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Home > About childhood cancer > For parents >How brothers and sisters may feel
Your child’s siblings may well be feeling worried about them. If you are spending a lot of time in hospital with your ill child, they may also be missing you and feeling rather sidelined. Or they may worry that they have somehow caused the cancer, perhaps by arguing with their sibling or wishing bad things on them. Younger children may worry about ‘catching’ cancer too.
Tips for talking to siblings:
- It can be hard, but try to make time for your other children and give them opportunities to talk.
- Asking questions like: “Do you think your sister is getting better?” can help children to start talking.
- Children’s books about cancer are another useful way to start a conversation. It’s fine if children don’t want to talk – just let them know that you are happy to do so when they feel able to.
- Let them know that sharing worries with other people often makes things easier.
- Think about including siblings’ friends in conversations so that they can help support them.
- Tell siblings you will keep them informed about what’s happening every step of the way.
- Talk to their schools too, so that they can offer them the support and understanding they need.
Some hospitals have support groups for siblings. Your child’s care team or CLIC Sargent Social Worker will have more information.
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