About This Blog

There are dozens of theories about why ADHD occurs. Some say that it's entirely genetic, and it's obvious that there's a genetic component. Others say it's a result of environment, but while environment can help to mitigate or enhance the symptoms, it pales in comparison to the impact of genetics. Some say that diet can help to eliminate symptoms, although those theories are controversial.

But my favorite explanation of ADHD is as an adaptation. I look at my own children and don't see their uniqueness as a "disorder", but as a different way of thinking. The question is one of perspective.

Is Precious "hyperactive"? Or "energetic"?
Is AB "inattentive"? Or "imaginative"?
Is Princess "emotionally unstable"? Or "passionate"?

I do believe that words are powerful. Our words determine how we view the world, and when applied to our children, they can have a tremendous impact on how we relate to them.

Then I ran across a theory of ADHD that states that ADHD is actually an adaptive mechanism. The theory goes that some people are geared to be "hunters", but our world is designed to meet the needs of "farmers". Hunters don't do well in farming society, not when they're expected to conform to the farmers' way of doing things.

I have a houseful of these "hunters". I have children who are passionate, loyal, gregarious, energetic, courageous, and bold. When forced to conform to prevailing societal views on childhood behavior, they would be ostracized and told that they're "wrong", but those same traits that hinder them in school can be advantages as an adult.

As a mother of five very different children, I've learned that every child is imbued with their own unique personality and temperament. I've seen it from birth onward. And I've finally come to peace with the knowledge that my job as a mother is not to transform my children into what I want them to be, but to guide them and shape them to be the best person that THEY are destined to become.

With that in mind, I enjoy life with my hunters. An outsider might think it's exhausting (and it is!) or overwhelming (and it can be!), but at least we're always having FUN!