Many siblings worry that if they leave home things for their parent and disabled brother or sister will be difficult. It is normal to feel concerned about this. You might be worried about your parent feeling lonely without you there or that your brother or sister will miss you. Even though they may find it difficult it is still OK for you to leave home so that you can do the work or education things that you want to do.
Things that you need to know about leaving home
1
There is no law that says siblings have to look after their brother or sister when they become adults. It is your choice as a sibling how much or little you want to be involved with supporting your brother or sister.
2
Most parents want siblings to be able to go off and do their own thing when they are younger and to enjoy their independence and young adult lives without lots of responsibility.
3
You can still keep in touch with your family when you away through visits, video calls, and sending things in the post to your brother or sister.
4
You might even find that your brother or sister is able to come and visit you and that this gives them a new experience to enjoy and look forward to.
I will be going off to university next year. My younger sister has a learning disability and loves musicals so I am going to phone every other day to sing with her.
More about the future
Many siblings wonder about the future. They want to be able to lead their own lives and also want their brothers and sisters to have good lives too.