When a family member has an illness, the entire family can be affected. The way that the illness is dealt with has an affect on the entire family. Some Mothers or fathers that are have an illness discuss the illness as little as possible with their children because they don't want to worry their children. This can often have the opposite effect. Because the children know something is going on, but they don't know what, it often feels more scary for them. It is the same with children who's siblings are suffering. It is often best to give them as much information as they ask for. As hard as this is to believe, dealing with an illness can be a growth experience for the people involved if it dealt with in a sensitive and mature manner.