Summary:
Living with ADHD can be isolating for both children and parents. The challenges of forgetfulness, social interactions, and misunderstandings can lead to feelings of exclusion. It’s essential for others to recognize that ADHD doesn’t define a person; rather, it’s a part of who they are. Empathy and support can make a significant difference in the lives of families navigating these challenges.