Siblings of CHD kids

Riley is my life, so is my other kids. They are all so important to me but sometimes I wonder, do I do enough with my heart healthy kids as I do with my CHD kid? So many times I sit and think, and I neglecting my other kids? Do they understand why Riley needs more time than other kids?  The end of May, Noah one of my heart healthy kids had his tonsils and adenoids out.  One night we were talking and he said “so I am having surgery like baby Riley?”  ” Am I going to have to fly away and they fix my heart too?”  “That’s surgery”  I just explained about the types of surgery but it was then I realized even more that CHD affects the siblings just as much as parents.  We somewhat understand but kids don’t.  I decided to sit down with my other kids and explain Riley’s situation and some friends of ours with heart babies.  Of course my older one gets it but the younger are still apprehensive of doctor visits for Riley because they think I am going away with Riley to have more surgery.  I know they will understand one day but it is so important to explain to your kids CHD’s.  I have realized that CHD affects EVERYONE in the family.  Not just me, or Riley, but my kids too….

Related posts:

1. Shooting our wounded