Brothers and sisters of chronically ill children may experience difficulties at school.
While it is known children with chronic illness often experience difficulties at school, little is known about whether their siblings do also. In an Australian study, interviews were undertaken with 27 parents, about the experiences of 31 siblings. Forty-five per cent of siblings were believed to be having school difficulties related to the ill child, including lack of attention from teachers, reduced attention from parents at home; increased stress or anxiety at school; increased absenteeism, and changes in behaviour from increased carer responsibilities.
Anxiety impacted on school behaviour in different ways, including through withdrawing from social activities, misbehaving and truanting. The researchers recommend a school-based sibling support model with psycho-education for staff and siblings, individualised psychological support for siblings, normalising the sibling experience, and providing consistent support.
doi.org/10.1017/edp.2018.3
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