To the Loving Grandparents of Our Kids With ADHD

Thank you for listening to us when we began to tell you that we felt something was “off” with your grandchild. Instead of dismissing their hyperactive and inattentive behavior as a “normal” part of being a kid like many others do, you were receptive to the idea that something else might be going on.

Thank you for being supportive when your grandchild received their attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) diagnosis. Just like us, you immediately took to the internet and spent countless hours researching all you could about ADHD. You sent us many links to articles, videos and books about ADHD. Although we may have felt overwhelmed at the time, we were appreciative of the fact that you cared so much about helping your grandchild.

Other relevant stories:
• How to Help a Child With ADHD Without Medication
• Can ADHD Develop in Adulthood?
• Does ADHD Make You Tired?
• What is ADHD?

Thank you for not only being supportive of your grandchild’s ADHD, but supportive of us as parents as well. You are always there when we need to vent or need a break. You understand how hectic our life is and you step in to help whenever possible. Since you have taken the time to understand how your grandchild’s mind works and you know how to handle any situation with them, we are able to trust that our child is happy and safe with you 110 percent when you babysit. That means so much to us.

Thank you for being so incredibly patient, compassionate, and respectful with your grandchild. You understand that their brains are hardwired differently.  You understand that sometimes they behave in ways that other adults may find rude or disrespectful (like when your grandchild forgets to give you a hug hello for example), but you know to not take their behavior and words so seriously.

Thank you for stepping up to defend your grandchild when the need arrises. You do your best to educate others about your grandchild’s ADHD. You help make others see what we see in our amazing kids, and we love you for that.

Thank you, above all, for loving your grandchild unconditionally. You accept them for who they are and you don’t ever try to change them.

The truth of the matter is, although you were scared about what the label of ADHD was going to do to your grandchild at first, you now know that with people like you in their life who love, support, help and guide them, their ADHD is a turning out to be a truly beautiful thing. It is what makes your grandchild exceptional, fiercely creative and wildly imaginative. Their ADHD is a big part of what puts a smile on your face when you think about them and what makes you so proud to be their grandparent. The feeling is mutual.  We are so proud and blessed to have you in our lives as our child’s grandparent.

A version of this post appeared on www.mylittlevillagers.com

Thinkstock image by kanzefar