What happens when a child with learning and thinking differences gets labeled as the “bad kid”? In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Aleesha, a parent of five children, four of whom have an ADHD diagnosis. Aleesha has seen the effects of a child being perceived — and named — as the “bad kid.”

She shares what it’s been like to navigate school systems and the painful experience of seeing her child misunderstood.

We talk about why kids with ADHD and other learning differences are often mischaracterized. And Aleesha shares tips about what parents can do to support their children—and themselves—through it all.

Related resources

• What should I do when my child says “I’m bad”?
• 7 tips for improving your relationship with your child’s teacher
• Feeling socially isolated as a parent? You’re not alone
• 8 things I wish people knew about parenting a child with ADHD
• What to do when your child is the bully

Timestamps 

(2:19) First sign of a “bad kid” perception

(4:17) First parent-teacher conference

(4:48) End-of-year experience

(7:04) Important sign of a challenge with the teacher

(11:27) Talking with your child who feels like the teacher doesn’t like them

(12:39) Another perspective

(15:25) Talking to teachers about the impacts of their words and actions

(19:02) Advice for parents in a similar situation

(21:50) Focusing on the positive

For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.

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Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.

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