In celebration of our siblings

Cher_Alumni

Today (10 April 2021) is National Sibling Day, a global awareness day dedicated to recognising our brothers and sisters!

Although our brothers and sisters might have once been a source of annoyance (!), to have their unconditional love and support in our lives is a blessing and one that's good to reflect on, on days like today. 

Why is National Sibling Day important for disabled people?

The charity Sibs is an organisation set up especially for the brothers and sisters of disabled people. To mark today, Sibs are drawing attention to the attributes of siblings of disabled people that often go overlooked, namely - being an advocate and a carer, being patient as parents tend to the needs of siblings and lastly, being a constant source of love and support.  

To find out more, and learn what lockdown was like for siblings of disabled children, visit this BBC news article.  

Under the campaign name #Itsasiblingthing, Sibs are asking disabled people to celebrate this special day by:

• Young siblings check out our YoungSibs website where we have a blog piece all about #NationalSiblingsDay2021 and how you can get involved.  Why not have a look at what BBC Newsround said about National Siblings Day including some Top Tips for Siblings?  You can also find colouring sheets at the bottom of this page.
• Adult siblings can share the joy on social media with snippets, stories and photos. What’s your favourite childhood photo? What made you both smile or laugh when you were kids? Tell us your #ItsaSiblingThing and join the conversation. You can find more ideas of how to mark the day as an adult sibling here
• Parents, don’t forget to tell us about those little sibling moments that have made your heart burst with pride – you know the ones – it’s just something unique between your disabled child and their brother(s) and sister(s) – #ItsaSiblingThing. Want an activity to share with your sibling child? Download our young sibling activity sheets at the bottom of this page
• Organisations, charities and schools – we would love your support in raising awareness of siblings of disabled people! Let us know how you plan to celebrate, whether it’s with a classroom session, a sponsored event or sharing on social – we really appreciate you taking the time to recognise and acknowledge siblings on this important day

Thinking about our own siblings 

National Sibling Day gives us a great opportunity to reflect on what our own siblings or sibling figures bring, or brought, to our lives. 

I have one sister who has been an absolute rock throughout my life, be it helping me when my condition was flaring or being someone to rationalise my thoughts when things get too much.  We are very much Yin and Yang so it's great to have that balance and she also shares my sense of humour!  I am so thankful for everything she does for not only me, but our family.

How about you?  What does/did your siblings bring to your life?  Let's celebrate them! 

janer1967

Good thread 

I would be lost without my brother,  in our twenties we went out drinking together 
, shared same friends , even lived in his house as lodger 

I helped with his kids when they were little and we always went abroad as whole families 

He has been there for me since my last separation and since my disability 

He took my son in every time I went in hospital,  has become the male influence in tobys life and he does all my odd jobs 

Enough said wouldn't want him getting big headed 

Sandy_123

Being the youngest of 7 i have 4 sisters and 2 brothers, we only keep in touch on social media, not really a close nit family to be honest. Maybe meet up at get together like weddings etc. Or the odd meal or coffee.

Lisatho11987777

I have one brother we used to be realy close until he married I don't get on with my sister in law and have spent alot of time arguing with my brother since my mum was diagnosed with dementia I will leave it there lol otherwise it will be to long