Permission is granted to print and distribute this excerpt for noncommercial use as long as the above source is included. The information in this article is meant to educate and should not be used as an alternative for professional medical care. The last of a three-part series focuses on the affect on families of a diagnosis of hydrocephalus. Informing your child Effect on Siblings Siblings of children with hydrocephalus may experience an array of emotions during the hospitalization of their ill brother or sister. These feelings can range from worry and fear to resentment and jealousy.
Children also have very active imaginations.
Often, their fears about what is happening to their brother or sister are actually far worse than reality. As a parent, talk with your other children to discuss their fears and explain to them in terms they can understand how their brother or sister is doing. By talking through their fears and concerns, you can help prepare them for visits to the hospital, letting them know what to expect. Siblings may feel completely overwhelmed when a brother or sister is ill. Visiting their sibling in the hospital can also be very stressful.