Having a child with incontinence can sometimes be a bit stressful for parents, especially when there are other kiddos in the family too. But here’s the thing: having an open chat with your other children about their sibling’s incontinence is a game-changer.

Why? Because it helps everyone understand what’s going on, stops teasing before it starts, and brings the whole family closer together. Plus, it’s a great way to show how much you all look out for each other.

Keep reading for easy tips on how to help your kids understand and support their siblings like total champs!

Start with the Basics

The first step in helping your child’s siblings understand incontinence? Just start the conversation. Talk about what it is, why it happens, and how they can support their brother or sister. Keeping it simple and clear helps everyone get on the same page, especially if their sibling’s incontinence is linked to a neurological or physical condition.

For younger kids, it can be handy to use resources or fact sheets designed just for them – something that explains it all in a way they’ll get. The more they know, the more they can help!

Encourage Open Communication

Good communication is the glue that keeps families strong. Creating a space where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and sharing their thoughts—without any judgement—is key. It not only helps the child with incontinence but also makes sure their siblings feel supported too.

When chatting with your kids about their brother or sister’s incontinence, encourage them to ask any questions. It’s a great way to clear up misunderstandings and give them the confidence to understand what’s going on.

Also, make sure they know it’s okay to talk about how they’re feeling. This is especially important if their sibling has a disability that impacts their continence. Studies show that siblings of children with disabilities, particularly younger ones aged 6-9, can feel more emotional stress or even isolated [1].

Letting them open up can make all the difference.

Stopping and Preventing Bullying

Sibling squabbles? Totally normal. But bullying or chronic teasing—especially about a health condition like incontinence—is never okay. If you notice it happening, step in right away to put a stop to it.

Start by talking to the child doing the teasing. Help them understand how their words and actions affect their sibling’s feelings. Empathy is key here, and you can use prompts to guide them, like:

• How would you feel if someone teased you about something like this?
• If you were in your sibling’s shoes, what kind of support would you want from others?
• How do you think your actions now might shape your relationship with your sibling in the future?
  
  

Encouraging them to apologise is another great way to teach responsibility and show them how to make things right. A little empathy and a heartfelt "sorry" go a long way toward building stronger, kinder relationships.

Seek Professional Support

Having a sibling with incontinence doesn’t always mean you need professional help, but it’s good to keep an eye on how your other child is doing. Stress, frustration, or emotional struggles can sometimes sneak in, and being proactive is the best way to support them.

If you notice any of the following happening regularly, it might be worth a visit to your GP to chat about extra support:

• They’re overly worried or anxious about their siblings and their condition.
• They’re withdrawing from friends or losing interest in activities they usually love.
• You’re noticing big changes in their behaviour, like irritability or aggression.
• They’re expressing guilt or shame about their sibling’s situation.
• They’re avoiding or refusing to spend time with their siblings.

If incontinence is causing ongoing stress in your family, family therapy could also be a great option. A professional can offer tips and guidance to help everyone work through challenges together and keep the family bond strong.

We hope this article sparks some helpful ideas on how to talk with your kids about their sibling’s incontinence in a supportive and constructive way. At ConfidenceClub, we’re here to back your child’s journey with our range of incontinence aids designed for older children and teenagers.

*This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. For medical advice tailored to your unique situation, please seek guidance from a GP or other licensed health professional.