Experts emphasize the importance of understanding and empathizing with the emotional challenges faced by children and adolescents with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) rather than solely focusing on observable behaviors.
The Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education (Superintendent Kim Dae-jung) announced that it held an 'Emotional Growth Talk Concert for ADHD Children and Adolescents' on November 6 at the Jeonnam Women and Family Foundation, attended by over 200 parents and education officials.
The event aimed to enhance understanding of ADHD children and adolescents and explore parenting strategies to support emotional regulation and healthy development.
Particularly, the concert focused on sharing parents' concerns during the parenting process with experts and examining emotional support methods that can be practiced at home.
During the event, Professor Kim Hyun-soo, a psychiatrist and principal of the Growth School, engaged with parents on the topic 'Supporting Shaky Kids with Engaged Parents.'
Professor Kim explained the emotional characteristics and psychological difficulties that parents need to understand when raising children with ADHD, emphasizing the importance of parents' perceptions and attitudes toward their children's behaviors.
He noted that it is crucial to understand the emotions and situations behind a child's difficulties rather than merely viewing them as misbehavior or disciplinary issues.
Additionally, he highlighted that considering a child's perspective and empathizing with their feelings play a vital role in supporting emotional stability and healthy growth.
The talk also addressed practical emotional care and parenting strategies that can be implemented at home.
The aim was to underscore the importance of parents understanding their children's challenges and discovering their strengths and potential, sharing methods for communication and the need for emotional support in daily life.
This talk concert was significant as it moved away from a one-sided lecture format, focusing instead on the real concerns of parents.
Through pre-submitted questions and on-site Q&A, parents shared their difficulties in emotional regulation and parenting, taking time to discuss solutions with experts.
The education office explained that this event served as an opportunity to broaden understanding of ADHD children and adolescents and to support parents in paying closer attention to their children's behaviors and emotions.
Furthermore, it plans to foster an environment where the school and educational community collectively engage in supporting students' mental health, rather than limiting it to family issues.
Kim Kwang-sik, director of the Democratic Life Education Division at the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, stated, "Understanding the challenges faced by ADHD children and adolescents and discovering their strengths and potential is the starting point for healthy growth."
He added, "We will continue to expand mental health education that connects families and schools so that parents and educators can understand and support students' emotional needs."
Meanwhile, the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education plans to use this talk concert as a stepping stone to enhance understanding of ADHD children and adolescents among parents and educators and to expand home-school collaborative mental health education that supports students' emotional stability and healthy growth.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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