How to discuss a child’s transplant with siblings.
Telling you child’s siblings that their brother or sister needs a transplant can be difficult. Remember to be open an honest with your children as they will sense if you are holding back information. If your children are similar ages you may want to tell them together, otherwise it may be best to tell them separately so you can tailor the discussion to be age appropriate.
Explain to the your child’s siblings the diagnosis and the treatment. Younger children may just need to know that their sibling’s “blood isn’t working right” and their sibling needs medication and “new blood” to be healthy. Middle school and teenagers can usually understand the diagnosis and details about the transplant. …show more content…
They may experience sleeplessness, difficulty concentrating and have trouble in school. Some siblings withdraw and become quiet and isolate themselves from others out of fear and anxiety. Siblings may not know what to say to people who ask about their brother or sister and may not want uninvited questions.
How to help siblings
Many hospitals have sibling programs or will link siblings up with a child who has had a similar experience trying to cope with a brother or sister’s illness. Having someone to talk to that is their age is important to helping them cope. Being in contact with another family has gone through a similar experience and healed can be an important coping tool. A hospital support group or online support group can also be helpful.
Siblings may need to talk to a professional, either from the hospital where your child is being treated or an outside professional. Let your children know it is OK to cry, be angry or just feel numb. Let them know that they can ask questions and that you will answer then to the best of your ability and knowledge. Children need to know that they are not alone and that there are other people who have a brother or sister with
Telling you child’s siblings that their brother or sister needs a transplant can be difficult. Remember to be open an honest with your children as they will sense if you are holding back information. If your children are similar ages you may want to tell them together, otherwise it may be best to tell them separately so you can tailor the discussion to be age appropriate.
Explain to the your child’s siblings the diagnosis and the treatment. Younger children may just need to know that their sibling’s “blood isn’t working right” and their sibling needs medication and “new blood” to be healthy. Middle school and teenagers can usually understand the diagnosis and details about the transplant. …show more content…
They may experience sleeplessness, difficulty concentrating and have trouble in school. Some siblings withdraw and become quiet and isolate themselves from others out of fear and anxiety. Siblings may not know what to say to people who ask about their brother or sister and may not want uninvited questions.
How to help siblings
Many hospitals have sibling programs or will link siblings up with a child who has had a similar experience trying to cope with a brother or sister’s illness. Having someone to talk to that is their age is important to helping them cope. Being in contact with another family has gone through a similar experience and healed can be an important coping tool. A hospital support group or online support group can also be helpful.
Siblings may need to talk to a professional, either from the hospital where your child is being treated or an outside professional. Let your children know it is OK to cry, be angry or just feel numb. Let them know that they can ask questions and that you will answer then to the best of your ability and knowledge. Children need to know that they are not alone and that there are other people who have a brother or sister with