How to Help Your Non-ADHD Child

adhd coachingThe non-ADHD sibling (NAS) often feels as though the ADHD sibling gets more attention, even though some of it may be negative. As a result, other children in your family may feel resentment toward the ADHD sibling, or feel they need to act out or mimic the sibling’s behavior in order to get your attention. Therefore, I suggest that you spend as much quality time with your non-ADHD child as possible, and provide them with ample positive reinforcement and attention when possible. Here are some ways you can make your time with your non-ADHD child special to promote bonding and connection:

  • Take him or her out for a special play date every week. If you can, make sure it is the same day and time week after week.
  • Don’t punish your non-ADHD child if his or her ADHD sibling is misbehaving. For example, don’t turn the movie off completely if your ADHD child is acting up. Find a consequence for your ADHD child that doesn’t affect your non-ADHD child.
  • Be sure to ask your non-ADHD child about his or her day. You can ask things like what did s/he do at school, what did s/he learned, or what was his or her favorite part of the day.
  • Be sure to acknowledge positive behaviors that your non-ADHD child does so s/he knows that you see him/her.

All of these suggestions can go the other way, as well – for example, don’t turn the movie off completely if your non-ADHD child is acting up and your ADHD child is behaving well. The more you know about ADHD, identify how it affects everyone in the family and address those issues, the less conflict there will be.

Image courtesy of Ambro at www.freedigitalimages.net.

About the Author

Roya Kravetz is a Professional Credentialed Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF), a Board-Certified Coach (BCC) with the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE), a Certified Mentor Coach (CMC) with Mentor Coach LLC, and Certified Parent Educator (CPE) with the International Network for Children and Families (INCAF). While there are many life coaches out there, very few are accredited and board certified through the ICF and CCE. Roya specializes in educating and coaching individuals and families with ADHD and Executive Function challenges. She also has experience working with adoptive families who have children with ADHD. Roya has combined her professional skills with her broad cultural background to build a highly specialized national and international coaching practice based in Carmel Valley (San Diego), California. She is multi-lingual and coaches in English and Spanish.

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