An elementary school incident has sparked parental discussions and professional speculations concerning the handling of impulsivity in kids, especially those with ADHD.
VioletChestnut3064 shared the incident in an ADHD Parents Support Group: her 8-year-old daughter was punished by having recess time canceled for the rest of the school year after she pushed another child off a playground structure. The child fell, suffering a concussion and multiple arm fractures from his wrist to collarbone.
VioletChestnut3064 felt this punishment was too light, stating, “I’m shocked by what I think is a light punishment.” The girl, according to her mother, claimed it was an accident, while video footage from the playground and eyewitness accounts suggested otherwise. Friends of the girl said the push was done intentionally because she did not like the song the other child was singing.
Says VioletChestnut3064,
“My daughter says she was just trying to go down the slide. She keeps telling the same story at home, at school, in therapy, and even in front of a police officer.”
Even though she had shown the video, the daughter said, “See? I was trying to go down the slide,” though that video showed her pushing the other girl down the slide before herself.
The parents believe the school’s act of punishment has no redemptive qualities. Losing recess, in their opinion, does not teach a child about the gravity of what happened.
This post sparked extensive discussion across the group platform. Many parents shared their stories and also offered advice on issues of ADHD, impulsivity, and discipline.
Angie Cavanaugh stated that sometimes the kids refer to it as an “accident,” but it is probably just an impulse that they never meant to hurt anybody.
Marie Williams added that age matters: Developmentally, kids with ADHD may not be able to grasp actions and consequences in the same manner as their peers.
Nikita Eva Cristine said that kids usually start really understanding empathy around age 7. She wrote,
“Does she really get how bad the other kid’s injuries are? Kids push when they’re mad and need help handling feelings. Empathy comes a bit later.”
The parents noted other aspects of neurodiversity: For kids with ADHD or another sort of autism, the impact of their actions may be hard to see, owing to a focus on their own state of being.
TeSs WiLe said calling an eight-year-old dangerous is somewhat unfair.
“This was a one-time thing, not her normal behavior or a personality disorder. She’s eight and has ADHD. Impulsivity and overstimulation explain this way better than calling her a monster. Kids can’t always understand adult-level cause and effect.”
Belinda Gustin for sure agreed. They think this is more of an isolated incident and that guidance and support would be more effective than extreme measures of punishment.
Justin Harn and Amy Jacob suggested therapeutic intervention, behavior support, or even ADHD medication to help curb impulsivity.
Some parents raised issues about legal consequences. Alexandro Puello contested whether there were any pressing charges from the side of the injured child. In contrast, Kayla Melancon Wymore suggested presenting the legal issue at a police station to emphasize the consequences for the child.
Lisa Kinsey emphasized playground safety, as she stated:
“Why is the slide so high, and why is the ground so hard that a kid can break their arm? Mulch and safety rails are a must.”
Other parents shared stories of gentle guidance that helped them distinguish between intent and outcome. Many said the kids with ADHD tend to act on impulse and don’t even consciously remember having done the deed after some time.
Despite the serious nature of the injuries, many parents and experts agreed that more critical processes than strict punishment entail empathy, guidance, and understanding of the developmental level of the child. One parent summed it all up:
“Kids can learn accountability without being labeled as broken.” You may also be interested in: Marisa Colzie Left Her Championship Role at UBC to Be with Her Husband James Colzie III on the East Coast
