Siblings’ Corner

Engaging siblings is crucial for family dynamics, especially when one child has a congenital heart defect (CHD). It helps siblings feel included, reduces confusion, and fosters emotional well-being. Here are some resources and suggestions, including tips for parents on how to explain CHD to siblings.

  1. Tips for Parents: How to Explain CHD to Siblings

  • Use Simple, Honest Language: Depending on the sibling’s age, use language they can understand without overwhelming them. For younger kids, you might say, “Your brother’s heart is a little different, and the doctors are helping it get stronger.”

  • Focus on What’s Being Done to Help: Emphasize the positive steps being taken. For example, “The doctors are doing everything they can to help your sister’s heart work better.”

  • Acknowledge Emotions: Let siblings know it’s okay to feel sad, confused, or even jealous. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and make sure they know that their emotions are valid.

  • Use Visual Aids: Show them simple diagrams of the heart or age-appropriate videos to explain what’s going on. For younger children, heart-themed coloring books or illustrations might help.

  • Encourage Questions: Create an open dialogue where siblings can ask questions, no matter how simple or complicated. Be patient and ready to answer even tough questions like “Will my brother be okay?”

2. Resource Suggestions:

  • Books for Siblings:

    • “My Brother Needs an Operation” by Anna Marie Jaworski - Is a comforting book to help siblings understand the hospital process and how their brother’s condition will be treated.

    • “A Perfect Shelter” by Clare Helen Welsh - Follows a young child coping with their sister’s illness. Through beautiful, illustrations, it portrays the family’s emotions and the journey toward finding a new normal. A comforting story for families navigating similar challenges.

    • A list of more books to check out… book recommendations

  • CHD Coloring Books: >>link here<<

  • Support Groups for Siblings: >>link here<<

  • Sibling-focused Articles and Blogs: Coming soon

  • CHD “Sibling Toolkit”:

    • >>link to a simple explanation of the heart and CHD.

    • >>Ideas for comforting their siblings during hospital stays or procedures.

    • >>Journaling prompts for siblings to express their feelings.

3. Suggestions for Engaging Siblings:

  • “Super Sibling” Certificate: Coming soon

  • Siblings’ Story Section: Please feel free to email us if you would like to share your own experiences of having a brother or sister with CHD. It can be in the form of drawings, letters, or short stories.

  • Involvement in Caregiving: We encourage parents to let siblings help with simple caregiving tasks, like handing over a blanket or reading to their siblings during hospital visits.

  • Heart Warrior and Sibling “Teamwork” Activities:

    • Crafts: Create heart-themed crafts together.

    • Movie nights: Watch kid-friendly movies about superheroes overcoming challenges, and the kind of bravery heart warriors have.

    • Board Games or simple puzzles: These can help foster togetherness, even when one child isn’t feeling well.

4. Sibling Mental Health Support:

  • Sibling Support Hotlines: >>links & info on sibling-specific counseling services or helplines.

  • Mindfulness and Relaxation Tools for Siblings: >>link to kid-friendly mindfulness apps or activities to help them manage anxiety or confusion about their siblings’ condition.

  • Sibling Bonding Time: We encourage parents to set aside regular, dedicated one-on-one time with each sibling to ensure they don’t feel overlooked while the focus on the child with CHD.

5. Interactive Games and Activities:

  • “My Superpower” Drawing Activity: Ask siblings to draw what they think makes their heart warrior sibling special and what makes them special too, highlighting the strength of both children.

  • CHD Adventure Journal: Coming soon, an interactive journal for siblings, where they can write or draw about their emotions, favorite memories with their sibling, and hopes for the future.

These resources and tips can help siblings feel acknowledged, informed, and emotionally supported. Incorporating these elements would provide parents, caregivers, and guardians with the tools we need to foster healthy relationships and understanding among our children.