Sibling support and family resources
How to support kids when a brother or sister has complex care needs
Changing family dynamics
When a brother or sister is diagnosed with a serious medical condition, 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 help young brothers and sisters feel safe, included, and understood.
Entertaining siblings at doctor’s 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.”
Parents share their stories
Parent Story
Learning to Listen to Both My Kids
Parent Story
Teaching My Kids They Are Enough
Parent Story
Wonder and Loss as a Mom of Two