Relatives – we are here for you too
Premature birth affects not only the parents, but also the relatives around them. Immediate family can be a significant source of support for parents during challenging times, but it is important to understand the proper role and needs of parents at this stage.
How to support?
- Offer practical help: Cooking, laundry, taking care of older siblings, and even helping organize trips to the hospital.
- To provide a listening ear: Listening without judgment or unwanted advice is an important gift.
- To be updated in a sensitive manner: Send short messages of support, and show that you are available without pressuring parents to share if they are not interested.
What should you avoid?
- Understate the experience: Statements like "everything will be okay" or "at least it's over" may hurt, even if they are said with good intentions.
- Don't compare situations.: Stories about other children or comparisons to personal experience may be unnecessary.
- To arrive without coordination: Uncoordinated visits may be burdensome for parents.
Emotional involvement
Relatives also experience feelings of worry and confusion. It is important to find forums or groups that offer information and support to relatives, not just parents. Communication between family members must be open and respectful, while understanding the boundaries that parents set.
Thoughtful and appropriate support from relatives can provide parents with strength and comfort, and help them focus on caring for their child.
The association maintains support groups for family members. Youth group – Brothers and sisters of premature babies and a group For grandparentsYou are warmly invited.
