September 26, 2025

#62 The Forgotten Family Members: How Dyslexia Affects Siblings Who Don't Struggle

6 minutes

Has your family life been taken over by one child's learning differences? Do you worry about the invisible impact on your other children who seem to be "the easy ones"? We often pour so much energy into supporting our dyslexic children that we forget about their siblings. Today, we're talking about the overlooked family members in the dyslexia journey: the brothers and sisters who might feel invisible, confused, or even resentful.

In this episode you’ll discover why they may feel guilty about their own success, take on adult responsibilities, or struggle with a feeling that their needs always come second. This is a conversation that will help you learn how to navigate these complex family dynamics, talk about learning differences in an age-appropriate way, and ensure every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated for who they are.

Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!

My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.

Topics Covered:

Why siblings of children with dyslexia often feel overlooked and resentful, and what you can do to help them feel seen [1:03]

The ways dyslexia can affect the entire family system, and the unexpected impact it has on typically developing siblings [1:31]

How a child's role as the "easy one" can lead to them taking on inappropriate responsibilities and hiding their own academic success [1:52]

What resentment and perfectionism in adulthood can reveal about the lasting impact of growing up with a dyslexic sibling [3:06]

Strategies for giving appropriate attention to each child by understanding the difference between equal and fair [4:09]

How open communication and celebrating each child's unique strengths can build a balanced and supportive family [5:30]

Key Takeaways

Dyslexia affects the entire family, not just the child who has it.

It’s important to understand that the "easy" child has needs, too.

The key to a balanced family isn't giving every child the exact same amount of attention, but rather giving each child the appropriate attention and support they need as an individual.

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:

Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!

Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid.

Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read.

Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to [email protected] or a DM on Instagram.

I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.

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By Jennie Sjursen

4.6

77 ratings