My brother or sister is really ill and I feel sad, angry and scared

Having a brother or sister who is very poorly can be very hard for you to deal with. You may feel very sad and sometimes angry. You may even feel guilty for wanting to do your things and miss time with your Mum and Dad. Here’s some tips from our Family Support Workers to help you through this very difficult time.

Tips from our Family Support Workers

Express your emotions

It's ok to cry. Express your feeling through painting or write down how you feel in your diary.
Play a game

Play a fun game, dress up, put on face paint, have a nice bubble bath or watch a movie.
Talk to other people

Tell your parent, Family Support Worker, best friend, auntie or uncle you feel sad.
Big hugs!

A big hug can sometimes really help. Ask your parent for a cuddle.
Talk to your brother or sister

Ask how your brother or sister is and what's happening.
Say when you are sad

Tell an adult when you're feeling sad. It's perfectly normal.
Make a memory box

Write a diary of your days together or start to make a memory box
Take lots of photos

Take photos or movie clips of you and your brother or sister being together.
Do something fun

With your parents and sick brother or sister, like drawing!

Does your family or a someone you know need support with a seriously ill child?

Anyone can refer a family to us (for example, a family member, friend, health, education or social care professional) provided consent from the family has been given for the referral to be made.