Siblings

Dads

Grandparents

Gay and lesbian parents

Relationships

Cash Counts

Your one-stop shop for benefits advice

makingcontact.org

Get in touch with other families...

Subscribe to Connected magazine

This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

"I felt like I was an only child..."

Parents often contact us concerned about how to support the brothers and sisters of their disabled child. Click on this link to listen to a sister talking about her disabled brother and the impact he's had on her life.

Siblings of disabled children often feel that because of the additional care needs of their brother or sister, there is a lack of time for their needs. Everyday family activities may be limited as parents try to juggle the needs of all the children in the family and this can lead to more pressures at home.

Help from friends and relatives

There may be an important role to play here for other friends and relatives who may be able to offer some special time for brothers or sisters, or include them in activities which they would otherwise miss out on.

Support for siblings

Many siblings have found it useful to join a local siblings group. Some of the benefits to siblings include meeting others in a similar position, sharing ideas about coping with difficult situations and having a good time.

There is a lot of useful information now written with children in mind.

Useful links

• Web: http://www.youngcarers.net
• Web: http://www.sibs.org.uk

If you need more information

• contact our helpline
• download a copy of our 'Siblings' guide