What Do Kids with ADHD Need? Ask the Family Dog

My sons developed a strong bond with our family dog, Guinness. But I didn’t realize the power of what Guinness did for our family until she passed earlier this year in February. If you don’t have pets... just know, it’s absolutely heartbreaking to lose a family pet, but the harder part is to watch your children lose a family pet.

Here is what we learned from our family dog...

1. Guinness didn’t try to solve their problems... If your kid is upset the dog won’t tell them "maybe you should...Or why don’t you try… Your kid doesn’t always need a solution, but they always need you to listen.

2. Guinness didn’t judge...Even when your kid isn’t being critiqued by teachers, they are often aware of being sized up by their peers. And it doesn’t feel good.

3. Guinness gave my sons her full attention...animals are especially aware of body language in people... and kids are likely to get even more attention from a dog if they are emotionally upset, or just not themselves.

4. Guinness loved physical contact...Psychologists have long known that touch can play a powerful role in boosting mood and reducing stress. You don’t need to read the research to know this!

5. Guinness didn’t care about tomorrow… Instead of worrying about that test tomorrow, pets are present and happy doing whatever they’re doing right now in the moment...just smelling the smells of right now...or enjoying the affection from a best friend.

Obviously, not all kids with ADHD are able to have a pet or even want a pet...

But understanding what pets can do for the kids who love them is a great reminder of what we all need...love, connection, attention...TODAY...right when we need it most.

Persist!

Angel

P.S. We adopted two cats in August!...who are also full of love and eager for their attention :)