A sibling’s illness and other family hardships have a great impact on a child’s mental wellbeing. Sometimes parents become too much busy with the sick child and forget about taking proper care of the other kids. As a result, healthy siblings feel angry, guilty, and isolated. In the long run, it turns into depression and anxiety.
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Keeping balance
Parents indeed have to focus more on the child who is ill. But parents should remember that other kids also deserve the same attention and have the right to get essential care from their parents. So, spending quality time and practicing family exercises like creating small crafts together or relaxing outdoor could be some good ways to develop bonding among each member of the family. Parents have to motivate healthy children to navigate siblings’ illnesses and encourage them to support each other.
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Practice positive view
Researchers recommend practicing a positive personal outlook on life so that children can remain optimistic and have an easier time coping. Parents are playing the main role to build this positivity. Various hands-on activities can ensure the chance to process emotions among healthy children. Consequently, they can connect with their families during hard times.
Promote supportive culture
Some supportive activities can help healthy siblings to stay happy facing family hardships like the death of their siblings or parental illness. Now it becomes easier to feel connected through using technologies. Parents can apply recorded stories and communication apps to stay connected with all their healthy children. Then kids will never feel lonely when their parents are busy with sick kids.
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Communicating in a proper way
When parents are traveling or absent overnight, discuss with your kids the necessity of that particular travel. Make sure that the kids realized the importance of this unavoidable travel and the absence of their parents. Arrange all the requirements before making this tour. The kids shouldn’t feel bored during the absence of their parents. You can ask your kids to write their feelings or activities during your absence.
