A child who has a sibling with mental health challenges may feel a wide range of emotions. They may not understand why they feel the way they do. For example, a child may feel frustrated at changes in their routines and home life, jealous if their sibling is receiving additional attention or perhaps sad and worried about their sibling

Children may also have complex feelings if they provide care or support to their sibling. 

To help your child (as a sibling) navigate these emotions and understand their needs, here are some tips to try to help balance the needs of siblings:

• Continue daily routines as much as possible. A regular schedule helps children and youth feel more in control and cope more effectively.
• Communicate with your child in a way they can understand and is age appropriate. Be as honest as you can. 
• Acknowledge the ways that your child supports their sibling with mental health challenges. Let them know their efforts and care are seen and matter. 
• Include your child in family activities and help them to feel included in activities still.
• Listen to your child and validate their feelings. This can help your child understand that you’re there for them and that they can turn to you for help.
• Spend individual time with all kids in your family focusing on quality, meaningful and consistent connection, even if only possible in short bouts. 
• Build up community and supports for yourself and for the siblings in the family.

You can find resources below, to help support your child with the challenges and feelings siblings can experience. 

BC Children’s Hospital Resources

• The Sibling Support Centre provides a respite play space on campus for families in care or receiving care at BC Children’s Hospital. They also have a resource list featuring online resources and community supports for siblings, young caregivers, and families.
• The Family Library’s Sibling Guide features books for siblings and families that people in BC and the Yukon can borrow for free. The Family Library can send you physical books by mail, with return postage. Ebooks are also available. 
• BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre has a webinar recording: The Voices of Siblings: Tools We Can Use to Help Support Siblings of Children with Mental Health Challenges.

Taking care of yourself as a busy parent or caregiver can be hard to find time for and prioritize. However, taking care of your own mental health and well-being,  can help you take care of your child. Support groups offer a space for parents and caregivers to come together and share experiences and similar concerns. They can be a valuable way to see what works for others, share challenges, and learn about local resources.

Not sure where to start? Contact our family peer support workers at the Kelty Centre.

Online Resources 

• Upopolis: Sibling Island is an online group for youth aged 10-18 in Canada who have sibling with a chronic illness or disability. A Certified Child Life Specialist leads and monitors the group. Sibling Island provides ongoing psychosocial support, education, and engagement opportunities for siblings. Siblings can be referred by health care teams or if visiting the Sibling Support Centre. You can also learn more about the group through this factsheet.

If your child requires individual health support, please speak with your family doctor.