How to manage the emotional and psychological well-being of a 'glass child' (a sibling of a child with a chronic illness or disability)?

From the Guidelines

To effectively manage the emotional well-being of a "glass child" (siblings of children with special needs), it is crucial to acknowledge their unique experiences, create dedicated space for their feelings, and provide them with the tools to cope with their complex emotions. Establishing regular one-on-one time with each glass child, even if just 15-30 minutes daily, to focus solely on them and their interests, can be highly beneficial 1. Open communication is vital, encouraging them to express their emotions without judgment, and helping them develop an age-appropriate understanding of their sibling's condition through honest, simple explanations. Connecting them with peer support groups specifically for siblings of children with disabilities can reduce feelings of isolation 1. Maintaining consistent routines and clear expectations provides stability, while celebrating their achievements and individuality separate from their sibling's needs fosters a positive self-image. Teaching practical coping skills like deep breathing or journaling can help manage stress, and considering professional support from therapists specializing in sibling issues is essential if the child shows persistent signs of distress 1. Key aspects to focus on include:

• Providing emotional support and validation of their feelings
• Encouraging open communication about their emotions and concerns
• Helping them understand their sibling's condition in an age-appropriate manner
• Connecting them with peer support groups for shared experiences
• Maintaining consistency and stability in their daily life
• Celebrating their individuality and achievements
• Teaching coping skills and considering professional support when needed.

From the Research

Managing Emotional and Psychological Well-being of a 'Glass Child'

To manage the emotional and psychological well-being of a 'glass child', several strategies can be employed:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in treating depression and anxiety in adolescents 2, 3, 4
• Combination of CBT and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been found to be more effective than either treatment alone in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety 2, 3, 5, 6
• Identifying and addressing individual patient characteristics, such as age, severity of symptoms, and presence of externalizing disorders, can help tailor treatment approaches 3
• Brain mechanisms, such as limbic activity during emotion perception, can predict symptom improvement and may be a non-treatment-specific mechanism for symptom improvement 5

Treatment Approaches

Some treatment approaches that may be beneficial for 'glass children' include:

• CBT to target maladaptive thoughts and behaviors that maintain anxiety and depression 2, 3, 4
• SSRIs to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety 2, 3, 5, 6
• Combination of CBT and SSRIs for optimal treatment outcomes 2, 3, 5, 6
• Emotion-based brain mechanisms and predictors to guide treatment decisions 5

Considerations

When managing the emotional and psychological well-being of a 'glass child', it is essential to consider:

• Individual patient characteristics, such as age, severity of symptoms, and presence of externalizing disorders 3
• Brain mechanisms, such as limbic activity during emotion perception, that can predict symptom improvement 5
• The potential benefits and limitations of different treatment approaches, including CBT, SSRIs, and combination therapy 2, 3, 5, 6