The family unit is an integral part to growing up. Our brothers and sisters taught us much along with our 
parents. Of course some of those things our parents wish they hadn’t taught us, like burping at the table! Brothers and sisters of those with special needs are a tremendous resource in the family unit. Some times the demands a parent is faced with guide much of their time away from their typically developing children.
The Sibling Support Project is a nationwide organization dedicated to the life-long concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns. Their site has some great information and resources that parents can utilize to understand what typically developing children may be going through and how they can be helped. Here are some themes that arose in a recent survey:
- The Right to One’s Own Life.
- Acknowledging Siblings’ Concerns.
- Expectations for Typically-Developing Siblings.
- Expect Typical Behavior from Typically-Developing Siblings.
- Expectations for the Family Member with Special Needs.
- The Right to a Safe Environment.
- Opportunities to Meet Peers.
- Opportunities to Obtain Information.
- Sibs’ Concerns about the Future.
- Including Both Sons and Daughters.
- Communication.
- One-on-One Time with Parents.
- Celebrate Every Child’s Achievements and Milestones.
- Parents’ Perspective is More Important than the Actual Disability.
- Include Siblings in the Definition of “Family”.
- Actively Reach Out to Brothers and Sisters.
- Learn More About Life as a Sibling.
- Create Local Programs Specifically for Brothers and Sisters.
- Include Brothers and Sisters on Advisory Boards and in Policies Regarding Families.
- Fund Services for Brothers and Sisters.
To learn more on this topic click here.
Children’s Care partners with South Dakota Parent Connection to host “SibShops” as a resource to help siblings. Check out Parent Connection at their site - http://www.sdparent.org/ for more resources and meeting times.
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