What Happens to Siblings? | Patient Centered Care and Trauma Informed Care for Pediatric Patients

Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress

Whether it's injury or illness, the whole family, parents, grandparents, caregivers, brothers/sisters, all feel the impact of a sick child. Normal routines give way to hospital visits or doctors visits. Or, for the healthy sibling, more time is spent with grandparents, extended family, or friends.

When a brother or sister is seriously ill or injured, children might feel confused, upset, afraid, numb or worried. Siblings will need time to adjust to their brother or sister’s medical needs and treatment. More and more hospitals are recognizing the importance of caring for siblings and have extended visiting hours or even incorporated programs to help them cope. Most siblings will react in very positive ways, with love, caring, and support. However, if you notice the following behaviors, you may want to help the parents/caregivers find the appropriate help:

In younger children:

Clinginess to parents or other caregivers
Temper tantrums
Doing things again that they had grown out of, like bed wetting
Trouble sleeping, having nightmares, or being afraid of the dark

In older children and teens:

Wanting to be alone or to be with parents/caregivers all the time
Being easily overwhelmed, jumpy or irritable
Changes in behavior, more sensitive or quiet, or talking back or getting into fights
Trouble sleeping or having nightmares
Missing friends or feeling left out
Problems in school

Does your hospital provide programs for siblings? Join the discussion on sibling care on our Facebook page!

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