I have a 7 year old son with adhd and a splash of aspergers. I spend so much of my time setting him up for success that I fear that my 6 year old "typical" daughter gets shafted. I need so much patience for my son and often expect her to be perfect. I feel really sad about this and I think that she feels it too. She has been acting up lately because of it. Anyone feel the same? Last school year she had half day kindergarten so i was able to spend one on one time with her. Now they will be on the schedule and I need to find a way to show her how important she is to me.
Tara
I think we all feel this way. Unfortunately our kids do need more attention and effort than "typical kids", but we really need to be sure our other children dont feel left out. It is very difficult to juggle. Just the fact that you are aware of it is great. Just keep doing what you're doing by being sure she gets her special time. All the things you do to set your son up for success will help her to succeed too.One possible suggestion. Spend some "Special Time" as above with your daughter-time just for her. You work out a list of places to go then let her pick. Make sure you get something to eat and let her pick withing the guidelines you give her. Let her lead for the outing. Don't try to be a "parent" in that you have to be correcting her. Just enjoy. When you return you can say "House rules apply now". If you cannot go anywhere set aside some time just for her and you with the same deal...let her choose what you do. If it is a game, let her set the rules. In other words give her a feeling of control. It is not an answer as such but special time can help a lot. Might be worth a try. I found it to be very rewarding to the parent as well as the kid.
Good luck. i had a similar dilemma and found the special time to be very useful.
Diz