How ADD Affects Families

Typically, there is a lot of blame and frustrationthe parents' marital relationship as well, as parents
associated with Attention Deficit Disorder. Dependingblame each other for being overly lenient or harsh in
on how long the problem has gone before beingtheir rearing habits. This can lead to many arguments
diagnosed, there may be serious mental and emotionaland disagreements that prove to be difficult on
scars as family members and the child dealt withspouses.
issues associated with ADD. This disorder is not onlyAn often forgotten casualty of Attention Deficit
difficult for parents, but also the child with ADD andDisorder is the siblings of a child with ADD. Often not
other siblings in the family.apparent, siblings in this situation often experience
The obvious victim of ADD is the child it affects. Beingsimilar frustration and anxiety as the parents and child
accustomed to negativity, these children usually sufferwith ADD. Jealously sometimes plays a factor in their
from very low self-esteem. Although they want tofeelings as their sibling requires so much more
behave well, they have impulsive actions that typicallyattention, even if it is negative in nature. Also, these
result in constant punishment. Parents and teachers ofchildren often get the brunt of their sibling's impulsive
an ADD child often are not aware or do not acceptactions, including aggressive behavior typical of ADD.
that the child suffers from a disorder and they are notThese children may also find themselves being
always acting on a conscience level. The child, aftercategorized in school and other social environments
being reprimanded and not being able to control theirbecause of their sibling's behavior, which can also have
actions, is left feeling as though they will never bea negative connotation.
adequate or meet everyone else's expectations.In addition to immediate family, grandparents, aunts,
The parents of an ADD child suffer from incredibleuncles, and cousins may also be affected when a child
frustration and doubt of their parenting skills. Oftenhas ADD. Depending on the closeness of the family,
ridiculed by teachers, family members, and otherbehavior outbursts and discipline issues may be a
acquaintances, they are often viewed as being thefactor dealt with on various levels. In extreme cases,
cause of their child's behavior, as though lack ofADD may actually cause some familial relationships to
discipline is the root cause of their child's actions.be severed.
Attention Deficit Disorder sometimes places a strain on