Because they often are cared for by relatives or neighbors when their siblings are sick, they develop nice relationships with people they might not normally get to know as well. But it can be hard on them, too. They might think they would enjoy the attention, not really understanding what it is, or feel bad that their sibling is going through all this. No doubt, illnesses put stress on families, Jonap says, particularly if it causes a financial hardship or one parent carries the burden of the ill child's care. But all the other kids see are their parents spending more time with the sick child.
Resentment builds if the parents go easier on the sick kid.
But if healthy children complain about all the attention their asthmatic siblings get, they are fiercely protective of them, too. Elizabeth and Destany Hollaway sometimes sit with the boys during breathing treatments, rubbing their backs and bringing them drinks. And, sometimes, when their mother is exhausted from night after night of being up with one of the twins, Kody will sit up with his younger brothers, telling them jokes during breathing treatments. Kevin laughs until he coughs. Abstract goes here.