Tips on How to Help Siblings of Seriously Ill Children

Eloah Rocha Aids Child Psychology Research in Los Angeles

An alumnus of Boulder University, Eloah Rocha joined Children’s Hospital Los Angeles as a counselor more than a decade ago. Tasked with creating daily activities for children, Eloah Rocha also conducts studies that analyze how children respond to and cope with a sibling’s serious illness.

Parents of a child diagnosed with a chronic illness dedicate much of their time and effort to ensure their ailing daughter or son receives proper medication, treatment, and attention. This, however, often causes added stress for siblings, who may feel a sense of neglect and emotional distress. Signs that a sibling suffers from these feelings include being withdrawn or anxious, lacking interest in socializing and participating in activities with friends, as well as rebellion, depression, and a decline in academic performance.

To provide equal care for their children, parents should continually reevaluate how they are dividing their time and focus. Parents must strive to build individualized relationships with each child and avoid creating unfair expectations. Additionally, they should keep their healthy children informed of their sibling’s health condition, listen to their concerns, and answer questions that arise. This keeps children involved and helps build an understanding of the current situation, which alleviates the possibility of resentment.