Sibling support for children with cancer is a critical
aspect of the treatment process. Siblings young in
age will have difficulty understanding why Mommy and
Daddy have to spend so much time away from them taking
care of their sick brother or sister. They tend to
feel neglected and even resentful. Or they cling
to one parent or another. All of these emotions
are normal for the siblings.
- Take time to spend quality time with just your
healthy child or children. Leave one parent at
home with the patient and do something fun with the
other children to let them know they are still
important.
- Don't shield your healthy children from your
sick child. Take precautions regarding germ
spreading, but healthy siblings need to be with
their sick sibling.
- Try to keep life as normal as possible.
Keep normal routines, especially regarding school
and extra curricular activities.
- Involve the siblings with their brother's or
sister's care. It will help them feel
important and that they are making a difference in
their sibling's life.
- Try being honest with your children about the
precarious nature of their sibling's health.
Let them ask questions and try to answer them in a
way they can relate and understand.
- Talk to your social worker to see if the
treatment facility offers any support groups or
activities for siblings.
There are also organizations that cater to the
emotional needs of the healthy children, such as
SuperSibs. SuperSibs is a non-profit
organization which ensures that brothers and sisters of
children with cancer are supported, honored and
recognized.
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