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In today’s fast-paced world, where the lifestyle of children and adults is changing rapidly, many mental health related disorders are coming to the fore, about which there is still a lot of confusion and ignorance in the society. One such very popular and sensitive neurological disorder is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder i.e. ADHD, which in common parlance people often mistake for the common mischief or indiscipline of children. A very big and dangerous misconception spread in our society is that if a child is scolded a lot, kept under strict discipline or is exercised a little strictness, then his habit of hyperactivity and forgetfulness will automatically be cured. But mental health experts and renowned doctors have completely rejected this notion and revealed a truth which is very important for every parent and guardian to know. Doctors clearly say that scolding or punishing neither cures ADHD nor does it bring any positive change in the functioning of the child’s brain, rather doing so can worsen the mental health of the child.
Often in families, when a child jumps around a lot, is unable to sit still, is not interested in studies or keeps losing his things, parents and teachers consider him ‘spoiled’ or ‘lazy’. They think that the child is doing such acts deliberately and a little scolding or slap will bring him in line. But child psychologists and neurologists explain that ADHD is not at all the result of any kind of stubbornness, bullying or bad parenting. It is a neurobiological condition directly related to the development of the brain and the neurotransmitters present in it. This means that the child’s brain is unable to process information the way a normal child’s brain does. In such a situation, when parents or people of the society repeatedly scold the child, humiliate him in front of everyone or compare him with other promising children, then it has a deep and negative impact on the tender mind of the child. The child gradually starts considering himself unworthy and inferior, due to which an inferiority complex develops in him.
Experts are of the clear opinion that when you scold a child suffering from ADHD, you are making his problem more serious. Children suffering from this disorder have very little control over their impulses and emotions. They often do things without thinking because the part of their brain that is responsible for self-control and planning is working differently. In such a situation, when they are shouted at or punished physically and mentally, they become victims of extreme stress and anxiety. As stress increases, their ability to concentrate further deteriorates, leading to further deterioration in both their academic performance and social behavior. Parents do not understand that the child is not intentionally causing trouble, but his nervous system is struggling at the moment, and this misunderstanding becomes the reason for distance in the family.
To deal with this situation, experts suggest that parents first have to understand the scientific aspects of this disorder. If symptoms of ADHD are visible in any child in or around your home, then first of all you should contact a good child psychiatrist or counselor. Instead of scolding the child, there is a need to treat him with great love, restraint and patience. Appreciate his small successes and give him a structured environment where he can feel comfortable. Through therapy, behavioral modification and positive encouragement, unprecedented improvement in the performance of these children can be achieved. When the child realizes that his parents understand him and respect his situation, his self-confidence automatically starts increasing.
Finally, it is very important to understand that the misconceptions spread in the society regarding mental and neurological conditions like ADHD should be removed. This is not a defect that will disappear overnight with someone’s scolding or discipline. It requires social sensitivity, timely right medical help and a supportive environment. Teachers in schools should also be trained to understand the psychological needs of such children instead of punishing them. If we as a society learn to accept these children and adopt them without any prejudice, then they too can achieve extraordinary success in every walk of life on the strength of their unique abilities. Therefore, change your thinking today itself, stop shouting at children and give them an opportunity to live a healthy and positive life.