«Healthy siblings often get neglected.»
Ms Marbach, what is the aim of your association?
We are committed to ensuring that children who have a seriously ill or disabled sibling are able to develop healthily. Caring for and looking after a sick child places such demands on parents that the needs of healthy siblings are often neglected. In the long term, this is stressful for them – parents know this and suffer as a result.
It is important that there are regular opportunities for moments of undivided parental attention.
In collaboration with Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, we investigated the living conditions of siblings of people with disabilities. We wanted to find out which factors promote or hinder their healthy development.
What is important for siblings?
They want to be kept informed about their brother or sister's state of health, they want it to be discussed openly at home, they want their parents and professionals to involve them in important discussions and developments, to explain things to them and to be open to their questions. Our commitment therefore also includes raising awareness among medical, special education and social work professionals so that they think about healthy siblings and involve them.
For siblings, exclusive time with their parents is also an enormous resource. This does not have to be a day trip – what is important is that there are regular opportunities for moments of undivided parental attention. Siblings also draw strength from their hobbies, especially during adolescence.
How do you help these children?
Together with the Kifa Foundation Switzerland, we launched the «Zeit schenken» (Give the gift of time) initiative. We relieve parents of the burden of caring for a sick child so that they can spend some quality time with their other children. We have also set up a discussion group for siblings. Realising that they are not alone in their situation does a world of good for affected children and young people.
Many find it liberating to be able to simply let off steam – something they often refrain from doing at home out of consideration for others. The existing discussion group in Baselland is soon to be joined by others in other regions. We also offer further training courses for parents and professionals, with the next one taking place online in November.
More information: www.geschwisterkinder.ch
