Information for brothers and sisters
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When your brother or sister has cancer
It makes sense that this has an effect on you, like:
You have all sorts of questions about the disease and its treatment;
You are worried;
You feel scared, alone or guilty;
You feel angry or rebellious;
You are jealous of your brother or sister;
You try to withdraw.
All of these things are very normal and happen to many brothers and sisters. There is also more at play. Everyone experiences having a sick brother or sister in their own way, and nothing is strange.
For every sibling at the Máxima Center, the ‘Brothers and Sisters Activity Book’ is available free of charge. In this book, you can read about the experiences of other siblings, and it helps you ask questions about your brother’s or sister’s illness. It also supports you in explaining what the situation is like for you. Interested? Ask a child life specialist. Also have a look at the little red book Brussenspinsels about feelings. You’ll probably recognize a lot in it. It’s available at the Dutch Childhood Cancer Association.
Op Koers Online for brothers and sisters
In the online course Op Koers, you can talk with other siblings about what it’s like when your brother or sister has (had) cancer. The sessions are set up like a game, making it easier to share your experiences and feelings. You’ll discover that you’re not alone and get tips on how to handle difficult situations. The course runs for six weeks and includes a weekly 1.5-hour online session, guided by our department of psychological care. Interested in joining or want to learn more?
Click here for more informationWe’re here to help you find your way
Click on the links below for tips on how to deal with the situation.
- About the illnessWould you like to know more about your brother’s or sister’s illness? On this page, you’ll find all the information about the conditions treated at the Máxima Center.View diagnoses
- How to deal with thoughts and feelingsWhen your brother’s or sister’s illness turns your world upside down, you may have feelings and thoughts that are new to you. That’s completely normal.View tips
- How to deal with changes at homeHaving a sick brother or sister affects the whole family, including you. Family life suddenly feels different. How do you cope with that?View tips
- Tips for schoolHaving a brother or sister who is ill can also affect how things go at school. You might miss classes now and then, or find it hard to concentrate on your homework.View tips
- Tips for when visiting the Máxima CenterThere’s plenty for you to do at the Princess Máxima Center as a brother or sister. Let us tell you more about it.View tips
- Meeting other brothers and sistersMost people your age don’t have a brother or sister with cancer. It can help to talk to someone who’s going through the same thing as you.Get in touch
Brothers and Sisters Day
At the Máxima Center, we regularly organize a special day for brothers and sisters. There are fun activities for siblings, and they can ask questions to a pediatric oncologist and a psychologist. Parents follow a separate program where they can share experiences with each other. New Brothers and Sisters Days are announced in the parents’ newsletter.