My wife thinks our 6yo has ADHD. I keep going back and forth — isn't this just what boys are like? He's energetic, impulsive, can't sit still. But so was I at his age. When did you know it was more than just 'being a kid'?
3 replies
Sarah M
2 March 2026
The difference between 'active kid' and ADHD is the level of impairment. Can he function at school? Can he maintain friendships? Can he follow a two-step instruction? If the answer is consistently no, and it's affecting his life — that's not just 'being a boy.' Also — you might want to look into whether YOU have undiagnosed ADHD too. 'I was like that' is often a clue.
Michelle K
2 March 2026
The 'boys will be boys' narrative delays SO many diagnoses. ADHD isn't about energy level — it's about executive function. Can he plan, sequence, regulate emotions, switch between tasks, wait his turn? If those things are significantly harder for him than his peers, it's worth investigating.
Dave T
2 March 2026
Mate, I said the exact same thing about my boys. 'They're just boys!' Turns out I've had ADHD my whole life and just thought everyone's brain was like mine. Getting assessed alongside your kid might be the best thing you ever do.
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