2.  As a counselor at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles,
Eloah Rocha works closely with children and their
families. Among Eloah Rocha’s areas of focus is
helping children cope with the illness of a sibling.
A serious or chronic illness has a significant impact not
just on the patient, but on the entire family. The
patient’s siblings are especially affected, which is
why it is important for counselors and parents to work
with them and help them cope.
A number of factors affect how a child manages this
difficult period.

3.  One key factor is the child’s age. Younger
children are more likely to struggle with the
change in routine that occurs when a sibling
falls ill and requires ongoing medical
treatment. Older children can typically handle
changes in their routine, but they may be more
likely to struggle with concepts such as death
and dying. Additionally, the child’s past
experiences in visiting friends or family
members in the hospital have a large role in
how he or she reacts to the current situation.

4.  No matter the age, the experience of
having a sick brother or sister will be
difficult for children. It is therefore
important that they receive counseling
and support, whether it is talking freely
about the situation with someone
outside of the family or communicating
their fears to their parents directly.