Sibling Support
Having a deaf brother or sister shapes a child's experience in ways that aren't always visible. Our sibling programme gives them a space of their own.
When a child in the family is diagnosed as deaf, the focus naturally falls on them. Audiological appointments, speech therapy, communication decisions, school battles — these take up enormous amounts of parental time and emotional energy. Hearing siblings often adapt without complaint, but that doesn't mean they're unaffected.
Brothers and sisters of deaf children can experience a complex mix of feelings. Protectiveness, frustration, pride, jealousy, worry, and a premature sense of responsibility are all common. Many develop an impressive maturity and empathy, but some struggle quietly. Our sibling support programme exists because these children deserve attention too.
What We Offer
Sibling Workshops
We run a small number of workshops each year, usually during school holidays, designed specifically for the hearing brothers and sisters of deaf children. These sessions, led by a trained facilitator, use creative activities, games, and group discussion to help siblings:
- Express feelings they might not feel able to share at home.
- Meet other children in the same situation.
- Learn more about deafness and hearing technology in age-appropriate ways.
- Build coping strategies for situations they find difficult.
- Recognise that their feelings — all of them — are normal and valid.
The workshops aren't therapy sessions. They're structured but informal, and the emphasis is on peer connection and fun as much as emotional exploration.
Activities at Family Events
At our wider family events, we try to include activities that are designed with siblings in mind. Sometimes that means a craft table where they can work alongside their deaf brother or sister; other times it means a separate activity that gives them a break and a chance to be the focus of attention.
Parent Guidance
Through our parent groups, we also support parents in understanding and responding to their hearing children's needs. It can be hard to spot that a sibling is struggling when they're being "good" and not causing obvious problems. We share practical strategies for keeping communication open and making sure every child in the family feels valued.
Common Sibling Experiences
Every family is different, but some themes come up repeatedly in our workshops and conversations with parents:
Feeling Overlooked
When so much attention goes to audiology appointments, therapy sessions, and school reviews, hearing siblings can feel that their own achievements and struggles are less important. They may not say so directly, but they notice.
Taking on a Caring Role
Older siblings sometimes become informal interpreters, advocates, or protectors of their deaf brother or sister. While this can build confidence and empathy, it can also place a burden on a child who should be free to be a child.
Conflicting Emotions
It's entirely normal for a sibling to love their deaf brother or sister fiercely while also feeling resentful about the extra demands on the family's time and resources. Children need to know that having complicated feelings doesn't make them a bad person.
Social Situations
Some siblings worry about how their friends will react to their deaf brother or sister. Others become passionate advocates for deaf awareness. Both responses are valid, and most children move between the two depending on the situation.
What Parents Can Do
A few suggestions that we share at our parent groups:
- One-to-one time. Even ten minutes of focused, individual attention can make a hearing sibling feel seen and valued.
- Honesty. Explain the situation in age-appropriate terms. Children cope better when they understand what's happening and why.
- Permission to feel. Let them know that all feelings are acceptable, even the uncomfortable ones. "It's okay to feel cross sometimes" goes a long way.
- Involve them. Where appropriate, include siblings in appointments and decisions. It reduces the sense of being on the outside.
- Watch for changes. A child who's usually confident becoming withdrawn, or a child who's usually calm becoming aggressive, may be signalling that they need support.
Get Involved
If you'd like your child to attend a sibling workshop, or you want to know more about what we offer, email us at [email protected]. We'll let you know when the next session is running and answer any questions.
You might also find our emotional wellbeing article helpful, as many of the themes apply to the whole family.