Please note: Once a SuperSib, always a SuperSib! Bereaved children continue to receive our support, as well. Please ensure that we are notified so we can send appropriate SuperSibs! materials.
National Sibling Day is April 10 every year. Celebrate that day with a special event or gathering with the siblings of your pediatric oncology patients.
Sometimes it’s the “We’re doing great!” families that need the most sibling support.
Host periodic sibling gatherings (SibWeek or Sibling Days), if not possible on April 10.
Offer in-hospital school / tutoring for siblings
Create “SibSpot” Sibling Bulletin Boards
Display SuperSibs! Frame A Feelin’ Magnets to help communicate feelings
Make “I’m Thumbody Special” posters
Have volunteers make Smilecards for siblings
Designate a day for “Sibling’s Choice” Mealtime Menus
Sibling Forum – 1x month, gather siblings, ask their input and ideas and then LISTEN!
Have a Sibling Suggestion box
Have parents write special letters to their other children at home and YOU mail them from the hospital!
Use Guided Imagery to help siblings relax and release stress
SIBLING WORKSHOPS – SuperSibs!/Sibshops
Call siblings (and parents) by their own name
Ask siblings how THEY are!
Speak to younger children at their eye level
Have joke books – it’s wonderful to help them smile!
Provide a Family Journal
Ensure there’s a teen area (not pre-school chairs and crayons only)
Provide “Super Sibling” badges
Have a SibScenes window decoration day
Provide a resource library for parents and children / post flyers of helpful organizations and/or events
Remind High School Senior siblings of children with cancer to apply for a SuperSibs! College Scholarship. (Applications received December-March each year)
Provide access to computers for siblings to use in clinic and waiting rooms.
Have a Sibling Journal or Guest Book in the waiting room, for siblings to write advice or thoughts to other siblings (encourage first names only).
When a child has cancer, everyone in the family needs healing.
Thank YOU for providing love, care and hope to the “shadow survivors” – the siblings of children with cancer.
Many camps for children with cancer also offer “sibling sessions”. Inquire about those offered in your area. Encourage your local “cancer camps” to offer sibling sessions. Check out www.coca-intl.org to find camps with sibling programs in your area.
Support, information and advocacy for children and families facing pediatric cancer.
American Psychological Oncology Society www.apos-society.org
1-866-APOS-4-HELP (1-866-276-7443)
The American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS) has a toll-free Helpline for people with cancer and their caregivers to obtain a local referral for counseling and other support services to manage cancer-related distress.
Additional Resources
Association of Pediatric Oncology
Social Workers www.aposw.org
Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses www.apon.org
