OBJECTIVE To understand the meaning for the child/adolescent of participating in the care of the disabled sibling. METHODS Research in the light of the Heideggerian phenomenological approach, carried out in the northern region of Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil. Twenty children/adolescents who lived with their disabled sibling participated. The information was collected through phenomenological interviews, interpreted in the light of hermeneutics from Paul Ricoeur. RESULTS The child/adolescent helps the family in caring for the disabled sibling, in feeding, bathing, dressing, among other activities, at sometimes there is excessive responsibility of the child/adolescent for the care of the sibling. CONCLUSIONS The inclusion of the child/adolescent who lives with a disabled sibling and their families in the planning and implementation of health care activities is essential. It stands out as a research contribution to the qualification of the practice of health professionals, especially the nurse in the scope of care for the child/adolescent who experience this phenomenon.