More Information and Support
Supporting Siblings
It can be hard for children to cope with their brother or sister being in hospital. They will want to know what is going on and where their brother or sister is but children see the world very differently to adults. You will need to think about what to tell them and how. Adapt how you explain things to them based on what they already know and understand. Tell them as much as you can, and keep the information factual and practical.
It can help to think about the questions you are likely to get from your other children and prepare answers.
Common questions from siblings
- Why does my brother/sister have to go into hospital?
- When are they coming home?
- What will happen to them in hospital?
- Will they be ok? Will anything bad happen to them?
- Are you going into hospital with my brother/sister? Who will look after me?
- Can I come and visit them?
Many siblings find being at home hard when their sibling is in hospital, and their parents are worried or distracted. Helping them stay in touch with their sibling in hospital will help reassure them.
If you can take your other children into hospital for a visit, and that is something you want to do, you can help them prepare for the visit by explaining:
- What they will see in hospital, especially if something looks different with their sibling in hospital, for example, dressings, a cannula or a breathing aid.
- Who they will meet, for example, their sibling’s bedside nurse, other children on the ward or in the same bay.
- How long they will be able to stay.
You may want to encourage your other children to bring their sibling in hospital toys, games or books from home. You could get them to make a ‘get well soon’ card to bring in as well.
If your other children can’t visit, you may be able to video call so your children can stay in contact with their sibling in hospital. You will also be able to take photo of your child in hospital to show their siblings at home. Be sensitive about what you share with your other children, for example, photos of your child immediately after surgery may be important to you but might frighten siblings.
More Information and Support
- Many children’s hospitals have specific advice on managing siblings when their brother or sister is in hospital. This example is from Great Ormond Street Hospital.
- Young Minds are a mental health charity specifically for children and teenagers. They have advice for parents.
- Many children’s hospitals have specific advice on managing siblings when their brother or sister is in hospital. This example is from Great Ormond Street Hospital.
- Young Minds are a mental health charity specifically for children and teenagers. They have advice for parents.