A Children’s Book Born From Love and Lived Experience: “I’m Trying My Best!”
When my son turned five, I found myself navigating a world I never expected. Like many parents, I assumed childhood milestones would unfold predictably—first steps, first words, and eventually, the quiet pride of watching him sit still in a classroom. But life had other plans. My child, bursting with creativity and curiosity, also happened to have ADHD. The challenges were real: meltdowns over small transitions, restless energy that defied naptime routines, and a constant battle to focus on tasks that seemed simple to others.
One afternoon, after a particularly tough day, he looked up at me with tears in his eyes and said, “Mommy, why is everything so hard for me?” In that moment, I realized something crucial: he didn’t need fixing. He needed understanding. That’s when the idea for “I’m Trying My Best!” was born—a story not just about kids with ADHD, but for them, written through the lens of unconditional love.
Why Stories Matter for Neurodivergent Kids
Children with ADHD often feel like square pegs in round holes. Traditional children’s books, while wonderful, rarely reflect their lived experiences. Characters who fidget during storytime or forget instructions aren’t portrayed as heroes; they’re often sidelined as “the distracted one” or the class clown. But what if we flipped that narrative?
Research shows that representation in media boosts self-esteem and reduces feelings of isolation in neurodivergent children. When kids see themselves in stories, they internalize a powerful message: You’re not alone, and your brain is beautiful just the way it is. This was my guiding principle while writing “I’m Trying My Best!”—to create a character who celebrates differences while normalizing the daily triumphs and struggles of ADHD.
Meet Jamie: The Heart of the Story
The book follows Jamie, a spirited 5-year-old whose imagination runs faster than their feet. Sound familiar? Jamie’s adventures mirror real-life scenarios many families face:
– Sensory overload at a bustling birthday party (balloons are loud, okay?)
– Hyperfocus on building the “world’s tallest block tower” instead of eating dinner
– Emotional dysregulation when a change in plans feels world-shattering
But here’s the twist: Jamie isn’t scolded for these behaviors. Instead, the story focuses on compassionate adults who say, “Let’s figure this out together.” When Jamie forgets to raise their hand in class, the teacher gently reminds them with a secret hand signal they practiced earlier. When shoes feel “too scratchy,” Grandma suggests fun socks with dinosaurs. These small but meaningful accommodations model how to support—not suppress—neurodivergent kids.
Interactive Elements That Spark Connection
Beyond the narrative, “I’m Trying My Best!” includes interactive features designed to engage young readers:
1. “Pause and Breathe” Pages: Illustrated guides to simple mindfulness exercises, like tracing shapes with their fingers or humming a favorite song.
2. Emotion Charades: Prompts to act out feelings (e.g., “Show me your ‘frustrated face’!”), helping kids identify and communicate big emotions.
3. Parent-Child Discussion Questions: Open-ended prompts like, “When do you feel most proud of yourself?” to foster deeper conversations.
These elements aren’t just educational—they’re relational. By participating together, families build empathy while normalizing ADHD-related behaviors as part of life’s rich tapestry.
The Ripple Effect: What Readers Are Saying
Since releasing the book, I’ve been humbled by messages from parents, teachers, and therapists. One mother shared how her daughter now says, “I’m like Jamie!” with pride after reading about sensory-friendly solutions. A second-grade teacher uses the story to teach classmates about patience: “If Jamie needs extra time to finish their work, that’s okay. We all try our best in different ways.”
Perhaps most touching was feedback from an adult with ADHD who wrote, “I wish I’d had this book as a child. It would’ve saved me years of believing I was ‘too much.’”
Writing as an Act of Hope
Creating “I’m Trying My Best!” taught me that parenting a neurodivergent child isn’t about chasing “normal.” It’s about leaning into their unique strengths—the infectious laughter, the out-of-the-box thinking, the relentless passion for whatever captures their interest. My son, now seven, still struggles with sitting still. But he’s also the kid who memorizes dinosaur facts like a paleontologist and draws fantastical creatures with backstories worthy of a Pixar film.
This book is my love letter to him and every family walking a similar path. It’s a reminder that “trying your best” looks different for everyone—and that’s not just okay, it’s worth celebrating. To the parents reading this: Your child isn’t broken. They’re extraordinary. And to the Jamies of the world? Keep shining. The world needs your spark.
“I’m Trying My Best!” is available online and in select bookstores. A portion of proceeds supports ADHD advocacy organizations.
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