How siblings may be feeling
- Left out because the sudden focus is on the child with diabetes – Why all the fuss? Why do we have to rush home for injections? Why do we have to worry about food all the time?
- That their brother or sister is the favourite. If they thought this prior to the diagnosis, diabetes may add to the problem.
- That they are loved less and pushed to one side in favour of the child with diabetes.
- Worried that diabetes is catching or that their brother or sister with diabetes might die.
- Guilty and believe that something they have done has given their brother or sister diabetes – such as breaking a toy or not sharing. They may have nightmares, suddenly start wetting the bed or cling to you.
- Worried that they might get diabetes.
- Overwhelmed and responsible for their sibling.
- Resentful that their sibling with diabetes gets ‘special treats’ eg. Jelly beans when they are having a hypo or their own ‘special food’
- Confused about diabetes – what it is and how to look after it.
These concerns may be displayed in varying behaviours by siblings such as:
being withdrawn or sad; anger / aggressive behaviour; attention seeking behaviour; regressing to behaviours of a younger child.
