When a young person experiences a brain injury, it can have a profound effect on the entire family. Siblings can be particularly affected, dealing with the likely change in relationship with their brother or sister, whilst also feeling overlooked as the needs of the injured person are focused on. This guidebook aims to provide support, guidance and reassurance to families affected by brain injury, by helping them to understand their feelings during this challenging time.

At JMW, we understand the importance of family in the recovery process, and we are committed to supporting all family members. Whether you are the sibling of someone with a brain injury yourself or a parent seeking to support your other children alongside your injured child, this guidebook offers practical advice and strategies to help you cope and find hope in the journey ahead.

How Life Changes for Uninjured Siblings

When a sibling suffers a brain injury, life can change in unexpected and challenging ways. These changes can affect everything from how you feel to your role within the family, your relationships, and even your day-to-day activities. Understanding these shifts can help you better navigate this difficult time and find ways to cope with the new dynamics in your life.

Emotional Impact

When a young person experiences a brain injury, it’s natural for the rest of the family to feel a whirlwind of emotions. A sibling is likely to be confused, scared, or even angry at the situation. It’s also common to feel sadness or loneliness, especially if the injured sibling’s condition means that they receive significantly more attention from parents or caregivers. These feelings are completely normal, but they can be hard to deal with, especially if a sibling doesn’t know how to express them.

One of the most challenging aspects is the sense of being overlooked. As parents focus on the needs of the injured person, a sibling might feel neglected or less important,which can lead to feelings of resentment or jealousy.. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and understand that they don’t make the uninjured sibling a bad person - they simply reflect the impact changes in family dynamics can have..

Changes in Family Dynamics

A brain injury can change the way a family works together.A child might find that they’re asked to take on more responsibilities at home, such as helping with chores or looking after younger siblings. These new roles can make them feel like life has been turned upside down and add pressure to an already difficult situation.

The relationship with an injured sibling may also change. They might not be able to do the things they used to enjoy together, or they may behave differently, which can be hard to understand. 

Social Impacts

The effects of a sibling’s brain injury can extend beyond home life to affectsocial life and schoolwork as well. A sibling to an injured child might find it harder to focus in school or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. It can be difficult for friends to understand what a young person is going through, which can leave them feeling isolated or disconnected.

A child might also start to avoid social situations because they don’t want to discuss theirfamily situation with others, or because they feel like they’re different from their peers. These changes can be overwhelming, and it’s important to remember to provide children with a safe space to talk about their feelings and offer them help and support when it’s needed.If they don’t feel comfortable talking with an adult, then a close friend can be a vital confidant for them to open up about how they are feeling.  

Coping Strategies for Uninjured Siblings

Coping with a sibling’s brain injury can feel overwhelming, but there are strategies that can help a child manage their emotions and adjust to the changes in  life. By finding ways to communicate, seek support, and take care of themselves, children can build resilience and navigate this challenging journey with greater ease.

Open Communication

Talking about how you’re feeling can make a big difference. It’s important for a young person to share their thoughts and emotions with someone they trust, whether that’s a parent, a friend, or a counsellor. If someone is finding it hard to find the right words, suggestthey write down their feelings first. Communication is key to ensuring that they don’t feel alone in what they’re going through.

Parents will also play a big role in this. While they might be focused on your injured sibling, it’s important to ensure that the other sibling feels like they have the attention of parents, are listened to, and thoughts and feelings cared about and taken into consideration. Regularly checking in with a child and providing time and space for them to talk can make a big difference in encouraging them to communicate. 

Seeking Support

Sometimes, it helps to talk to people outside of the family who understand what a young person is going through. Consider joining a support group, either locally or online, where you can connect with other siblings in similar situations. Sharing experiences with others who “get it” can be incredibly comforting and can provide a young person with practical advice on how to cope.

There are also resources available, such as counselling services, that specialise in helping siblings of people with brain injuries. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re struggling - it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.

Self-Care and Personal Time

Amidst all the changes and responsibilities, it’s crucial to take care of the sibling of an injured person. Encourage them to carve out time for hobbies or activities they enjoy, whether that’s playing a sport, reading a book, or simply hanging out with friends. These moments of normalcy can provide a much-needed break and help them tomaintain their own wellbeing.

Balancing increased responsibilities with  personal time can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that a young person needs to continue to have time for themselves. 

Understanding and Empathy

Learning about brain injuries and how a sibling’s injury is affecting them can help a young person better understand what they’re going through. This knowledge can make it easier to empathise with them, even when their behaviour is difficult to deal with. Patience is key -  approaching an injured sibling with empathy and understanding can help strengthen a bond with them, making it easier to navigate this new chapter in their respective lives together.

Advice for Parents on Supporting Siblings

When a child experiences a brain injury, parents naturally focus much of their attention on the injured child’s needs. However, it’s crucial to remember that siblings are also profoundly affected and need support during this time. By maintaining balance, involving siblings in the recovery process, and providing emotional support, parents can help all their children navigate this challenging period.

Maintain Balance

Balancing your attention between the injured child and their siblings can be difficult, but it’s essential to ensure that no one feels neglected. Try to set aside regular one-on-one time with your other children, even if it’s just for a short period. This can be as simple as a walk together, a chat before bed, or engaging in an activity they enjoy. These moments help to reinforce that each child is still a priority and that their feelings and experiences matter.

It’s also helpful to involve them in family decisions where appropriate, making them feel included and valued. Open communication about what’s happening with their sibling and why your attention might be more focused on them at times can help mitigate feelings of being overlooked.

Involve Siblings in the Recovery Process

Involving siblings in the care and recovery process can help them feel more connected to their injured brother or sister and reduce feelings of helplessness. Depending on their age and comfort level, they can assist with small tasks or simply spend time with their injured sibling in a way that is enjoyable for both parties.

It’s important to explain their sibling’s condition in an age-appropriate way to help your children to understand what has happened and what to expect. This knowledge can alleviate some of their fears and confusion, making the situation less intimidating.

Provide Emotional Support

Siblings may struggle with a wide range of emotions, from anger and sadness to guilt and confusion. It’s crucial for parents to recognise these emotions and provide the support children need. Encourage open discussions where children feel safe expressing their feelings without fear of judgement.

Consider seeking professional support, such as family counselling or therapy, to help siblings of a child with a brain injury to process their emotions and learn coping strategies. This can be especially beneficial if they are struggling with complex feelings that are difficult to address at home.

Encourage Independence

While it’s important to support siblings during this time, it’s equally important to encourage their independence and personal growth. Help them to pursue their interests and maintain their social connections, so they can continue to develop their own identity outside of the family’s challenges.

By fostering their independence, you help them to build resilience and confidence, which are crucial for navigating the changes in their family life. This balance between support and independence can empower siblings to cope more effectively with the situation.

JMW's Support Every Step of the Way

At JMW, we understand that a brain injury doesn’t just affect the individual - it impacts the entire family, including siblings who may be struggling to cope with the changes in their lives. Our brain injury solicitors and case managers are dedicated to supporting your family throughout the entire claims process and beyond. We are here to help you navigate the legal complexities while also supporting your family to access the right resources for emotional and practical support.

Our team is committed to being there for you every step of the way. We work closely with families to provide guidance on accessing the support networks that can make a difference, from counselling services to sibling support groups. We believe in a holistic approach to recovery and ensuring that every family member, including siblings, receives the care and attention they need during this challenging time.

Whether you need legal advice, assistance with care arrangements, or simply guidance on where to turn for additional support, JMW is here to help.