Helping Siblings in a Family with ADHD
Siblings fight – we wish it didn’t happen, but sometimes there’s nothing we can do. Or is there?
This week, Guest Expert Roya Kravetz shares some of the best ways to help kids get along, especially siblings in a family with ADHD.
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Guidelines for Sibling Harmony
Get to the Root
Sometimes, a fight is just a fight. But more often than not, there’s a deeper issue at play. For example, a squabble over a stuffed animal may actually be a competition for attention. Kravetz says finding the core issues is key to solving disputes and preventing future ones. “We have to define it to be able to deal with it. We have to get to the root of the problem.”
Understanding
According to Kravetz, there can be a lot of misunderstandings in a family with ADHD. Sometimes, kids don’t really have a concept of their complex sibling's challenges. “Understanding is the key, because until we understand, there’s nothing we can do.” Powerful things can happen when siblings understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
Equal Attention
In an ADHD family, or any family for that matter, it can be hard for parents to split their time evenly. Complex kids often need more attention, but that doesn’t mean their siblings are fine on their own. Kravetz says that families will benefit when parents try to use “positive reinforcement for ALL of the kids, not only the ADHD child.”
Awareness
When it comes to sibling rivalry, it’s up to the parents to know what’s going on. That way they can be ready. “Awareness is the most important thing. Once the parents are aware of the frustration and what’s going on… they can go to the other sibling’s room and give her a hug.” Sometimes that’s all it takes.
Listen to this interview for answers to the following questions:
- What is the impact of ADHD on family dynamics?
- How important it is to educate both the child and the parents about ADHD?
- What about the sibling’s role?
- How do variables, such as one or more member of the family having ADHD, affect the family dynamic?
- How do ADHD coaches help to modify the family dynamic?
Tune in for more tips and tricks on how to help siblings in an ADHD family.
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