Even though people have good intentions when they say things like, "everyone goes through that" it can be one of the worst things to hear when you are struggling. Instead of encouragement, it comes across as yeah everyone goes through that and handles it so you should too. With ADHD most of the symptoms are things that people experience at some point or another but *everyone* doesn't experience them as frequently or intensely.

Try harder is probably one of the most frustrating things you could tell someone with ADHD. A close second is "if you really cared you would do it" One way of explaining ADHD is that it's a deficiency of being able to do what you intend. So doubting intentions or effort is very counterproductive. Instead of trying harder, the solution is to try differently.

This video brought a big smile to my face. Ernie is kind, imaginative, and a little bit frustrating for the Bert's of the world. I loved Sesame Street as a kid and I was compared to Ernie. I love his brilliant plan for remembering where he put his rubber ducky! I recently saw a video describing Ernie as the worst roommate with examples of all the times he's inconvenienced Burt with the conclusion that he is inconsiderate and doesn't care about Bert. I felt personally attacked!! This too points to ADHD and how it is misunderstood. People often mistake a lack of focus as a lack of effort. In any case, they were created to teach kids how very different people can still get along. So go give a hug to that serious Bert in your life! What do you think? How did you see Bert and Ernie growing up?