Acknowledging changing family dynamics
When a brother or sister is diagnosed with something new, the family dynamic can shift. Siblings may feel scared or uncertain, and it can sometimes be hard for parents to give them the attention and reassurance they need.
Our Family Connection Planner can help you take small but meaningful steps to make sure siblings feel safe, included, and understood.
Featuring suggestions for:
Including siblings at appointments
Planning special time with siblings
Providing a safe space to talk about emotions
Validating brother or sister’s feelings
Planning simple answers for tough questions
Including siblings at care team visits
Doctor’s appointments and hospital visits can feel long and sometimes scary. Our Waiting Room Explorer activity sheet can help your children pass the time together while waiting.
It’s also a great way to help young brothers and sisters feel included!
100 ways to help brothers and sisters feel special
The Sibling Support Project asked adult brothers and sisters of people with special health care needs: “When you were younger, what did your parents, family members, and service providers do to make you feel special and let you know they cared?”
Connecting with other kids who “get it”
For years, the Sibling Support Project has helped local communities start Sibshops — lively peer support groups for school-age brothers and sisters of kids with disabilities and health concerns.
Sibshops are opportunities for brothers and sisters to play games; talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sibling with special health care needs; and interact with others who “get it.”
Seeking school support
When a brother or sister is diagnosed with something new, a child may feel more tired, distracted, or emotional than usual. It’s not uncommon for these feelings to accompany kids to school.
Our Email Template for Teachers and School Counselors can help you inform your child’s school about the situation at home. That way, teachers and counselors can look for any changes in behavior and provide the support your child may need at school.
Talking points for moms and dads
The Courageous Parents Network understands that siblings of children diagnosed with a serious medical condition may need extra support.
Here are 7 commonly expressed worries, concerns, and feelings from siblings of all ages — and suggestions for how you might respond. Every diagnosis and every child is different, so feel free to tailor these ideas to meet your family’s specific situation.
