Handling Perfectionism in ADHD Kids

Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe.

Some ADHD kids swing between “I don’t care” and “It has to be perfect.” Perfectionism is often driven by fear of failure or not being “good enough.”

Here’s how to dial it down:

1. Emphasize progress — “You’re improving, and that’s what counts.”
2. Share your own mistakes — Normalize imperfection as part of life.
3. Reframe errors as data — “Now you know what doesn’t work—let’s adjust.”

You’re teaching them it’s safe to be human.

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.