Siblings of hospitalized children need lots of love, attention, and care. Friends and family can help when parents are overwhelmed.

• Baby-sit whenever parents go to doctor’s appointments, the emergency room, or during a prolonged hospital stay

• When parents are home with a sick child, take siblings to a park, sports event, or movie.

• Invite siblings over for meals.

• If you bring a gift for the sick child, bring something for the siblings.

• Offer to help siblings with homework.

• Drive siblings to lessons, games, or school.

• Listen to siblings when they need to talk.