ADHD in Children and Teens | Calgary Child & Teen Therapy | Creative Sky Psychology
Building self-esteem isn’t about creating a perfect version of your teen — it’s about helping them see that who they are right now is already enough.
Your warmth, presence, and belief in them are the most powerful tools you have. The moments you listen, the times you reassure, and the ways you model self-acceptance all become part of how they learn to value themselves. For many families in Calgary, self-esteem and ADHD often intersect. Children and teens with ADHD may face daily challenges that can impact how they see themselves. But with compassion, understanding, and the right strategies, they can thrive — not despite their differences, but because of the strengths that come with them.
ADHD in Children and Teens
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, attention, and self-regulation. For children and teens, ADHD can bring both strengths—such as creativity, energy, and unique ways of thinking—and challenges like difficulty staying organized, impulsivity, or struggles in school.
For parents, understanding ADHD and learning how to support your child can transform frustration into empowerment. When families work together with patience, structure, and positivity, children with ADHD can discover their potential and build strong, healthy self-esteem.
Understanding ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is typically described through three main areas:
Inattention: Children may seem easily distracted, forgetful, or have trouble completing tasks. They might lose belongings or drift off into daydreams when they’re supposed to focus.
Hyperactivity: Kids may have an endless supply of energy, fidget often, talk a lot, or struggle to sit still. They might seem “always on the go,” even when they’re trying to relax.
Impulsivity: Acting before thinking is common — blurting out answers, interrupting others, or making quick decisions without realizing the impact.
These traits are not about laziness or disobedience — they reflect how the ADHD brain functions. Recognizing this helps parents respond with empathy instead of frustration, paving the way for connection rather than conflict.
When something truly grabs their attention, kids with ADHD can enter a state of hyperfocus—deep concentration that blocks out distractions. Channeling this into passions or projects can help build confidence and skill mastery.
What Causes ADHD?
ADHD is a neurological condition influenced by multiple factors.
Genetics: ADHD often runs in families — it’s common for a parent to recognize similar traits in themselves once their child is diagnosed.
Brain differences: Regions responsible for attention and impulse control may develop or function differently, affecting focus and regulation.
Environmental factors: Early childhood experiences, sleep quality, and prenatal influences can also play a role.
While the causes vary, one thing remains constant: with understanding and the right tools, children and teens with ADHD can thrive. Therapy, school supports, and parent strategies all work together to create an environment where success feels possible — and sustainable.
Strategies to Support Children and Teens with ADHD
Parenting a child or teen with ADHD can feel overwhelming at times. Some days go smoothly, while others may bring frustration or exhaustion. Remember, progress happens gradually — small steps create big change.
Here are ways to support your child with patience and confidence:
Establish Routines: Predictability helps children with ADHD feel grounded. Try using consistent morning and evening routines, visual schedules, or gentle reminders to make transitions easier.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate effort, not just results. Praise small wins like completing homework or remembering to pack their bag. Positive feedback builds motivation and self-worth.
Break Tasks Into Steps: Large projects can feel overwhelming. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts helps your child feel capable and successful.
Encourage Physical Activity: Movement helps the ADHD brain regulate and focus. Walks, sports, or even short movement breaks can help release energy and reduce stress.
Work With Professionals: Therapists, psychologists, and educators can provide personalized strategies for home and school. You don’t have to navigate ADHD alone — support is available and effective.
At Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary, we use strength-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and play-based interventions to help children develop resilience, confidence, and emotional regulation skills.
Building Resilience in Teens with ADHD
Children and teens with ADHD often work twice as hard as their peers to meet expectations — at school, in relationships, and at home. Over time, repeated challenges can affect their self-esteem. But resilience can be nurtured through compassion and strength-based support.
Parents can help by:
Teaching a growth mindset: Remind your teen that mistakes don’t define them — they teach valuable lessons. Celebrate persistence and courage rather than perfection.
Encouraging self-compassion: Help your child understand that ADHD is part of how their brain works, not a reflection of their worth. Encourage them to talk to themselves kindly, especially after tough days.
Celebrating achievements — big and small: Did your teen remember to hand in an assignment? Clean their room? Try something new? Recognize these moments. Success looks different for every child — and for a child with ADHD, progress is worth celebrating loudly.
You can also model resilience yourself. When life feels chaotic, take a breath, name your emotions, and show your child that it’s okay to have imperfect moments.
Parent Programs at Creative Sky Psychology
Parenting a child with ADHD is both rewarding and demanding. You want to support them, but it can sometimes feel like you’re running on empty. That’s why Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary offers a parent support program designed to empower and guide families.
In this program, you’ll learn:
How ADHD affects emotional and executive functioning
How to set realistic expectations and structured routines
Ways to use positive reinforcement effectively
Strategies for managing challenging moments calmly
Most importantly, you’ll learn how to care for yourself. Parenting a neurodiverse child can be exhausting — taking time to rest and reset isn’t selfish; it’s essential. When you refill your own energy, you have more to give your child. “When parents feel supported, children feel it too. Calm creates calm.”
Our parent sessions are practical, compassionate, and full of real-world tools you can start using right away — whether you’re helping with homework, managing transitions, or building emotional regulation together.
Final Thoughts
ADHD brings both challenges and incredible strengths. It can make some days harder, but it can also fill life with creativity, humor, and imagination. With patience, structure, and professional support, children and teens can learn to manage symptoms, strengthen resilience, and thrive at home, school, and beyond.
At Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary, we specialize in helping children and teens with ADHD through personalized, strength-based therapy and parent support. Together, we’ll help your child harness their potential and feel confident in who they are — not despite their differences, but because of them.
📍 Visit us: #5, 2005 37 Street SW, Calgary, AB T3E 3A5
📞 Call: 587-331-4464 ext. 1
✉️ Email: info@creativeskypsychology.com
🌐 Book online today to help your child thrive. 👋 Meet our team
Looking for therapy for older teens, post-secondary students, or adults? Visit our sister clinic, NU Psychology in Calgary, where mental health support is available at every stage of life.
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If your child consistently struggles with focus, impulsivity, or hyperactivity across settings (home, school, social life), an assessment by a Calgary child psychologist can help provide clarity.
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Yes. Therapy can improve self-regulation, build problem-solving skills, and help children develop strategies for focus and organization. Parents also gain tools to better support their child.
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Collaborating with teachers is key. Classroom accommodations—like movement breaks, visual schedules, and clear instructions—can help children succeed. A Calgary psychologist can work with schools to recommend strategies
