Parenting the Child Whose Sibling Has ADHD

Young siblings can have a difficult time getting along, however when one of the siblings has ADHD can be impossible. The reason being children with ADHD can sometimes get more attention from their parents which can cause resentments. As a parent their are certain coping strategies you can when you have children with and without ADHD.

Spend One-on-One Time-Schedule one on one time with your child without ADHD and do something that they enjoy doing. A child without ADHD may receive less attention than their brother/sister with the disorder. This can bring on resentment and cause the other child without ADHD to misbehavior to get attention. Spending this one on one time can prevent the feeling that any one sibling is getting more special treatment.

Be FairWhen it comes to the rules of the house enforce them equally with all your children. Similarly you shouldn’t be hard on your children who doesn’t have ADHD, nor should you be too lenient with the one that does.

Don’t Hide Your Child’s ADHD– Help your child with ADHD brothers/sisters understand, learn, get comfortable, and adjust to having a sibling with it. The best way to do this is to keep all lines of communication open if they have a question or concern.