Sibling Day🤗

Mary_Scope

Happy Sibling Day!!

Children often understand more than we think and siblings of disabled children are no different! They may experience a wide range of feelings—pride, love, frustration and sometimes confusion. Siblings of disabled children have a unique perspective on family life and their role is often overlooked in conversations about disability. By acknowledging their experiences, we can help them navigate their emotions and build stronger and more compassionate relationships with their brothers and sisters. By supporting siblings, we’re helping them build resilience, empathy and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Tips for supporting a disabled child's siblings
• Let siblings choose if they want to help with their brother or sister.
• If you can, try to spend a little time with each child on their own, even if this is reading a book or going to the local park.
• Ask friends and family to help siblings continue their normal routines, such as going to sports clubs or other things they like to do.
• Ask your local authority about short break services in your area.
• Some people find it helpful to have cards explaining their child’s condition. These can give siblings a way to talk about their disabled brother or sister to their friends.
• Plan activities and outings you can do as a whole family.

Further Support for Siblings
YoungSibs
Brilliant website for siblings of disabled children between 7 to 17 that provides information, tips and a safe moderated chat forum for the young people.

SENSE
Lots of different online sessions and activities for siblings and young carers between 5-18 to connect with others and build friendships

If your child cares for their sibling a lot and you believe they would qualify as a young carer then it is definitely worth contacting your local carer service and seeing what support is available - this can vary between local authorities

Being a parent to both a child with disabilities and other siblings isn’t easy, but you don’t have to go through it alone. We are here to support you on the community as much as we can!

Every family’s experience is unique and sharing your journey can be a powerful way to support others. How do you support your child who is a sibling of a disabled child? What challenges have you faced and what has helped?