They get all the attention

Even if your parents are really struggling with all the work they have to do looking after your brother/ sister, it’s okay for you to want some time that’s just about you!

Here are  some things you could do to feel better:

• Try telling your parents how you feel –they may be so wrapped up in looking after your brother/ sister that they haven’t noticed that there has been no time for you recently. If it’s hard to talk to them, you could practice what you want to say by writing it in a diary, a poem, or a letter, by emailing us, or by telling ChildLine about it.
• If you have a Young Carers Project near you, they might have clubs and days out where you can meet other young people your age who are going through the same thing. Young Carers Projects also have workers who will spend time listening to you and who can understand how you are feeling. Some areas have groups that are just for the brothers and sisters of children who have disabilities.
• If your brother/ sister gets help from a social worker or support worker, why not tell them that you are having to do more than you feel comfortable with doing. 
• It might help if your school knows what you are going through so that they can help you when you can’t get homework in on time instead of giving you a hard time.
• Is there someone else you can talk to?

 “We are like two families…someone has to be with John all the time while the other parent is with the other two children.”