The Friction Of Growing Up – Inside A Child’s World

As the school year begins this week for some and is just around the corner for others, let’s take a moment to reflect on the life of a child/adolescent.

From the outside, their lives can look simple: school, play/sports, friends, repeat.

But any child/adolescent will tell you — their world is full of friction too. Especially for those students managing ADHD and/or post-concussion symptoms.

These points of resistance may not involve paying bills or managing a household like those of an adult, but they can be just as emotionally draining.

Where Does Friction Come From for Our Kids?

1️⃣ Friendships: Figuring out who to trust, how to fit in, and what to do when friendships shift.

2️⃣ Self-Discovery: Finding out who they are and where they belong.

3️⃣ Academics: Managing homework, projects, tests, and the pressure to do well.

4️⃣ Expectations: Balancing their own goals with the expectations of parents, teachers, coaches, and peers.

For a child/adolescent, these demands can accumulate quickly — especially when they don’t yet possess the same coping skills that adults develop over time.

Recognizing and Addressing Friction Is a Must This Academic Year

☑️ Identify the source. Is it a struggle to keep up in school? A falling-out with a friend? Too many after-school commitments?

☑️ Talk it through. Children often need a safe space to share what’s weighing on them without fear of judgment.

☑️ Make changes where possible. This could mean reducing extracurricular overload, learning conflict resolution skills, or adjusting academic goals to be realistic and healthy.

Reducing Friction Matters for Kids

✔️ When children live in a constant state of friction, the effects can be significant:

✔️ Heightened stress and anxiety

✔️ Increased irritability and emotional outbursts

✔️ Academic disengagement

✔️ Physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue

✔️ Early burnout that impacts motivation and self-esteem

Helping children/adolescents reduce friction doesn’t mean removing all challenges; it means teaching them how to manage them, navigate change, and protect their well-being. It’s a skill set that will carry them into adulthood with more resilience and confidence.

Let’s discuss a plan to support your child’s academic success. Contact me at doreen@thecognitivecoach.net

#adhd #concussion #studentsuccess #removeobstacles #academicsuccess #healthykids