How does hyperactivity in ADHD affect sibling relationships?

PostedAugust 25, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 5, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

When a child has ADHD, their siblings often feel the impact of hyperactivity on their daily life. The constant energy, impulsive behaviour, and emotional outbursts can create family tension, making it harder for brothers and sisters to get along.

Hyperactivity can cause conflicts, feelings of unfairness, and even jealousy, as siblings may feel overlooked when so much attention is given to managing the child with ADHD. Understanding how household dynamics are affected helps parents support all their children and foster stronger bonds.

How ADHD Influences Sibling Relationships

Here are some ways hyperactivity in ADHD can affect siblings, and steps families can take to ease challenges:

Increased Conflicts

Impulsive behaviour can lead to fights, teasing, or hurt feelings. Teaching children conflict-resolution skills and allowing time to calm down can help reduce arguments.

Feelings of Jealousy or Neglect

Siblings may feel upset or frustrated by the extra attention or accommodation their brother or sister receives. Spending one-on-one time with each child helps reassure them that they are equally valued.

Disrupted Household Dynamics

Hyperactivity can dominate family routines, leaving less space for others. Involving siblings in creating family rules and routines fosters cooperation.

Opportunities for Empathy and Growth

With guidance, siblings can learn patience, understanding, and resilience from growing up with a hyperactive sibling.

Supporting siblings as well as the child with ADHD helps create a calmer, more connected household. Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and tailored advice.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Hyperactivity.

Victoria Rowe, MSc

Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.