Tips to help children whose siblings are ill
• Find a way to include the well child, but don't make her come to every doctor appointment or hospital visit, if possible.
• Mom and Dad can take turns in different roles — one at the hospital with the sick child and the other at home with the rest of the family. That way both are involved in the sick child's care and also there for the other children.
• Keep talking to each other. It helps to talk about feelings and normalize them. Malone sometimes has families read books together that talk about siblings' feelings. It's a nice way to open the door to discuss feelings.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help, something some families have a hard time doing.
• At the children's hospital, social workers like Malone work with siblings of sick children to help them talk about their feelings and how they can explain it at school or with their peer group. Parents often need help with that, as well.
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