Send us a voicemail to tell us what you think!
This episode is sponsored by Alto from Ascension.
Alto is Ascension’s monthly printed prayer companion that brings together, daily Mass readings, Morning and Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, reflections, saints, novenas, and more—all in one place. Learn more and subscribe to Alto here: https://ascension-press.linkjolt.io/redirect?tc=WfiAGx9e&aff=yiwH1nGSUbss9NbfLPx5K
Use our code: TWO10for 10% off your first purchase.
Today’s episode:
Does getting your child an ADHD diagnosis help them understand themselves—or does it risk giving them a label they’ll carry for the rest of their life?
After Renzo’s adult ADHD diagnosis and now navigating ADHD diagnoses with two of our children, we’ve wrestled with this question ourselves.
In this episode, we talk about why we chose to pursue an ADHD diagnosis for our kids, the difference between a diagnosis and a label, and why understanding the way a child’s brain works doesn’t have to mean lowering expectations for them.
We also talk about emotional regulation, accommodations, discipline, medication, the spiritual life, and what we hope our kids gain from understanding their ADHD before entering their teenage and adult years.
For us, the goal isn’t to tell our children, “This is who you are.”
It’s to help them understand: “This is something you have. Now let’s learn how to work with it.”
We’re not medical professionals, and this isn’t medical advice. We’re simply sharing our experience as parents and what Renzo has learned from being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult.
Chapters
00:00 Our family's experience with ADHD
01:46 Does a diagnosis become a label?
02:29 Why we pursued diagnoses for our children
03:56 ADHD or just normal childhood behavior?
06:11 Accommodations without lowering expectations
07:42 Helping children overcome their limitations
09:40 A word from our sponsor, Alto
11:00 You have ADHD. You are not ADHD.
12:36 ADHD, emotions, and the spiritual life
15:13 Why a diagnosis can change how you see yourself
17:16 Why everyday habits can be harder with ADHD
18:31 Our experience with ADHD medication
20:12 How medication has affected our family life
22:51 Medication doesn't replace discipline
23:53 Final thoughts
Support the show
BOOKS, WRITING, AND RESOURCES
📕 Order Lovemaking: How to Talk about Sex with Your Spouse
https://www.avemariapress.com/products/lovemaking
📕 Pre-Order The Quest For The Male Soul: Discover What Your Life Is For
https://a.co/d/08A9vSRh
Alto from Ascension’s learn more and subscribe to Alto:https://ascension-press.linkjolt.io/redirect?tc=WfiAGx9e&aff=yiwH1nGSUbss9NbfLPx5K
Our Merch
https://www.two-become-family-shop.fourthwall.com
✍️ Read our writing on Catholic marriage, family life, communication, intimacy, parenting, and ordinary holiness: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com
🎤 Book Renzo and Monica to speak for your parish, diocese, marriage retreat, conference, or Catholic event: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/p/book-renzo-and-monica-to-speak-for
🏠 Learn more about Two Become Family: ...
