Have you ever noticed that some teens with ADHD seem devastated by even tiny bits of criticism?
Its’s called ‘rejection sensitivity’—and it’s real.
They feel negative feedback WAY more than most.
Here’s the good news: Executive skills coach, Sean Geraghty, says there’s mounting evidence that giving them regular, specific, positive feedback can have a outsized impact too. It’s not just nice to have, it can be life-changing.
As Dr Greg Walton explained in my interview about his seminal book Ordinary Magic, we want to start a positive spiral because it can become self-sustaining.
Instead of saying ‘Good job,’ try being more specific: ‘I love how you always call ahead instead of leaving me wondering whether you’re going to turn up.’ Watch your teen’s confidence bloom.
When we pay attention and recognize even small wins, we help teens reframe how they see themselves. Even more importantly, it can have a really positive impact on the way we, ourselves, see our children.
Focus on the wins, not the stumbles.
What small, positive thing your child do today, and have you told them?
The full interview is out on Wednesday