Communicating Effectively to Help Siblings

Introduction: Consider the Other Children from the Very Beginning

From the time that their sibling is diagnosed with a serious illness, your other children will need your support. Sometimes, though never intentionally, parents become absorbed in the logistics of the sick child’s needs, leaving little time left for their other children. Every family needs to figure out how they’re going to attend to the practical pieces and the emotional needs of the other siblings in the household—and those who already may be living outside the home, but who will be affected as well.