Why Praise Alone Doesn’t Work for ADHD Kids

By Dr. Kristi Briscoe, Pediatrician with Expertise in ADHD

Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe.

You might be praising your child often—saying things like “Good job!” or “You’re so smart!”—but it doesn’t seem to stick. That’s because vague praise often bounces right off ADHD brains. They need feedback that’s specific, effort-based, and connected to what they did, not just who they are.

Try this instead:

Focus on effort
Say, “You really stuck with that even when it got frustrating.” Effort-focused praise builds persistence.

Be specific
“I saw how you took a deep breath before starting your math—nice job calming your body first.”

Encourage reflection
Ask, “What helped you finish that?” This helps your child connect success to their own actions.

Encouragement helps ADHD kids build confidence from the inside out. It teaches them: I can do
hard things.
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This article is for educational purposes only and does not diagnose or treat any condition. Please seek help from a qualified mental health professional if you or a loved one is struggling.