“Hurry Up!” When children experience time differently.

This Aandi Insight has been developed from the published work of Dr Russell Barkley. It reflects one idea that has influenced our thinking for Coach Aandi. We encourage you to explore Dr Barkley’s work using the resources below.

One idea worth thinking about

Imagine a typical school morning.

“Come on, you’ll be late.”

“Hurry up.”

“Why are you so slow?”

For many families, this conversation is all too familiar. To the adults, the child appears to be ignoring the clock but to the child, something quite different may be happening.

Dr Russell Barkley’s work on ADHD has helped many families understand a concept often called time blindness. Children with ADHD don’t necessarily experience time in the same way as others. They may find it difficult to judge how long something will take, notice the passage of time or appreciate how close a deadline really is.

It’s not that they don’t care. It’s that ‘later’ can still feel like ‘not yet.’ Until the moment becomes urgent, the brain may not experience the same sense of time that others do.

Have you ever watched a child happily playing, convinced they have plenty of time, only to be genuinely shocked when it is suddenly time to leave? They are often not pretending, their experience of time may simply be different.

Why it matters

Understanding time blindness doesn’t mean lowering expectations or abandoning routines. It helps us choose strategies that work with the way a child’s brain processes time rather than against it.

Visual timers, countdowns, predictable routines, calendars and gentle reminders can often be far more effective than repeatedly saying, ‘Hurry up.’ When we understand that a child may be struggling to feel time rather than simply manage time, our response becomes more supportive and far less frustrating for everyone.

Learn more

Website

https://www.russellbarkley.org

Books

• Taking Charge of ADHD
• 12 Principles for Raising a Child with ADHD

Further reading

CHADD – https://chadd.org

ADDitude Magazine – https://www.additudemag.com

Join our Movement

The Aandi Circle – https://www.facebook.com/groups/649704581292540

About The Aandi Insights

The Aandi Insights celebrate the work of researchers, educators, clinicians and people with lived experience whose ideas continue to shape better learning for children. Each Insight explores one idea that has influenced our thinking at Coach Aandi and encourages readers to explore the original work through the references provided. Every perspective adds to our understanding, because when understanding grows, children thrive.