Children may experience all sorts of emotions living with a sibling with ADHD. They may feel exasperated, frustrated, and baffled by their sibling’s behaviors. Days at home may seem exhausting and unpredictable. There may be jealousy about all the attention their sibling receives. The ADHD behaviors can be provoking and aggravating. Some siblings may even take on too much responsibility, such as doing extra things for their sibling in attempts to help and avoid conflicts and then feeling angry and hurt when their sibling does not reciprocate or express appreciation. They may also try to take on the “good child” role, attempting to be perfect at everything—an exhausting and unrealistic role to take on! In some families these siblings may end up feeling invisible and unimportant, withdrawing from others and unable to ask for help. Below are several tips for helping your non-ADHD child cope with his or her sibling with ADHD.
