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Attention Deficit Disorder
How It Affects the Family By Gwen Morrison
"In a family of nine, with three boys who have ADD, it can be quite disruptive at best," says Julie Ford of Fallston, Md. "When the ADD kids get away with not finishing a chore, the other children regularly become resentful not of us, but of their sibling."
When dealing with family issues, it is hard for a younger sibling to comprehend the needs of their ADD brother or sister. They see things from the perspective of a child, not an adult who has read all the literature on ADD. Don't assume that your child understands; keep an open mind when it comes to their needs.
Children with ADD have so many great qualities and strengths that can be enhanced by sibling involvement. If your child is an artist, encourage their sibling to sit and draw with them. Every time you encourage positive interaction between siblings, whether they have a disorder or not, everyone wins. ADD children really want to feel accepted.
"My 'GFG' (Gift from God, ADD son) is 7 years old," says Suzanne Guidry of Louisiana. "He is a funny, happy and loving boy who is a joy to be around. But when he gets mad, he is very difficult to handle. He throws things, yells, spits, hits, kicks and locks us out of his room. His brother is his best friend. He follows him everywhere he goes. He is only 4, and sometimes that can be bad. If my older son is in a meltdown, his brother is the first one he tries to hurt."
It is very hard to explain to a younger child that their brother or sister really does love them, even though they can be hurtful toward them.
An important thing to remember in families where there is high levels of stress at times, is that love does conquer all. There will be as many good times as bad times. Focus as much attention on the good times, and stay available for all the members of the family. Family is togetherness, and in families where a child has ADD, this is key to survival.
