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Parents
NEW!! An Internet place where parents can talk to
other parents about their "other" kids!
SibParent, sponsored by Don Meyer's Sibling Support Project, is a new,
innovative listserv where parents can discuss the joys and concerns experienced
by their typically developing children.
This forum, hosted by a mom of children with and
without special needs is for parent who want to support the Sibshop movement.
Click
here for the flyer. Or go to
Sibling Support
Project to learn more about the Sibling Support Project and Sibshop
movement sweeping the country.
Ten Simple (or not) Rules for parents -
1. REMEMBER - Siblings' experiences closely parallel their parents'
experiences.
2. SHARE INFORMATION - Siblings need INFORMATION on the child's condition,
including how it is evaluated and treated. Not knowing causes greater fear
than knowing.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. |
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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.
See Upcoming Sibshops
For more tips, browse the most recent issue of
Sibnews , FVSSN's
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