Balancing the Needs of the Family When One Member Has ADHD
When a member of your family, especially a child, is diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), it is difficult at best to cope and find strategies to address the issue.
Moreover, when there are other children and family members that need attending to, it is important to remember them in the equation.
The first and most important thing to remember is to tend to the family member that has ADHD and make sure that his or her needs are well met. Be sure to speak to the doctor, any counselor, and school personnel to ensure that the best environment for your child is put into place.
Once you have discovered the diagnosis of ADHD, it is a good idea to have a family meeting. Explain the diagnosis to your other children, dispelling any myths that may exist. Have an open forum and let the others ask questions. Give them specific tools and ways to cope with their sibling who has ADHD.
Let your other family members know that with proper medication and counseling, ADHD is something that everyone can live with, especially because you are all a family and a team.
Once the others in the family know all the information and have all their questions answered, and a team of doctors, counselors, and school personnel are put into place, take some time to remember each family member’s needs – including your own.
Let everyone in the family know that they are all equally important. Spend one-on-one time with other members of the family so that they do not feel as though they have been left out.
Be a role model to your children and your spouse by making it clear that you will take time out for yourself periodically and all are welcome to do the same. Yoga, meditation, going to the gym or going for long walks will benefit you and show your children and your spouse that you are important as well. Taking care of yourself allows you to take care of the others.
If there is a family outing, take a little extra time to prepare. Make family meetings a regular habit, especially when going on a family vacation. Take all opinions and feelings into consideration and let everyone know that they can come to you at any time to discuss the family dynamics.
In a family where one member has ADHD, a little bit of time, a lot of patience, and some good old-fashioned communication are in order to strike a balance with all family members.
As long as you let your family know that you are a team and that when one wins, you all win, chances are better that you will have a successful family unit regardless of ADHD.