Helping siblings with difficult issues

Siblings often face many challenges growing up with a disabled brother or sister, compared to their peer group.

In this section you will find information on helping your sibling child deal with some of these.

How to know if a sibling needs more support

There may be times when siblings find things difficult and when you need more help with supporting them. Signs to look for are:

• Shows changes in behaviour after a hospital stay
• Keeps asking questions about the disability that you cannot answer
• Gets easily annoyed with their brother or sister
• Always complains or tries to get your attention
• Feels very sad or angry or jealous
• Is reluctant to talk to you
• Avoids spending time with friends
• Finds it hard to get their homework done
• Is being teased or bullied
• Is helping you care for your disabled child

Where to get more help

If your sibling child needs more support talk to: a teacher; health worker; social care worker or a young carers’ worker (www.youngcarers.net)

If you want help with supporting your sibling child with any issue, you can talk to a parenting siblings’ advisor at Sibs. We will give you practical ideas for supporting your child at home and advise you on how to get more help if needed.