Have you asked yourself, “Is it a label or a diagnosis?”
Having a diagnosis can be both a blessing and a curse. You finally realize that you are not a bad parent after all. However, you’re left wondering, “WHAT TO DO NOW?” Yeah, that’s right, the struggle is real.
Let’s talk about it!
ADHD Huh! What the Fu*k is it? Is it a label or a diagnosis?
For starters, here at http://www.motheringtheunexpected.com, I am not a doctor of any sort. I am just a well seasoned mother with the heart to help others. You can learn more about me by visiting the about me page here. So, first, what is my definition of ADHD? We don’t have all the answers to it, right? However, to others, it doesn’t exist, it’s not real, they don’t believe in it, and so on.
People will never really understand the pain and frustration behind all this until they have to walk in your shoes. People quickly say things like, “Don’t let those people label your child,” the truth is I didn’t, AND STILL DON’T! However, I was a NON-BELIEVER and allowed myself to be affected by individuals who honestly had no idea what I was going through. Over the years, many people continued to tell me to “Stop letting people label your child,” and I listened to an extent. What I mean by this is I was straddling the fence, struggling with the right thing to do. Is this you, too?
Constantly remind yourself of the importance of why you need a diagnosis.
Many parents are hesitant about having their child labeled with a diagnosis due to the fears of the unknown (being deemed different/having special needs). However, a diagnosis can be very beneficial and open doors to many services, therapies, and accommodations you won’t have access to without a diagnosis. The most important thing is looking past any labels and getting the child or children access to the resources they need to thrive. These things will not happen without an official diagnosis. We as parents have to stop allowing people to make us feel like we are bad parents and instead remind ourselves that we are doing our very best!
Who’s important? People or your child/children?
I had to stop and ask myself, who’s most important here, them or my child? If I do nothing, am I helping or hindering? Is it a label or a diagnosis? Then, I learned the definition of the word “Advocate.” We, as parents, have to learn to advocate for our children. Parents who use their voices appropriately and advocate for their children have the most power. In a world of competing voices calling for your attention, it is vital to know where you stand.
People fail to realize that navigating in the dark is hard. We, as parents, sometimes have to be the squeaky wheel. Part of our role as parents as our children grow up is to teach them to find solutions that work for them, advocate for themselves, and answer their questions. It is never too early to empower our kids to use their voices. I always encourage my son to speak up for himself, and you should, too.
So boom💥 news FLASH!!
“MY CHILD IS NOT LABELED; HE HAS A DIAGNOSIS”