Is it just me or it seems like more and more kids are being diagnosed with ADHD. As we all know ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a disorder that manifests with the lack (or really short) attention span. The kid struggles to stay focused and engages with the new activity very quickly. Now, many of the symptoms could just be interpreted as a kid being a kid. It’s completely normal for a child to be lively, loud and not always paying attention. Not all kids do well in school and not all kids function properly in the school environment.

It seems like parents these days have trouble recognizing normal childish behavior and doctors just love diagnosing kids with this disorder. The number of children diagnosed with ADHD is rapidly increasing and this is becoming one of the most important topics to talk about and to raise awareness.

As a mother of two beautiful girls, I got scared many times while raising my kids. Many times I thought there is something wrong with my little chipmunks. That’s completely normal. The love that you have for your little ones is just something that can’t be measured and it’s logical to only wish the best for them.

Now, let’s talk about the signs of ADHD. Before we start, I want you to remember- Whichever sign or symptom we talk about, the most important one is repetition. If the sign is repeating, displaying itself many times and becoming a pattern of behavior - that might be a red flag and you should ask for a professional opinion.

Self-centered and Self-focused behavior. The kid has trouble recognizing other people’s needs that can result with the next one. Your kid interrupts you or someone else while they are having a conversation that does not involve the kid itself. The next one also comes from the self-focused attitude and it’s kid’s struggle to wait for they turn when playing a game or talking.

Children with ADHD find it difficult to keep their emotions tamed, displaying anger at inappropriate times. They also might have a problem playing quietly as a result of fidgetiness. They can show interest in many different things and activities but will lose their focus very quickly leaving behind unfinished tasks.

When you speak with an ADHD kid, you will notice you lose their attention very easily, even if you try to maintain eye contact or speak to the kid directly. The kid will assure you they know what you said but won’t be able to repeat. This can also result with the kid avoiding any activity that requires a coherent intellectual effort, like doing homework or paying attention during the lecture. They also have trouble following instructions and make mistakes that are not caused by laziness or low intelligence. They tend to be very forgetful.

One very important detail is that they are displaying their symptoms regardless of their environment- the lack of attention is obvious at school as well as at home, meaning the symptoms are not the result of a different setting.

Once again, the main symptom is the repetition.

Pay attention to your kid and try to look at things more objectively. Play with your kids. Try to remember how difficult was for your parents to grab your attention. Kids are curious beings. They are still exploring this world. It's one of the most beautiful things about them. Feed their curiosity. Write a journal of their behavior. Take notes. Don't jump to a conclusion and don't rush with doctor appointments. You know your kids best. Sometimes, just like you, they are having a bad day or just not in a mood for a certain activity. Give them space and support them. If you are feeling a little bit paranoid, put them on a test. Repeat the test, take notes and compare the results. If the sign is not repeating all the time and it’s not present in different settings, maybe your kid is just being a kid. Learning life coach skills can be very beneficial and help you with your upbringing. It can help you with understanding yourself and your kids better. After all, good communication with your children is everything.