How to Handle Siblings After the Death of Parents
Death is a complex and difficult process for anyone to deal with, but particularly for children. When taking on the responsibility of caring for siblings after the death of a parent, it is important to make them comfortable, with as much emotional support as possible. Moreover, making their lives familiar in any way you can, while ensuring you are not replacing their parents, is key to helping them overcome such a tragedy.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Get professional therapy. A therapist can not only help the siblings to resolve the death and come to accept it, but they can also work with the new family structure. Talking about each of the sibling's feelings about the death and their new living situation will help them to vent some of their feelings, which is a very healthy way to overcome such a difficult situation. Moreover, a family therapist can guide the new family unit to accept one another and everyone's differences, while continuing to reinforce the existing bond between siblings.
-
2
Encourage a strong sibling bond. Let them know you don't feel threatened by their relationship and that you in fact celebrate and understand the importance of it. Make it clear that you don't intend to do anything to compromise that bond. This is important because they are relying on one another because the tragedy has likely left them feeling that they are all they have left; therefore, it is important that you don't do anything to make them feel as though they cannot turn inwardly to each other before confiding in you.
-
-
3
Provide familiarity where possible. Anything you can do to preserve the routine of all the siblings is beneficial to their healing. Keep them involved in the same activities they were prior to the death of their parents. Initiate new activities for them to engage in together to re-enforce the presence they have in each other's lives. Maintain existing relationships between other family members and friends to keep their support system intact.
-
4
Establish rules and boundaries. Even as you try to help the siblings overcome the death of their parents, you still must set some rules and boundaries for a healthy family structure. These boundaries will serve not only to provide stability in the face of chaos, but also to ensure that your life and existing home structure is not completely disrupted by your willingness to help a set of siblings through what is undoubtedly one of the most difficult experiences they will ever have.
-
1
