Helping Kids Reframe Negative Self-Talk

Hi, I’m Dr. Kristi Briscoe.
ADHD kids often absorb years of “Why can’t you…?” and turn it inward. “I’m dumb. I’ll never get this.” Left unchecked, that self-talk becomes their identity.

Help them reframe it:

1. Catch the script — “Sounds like you’re being hard on yourself.”
2. Offer a reframe — “You’re still learning. Everyone struggles sometimes.”
3. Model positive self-talk — “This is tricky, but I can handle it.”
   

Words matter. Help them speak to themselves like someone they love.

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.