ADHD Superpowers Talk 5 – Building self esteem in the ADHD child

ADHD Superpowers: Self-Esteem & Identity, helping Our Children See Themselves Differently

Children and teens with ADHD often grow up hearing more criticism than encouragement. They are labelled as too much, too emotional, too lazy, not living up to their potential — and over time, those words become the lens through which they see themselves. This talk is about changing that lens.

In this practical, heart-centred session, Occupational Therapist Emma Wijnberg explores how ADHD affects a child’s sense of self, and how parents and caregivers can actively protect and rebuild self-esteem. Instead of viewing ADHD-related behaviours as “naughtiness” or “defiance”, we’ll look at the mirror traits behind them — persistence, creativity, energy, spontaneity — and how to bring these strengths into focus at home and at school.

You’ll leave with simple, realistic tools to use in everyday family life, even on the hard days.

This talk is for you if:

• You’re parenting or supporting a child/teen with ADHD (diagnosed or suspected).

• Your child is hearing a lot of “no”, “stop it” and “why can’t you just…?”

• You worry about their self-esteem, shame, or the way they talk about themselves.

• You feel stuck between wanting to be kind and needing firm boundaries.

In this talk, we’ll cover:

• How ADHD and executive functioning challenges impact behaviour and self-image.

• Why children with ADHD are so vulnerable to criticism and shame.

• “Mirror traits”: reframing “difficult” behaviours as strengths in disguise.

• Three core pillars to build self-esteem:

  • Consistent connection – daily, do-able one-on-one time.

  • Targeted praise – how to use praise so it actually lands.

  • Meaningful rewards – simple systems that motivate without bribery or power struggles.

• Practical behaviour tools:

  • Using routines, visual lists and structure to support ADHD brains.

  • How to set limits and use consequences (like time-outs and lost privileges) without breaking your child’s spirit.

  • When to ignore, when to step in, and when natural consequences can help.

• How to spot and nurture your child’s unique strengths and interests, so they have at least one place in their life where they truly shine.

Parents will walk away feeling more hopeful, more informed, and better equipped to support their child – not just to cope with ADHD, but to build a healthy, grounded sense of who they are.