“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” — Henry David Thoreau
Good Morning
Having ADHD and raising three daughters with ADHD I can tell you with certainty that children (and adults) who have ADHD definitely hear a different drummer. They work at their own pace, they focus only on what interests them, they tend to need to move in order to think, and they often get so excited that they just jump into something without really thinking about the consequences.
You could look at these traits in a negative way if you choose. It does make life a bit harder for their teachers and parents. It might mean they are unable to sit in their chair quietly for hours, it might mean that they will be staring into space when their teacher or parent is trying to get their attention, it might mean that an assignment or chore does not get done when it is supposed to and it might mean that that they are often in trouble for “not thinking”.
I prefer to look at these traits in a more positive light. When they are moving around their brain is firing on all cylinders and they are coming up with new and unique ideas. When they are staring into space it means that they are letting their imaginations go wild, to places where most people never go. Although assignments might be late, if they spark an interest, they can be extraordinary. Their impulsiveness can be seen as being so excited about something that they just can’t contain themselves.
There is nothing wrong with hearing a different drummer. Life does not and should not be all about conforming to the “norm”. We would not be where we are today without those people who heard different drummers and followed their own path. Steve Jobs, Jaime Oliver, Will Smith, Howie Mandel, Terry Bradshaw and many, many other famous athletes, entertainers, inventors, people who are extremely successful in the business world, artists, musicians and the list goes on, have ADHD and their ADHD has helped them to enrich our lives in numerous ways.
So…if you have been told that your child has ADHD don’t despair. Instead, celebrate that you have a child who hears a different drummer. It might not be an easy road ahead but it will never be boring.
Have some fun today!
peggy
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