For Siblings

Having a sibling with a bleeding disorder is not always easy. In fact, having a sibling who does not have any health problems can be hard. Some children wish they did not have to share their parents' love and attention with siblings. They also wish they did not have to share other things such as a bedroom, toys, or TV. All children feel ignored at times. All children feel that at times parents reward or punish one child more than the other. 

Disagreements and hurt feelings are normal in any family. However, if you are unhappy about the way you get along with your siblings, it will help to talk about it with your parents. Being able to talk about problems is the first step to solving them. Your parents may think everything is okay unless you tell them about your worries.

Sometimes children are afraid they may have caused a bruise or bleed. They may feel guilty or ashamed. If you have these feelings, your parents can help you understand them. They can explain the bleeding disorder to you and answer your questions. It is not anyone's fault that your sibling has a bleeding disorder. They will have bruising and bleeding all their life, even if you never have fights. Sisters of boys with hemophilia often wonder if they will have sons with hemophilia. A young girl may really worry about it. 

This chapter of The Handbook explains how sisters can be tested to see if they carry hemophilia. If you are the sister of a boy with hemophilia, finding out whether or not you carry the hemophilia gene may relieve your worries. When you are older and begin to decide about having children of your own, you will have the test results to discuss with your partner. Of course, hemophilia treatment is always improving. The treatment and outlook for someone with hemophilia may be very different when you grow up.

Growing up has never been easy. Having a sibling with a bleeding disorder may make you feel even more mixed up at times. It will help if you share your thoughts and feelings with your parents or other adults who care about you. You may find a school counselor or therapist, a helpful person with whom to talk.  Your parents can make an appointment for you. There may also be resources at the HTC or local hemophilia organization specifically for siblings. As you learn new ways to solve problems, you will grow into a mature and independent person.