FUNDRAISERS

3. OPEN COMMUNICATION within the family about the disability or illness and your positive and negative experiences with it will enable your children to talk to you.

4. LISTEN - Acknowledging concerns can go a long way in helping siblings cope with altered lives, pressures and worries.

5. CELEBRATE - Siblings often hear their parents get excited about something the child with a disability has accomplished. Remember to also celebrate your other child by recognizing their own strengths and accomplishments.

6. FIND QUALITY TIME - Find some "one on one" time with your child you both can enjoy and cherish.

7. RESPITE - There are stressful events such as the reaction of people in public, unexpected disruptions to family plans, and extra home responsibility. Recognize that children need a break from time to time to cope.

8. SUPPORT AND TEACH - Siblings often want training or ideas for caring for or playing with their brother or sister. Help brainstorm some ideas or involve therapists in coming up with ideas for play.

9. EXPECT BEHAVIOR - Although difficult to watch, teasing, arguing and other forms of conflict are common among most brothers and sisters - even when one has special needs. Its normal and can be beneficial to both typical and special needs children in the family.

10. ENCOURAGE CONTACTS - Find ways that your typical child can meet other siblings and families who have a child with special needs.

Sibshops help parents with each of these.
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