A relative said it's just bad parenting

What to do right now

The comment landed like a blade because it hit the part of you that already wonders if they are right. They are not right. But explaining ADHD to someone who does not believe in it is rarely productive in the heat of the moment. You do not owe them an education tonight. Protect your child. Limit the exposure. Process the hurt separately.

What your brain just did

Your body

The comment cut deep because it hit the self-doubt you already carry. The external criticism confirmed the internal critic you have been fighting.

Your brain

ADHD rejection sensitivity means the relative's words activated threat circuits, not just disagreement. The pain is neurological, not just emotional. You are not being thin-skinned. You are experiencing RSD in a context that matters deeply.

What this did

You do not owe them a defence of ADHD tonight. Protect your child from their ignorance. Process the hurt with someone who understands. You are not a bad parent. They are an uninformed relative.