Helping siblings understand about sight problems
If your child has a sight problem, it doesn't just affect them - it has an impact on other members of the family too. Young sisters and brothers may be full of questions and you might need to explain what's going on.
As a parent, you know your children better than anyone else. But the guidelines below may help.
Understanding vision
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Brothers and sisters may not notice differences in the ability to see until they are pointed out to them.
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Explain what vision is: it's one of the senses, it's a way of getting information, and so on.
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A doctor, teacher or support assistant could help you to explain about sight loss.
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Explain that all blind and partially sighted people are different, and that there are many kinds of sight problems.
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Keep it simple
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Start simply (for example, say "Sam doesn't see like you do") and then be led by their questioning.
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Children will usually only ask questions when they can cope with the answers. Keep it simple and only answer what the child asks about.
Misunderstandings
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"Why is Sam blind?" It's OK to say that no-one knows, if that is the case.
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Whatever the reason for the sight problem, it's important to explain that it is no-one's fault.
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Clear up any misunderstandings or myths that your child hears from other people - for example, "blind children have better hearing".
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Encourage your children to come to you if others have told them things about sight problems that they don't understand, or that doesn't match what you have told them.
Further Support and Information
Sibs is a UK charity which supports and represents the needs of siblings of disabled people. Siblings have a lifelong need for information, they often experience social and emotional isolation, and have to cope with difficult situations to others their age.
Actionnaires multi activity clubs are activity clubs for blind and partially sighted children and young people aged between four and 16 years, under eight year olds must be supervised by an adult. There are 29 clubs across England and Wales and activities can include swimming, archery, skiing, horse riding and tenpin bowling. Siblings or friends are welcome to attend.