Trine Brun Kittelsen, a researcher and occupational therapist, explores the complex dynamics within families that have seriously ill children. She emphasizes the intense emotions experienced by siblings, who often feel overlooked in the face of their sibling's health challenges. This sentiment of being sidelined emerges as a significant theme in the experiences of these children who are navigating their own feelings amidst the family's overarching focus on the ill child.

Kittelsen notes that the fear and uncertainty felt by families in these situations often compound the emotional distress of the siblings. For instance, Amalie Nilsen's younger sister, who has a congenital genetic syndrome, has spent much of her young life in hospitals due to associated health complications. This ongoing medical situation not only affects the ill child but also places a heavy emotional burden on siblings, who may struggle to voice their own needs and feelings.

The research brings to light the importance of considering the emotional well-being of siblings within the context of serious childhood illnesses. By recognizing and addressing these feelings of being overlooked, families and healthcare providers can work toward creating a more supportive environment for all children involved, thus promoting better mental health outcomes for siblings who are often left in the shadows of their siblings' medical challenges.