Support for siblings of the ill child

 

Siblings are often forgotten during the support process and if the needs are not adequately managed it can produce a range of issues such as ;

•  Behavioural problems (tantrums, bullying, hostility)

• Withdrawal from friends and families

• Display of physical symptoms similar to the ill child i.e nausea and vomiting

• Regression i.e child like behaviour, thumb sucking and bed wetting

 

Various research has found siblings may suffer from anxiety due to the

fear of losing their sibling as well as possibly the loss of the parent’s attention because it is shifted to the ill child i.e.

spending more time with them. 

 This can result in the healthy sibling wishing for the death of the ill sibling which

causes profound guilt. A range of support can be provided to the healthy siblings:

• Encourage siblings to visit the hospital when the parents are present so siblings remain in contact with the ill child,

• Counselled by the doctor responsible for the care of the child so siblings are informed

• Daily routine should be preserved as much as possible i.e continue attendance of school and social contact with peers.

• Engage siblings in the care of the ill child by reading stories or playing with the ill child

• School which the healthy siblings attend should be informed (with the parent's consent) so arrangements are made i.e. allocation of a key worker whom the child may seek help from.