Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) comes in many shapes and sizes, and is a challenge in any family. In a step or blended family is can actually be harder to deal with, as typically there is an unaffected parent, as well as one or more unaffected new siblings. While dealing with ADHD is the same no matter which type of family you are in, there are a few things to remember when dealing with ADHD in a blended family or step family.
Knowledge
Knowledge is power. Be sure that everyone in the family is informed and understands (with the exception of very young children) that the individual has ADHD. Try to explain it in ways they can understand, or purchase books about the disorder. Helping the entire family unit to understand the situation can truly help all those involved.
Patience
Learning to have patience with the child who has ADHD is a huge step in the process of helping the child. Children who have been diagnosed with ADHD typically feel different enough, or have enough problems trying to cope with why they do the things they do, patience is truly important. Teach those that don’t understand it as well, that sometimes by taking a five minute breather and getting out of the situation, can help all those that are involved.
Structure
This is another valuable tool of sorts to help the entire blended or step family cope. Structure is good for any child, but an ADHD child will often crave or need it to even succeed in life. Having the entire family on as much of a schedule as you can, and providing the same rules and structure for each day can be a lifesaver for all.
Do you have a member of your blended family that has been diagnosed with ADHD?
Nicole Humphrey writes on a variety of different topics here at families.com. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.