Parents and carers often worry about how having a brother or sister with additional needs could affect their other children.
It can be a worry that the rest of the family might get ‘left out’ and not get the attention they need. There are challenges in having a member of the family who needs extra care and attention, but there are positives too.
Children who have siblings with additional needs are:
At times it will be difficult for siblings. They can feel guilty for feeling jealous of the attention their brother or sister needs. They might feel frustrated and angry.
As they get older many children like to feel the same as their friends. They may feel embarrassed that their brother or sister is different and then feel guilty for feeling that way. They might keep their own worries to themselves because they know you are already under pressure. It is not easy for them and it is not easy for parents and carers who are doing their best in a hard situation.
Balancing the different needs of everyone in the family is never easy. This is especially the case when a child in your family has additional needs.
It can be hard to find time to give your child one to one time when you have another child who needs a lot of your attention. It is really important that you find some moments where your other child knows you are focussed on them.
Spending Time Together
If you have a partner, friend or family member who helps you out then this may be easier to manage. Ask them to be with your child with additional needs for a while (even if you and your other child are just in the next room).
Let your child choose an activity to do together with you. It doesn't have to be big or expensive, spending one on one time with you might be enough.
Look at the routines in the house, see if you could shift things to give time to your other child or children.
If you do not have someone to give you this space;
Listening to your child and talking to them will give them time to make sense of their thoughts and feelings.
Give your child age appropriate information about the condition their sibling struggles with. Keep them up to date on any changes. Brothers and sisters worry about each other and manage better when they have the right information.
Keep your child’s school updated with what is happening in the family. They can offer your child extra support if they are struggling.
This online course is for parents with a child with additional needs. It is for parents, relatives and friends of children who may have a physical or learning disability or who may have autistic traits. This short course will help you learn about:
Sign up for FREE with access code: JON70
You can contact the Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you are 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for confidential advice from one of our team.
For 11–25 year olds Kooth is a free, confidential and safe way to receive online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support.
You can speak to other Norfolk parents and carers by clicking our online community forum below.
