An estimated 7 million “typically developing” American children have siblings with disabilities.  For many, the experience is positive that teaches them to accept other people as they are and appreciate their health and abilities. Children with disabled siblings often embrace a greater tolerance for others and become more attuned to society’s treatment of the disabled.

However, some resent the extra demands placed on them at any early age by their disabled siblings and many feel neglected by their over-burdened parents.  Many suffer embarrassment about their siblings’ bizarre behavior or abnormal appearance, and then feel guilty about it.  Children may feel guilty about acknowledging any negative feelings they have and many siblings experience feelings of bitterness and resentment towards their parents or their sibling with a disability. These are difficult emotions for children.

The best thing you can do to help your children with their feelings toward your disabled child

It is important for you to take time to talk openly about your child’s disability with your other children. Apart from your discussions with your children, children need a place where they can openly discuss their concerns and emotions. A support group available to your children can provide an excellent outlet for siblings to share their feelings with others in a similar situation and address the needs of your non-disabled children.

A “sibling support group” will help your children realize that their emotional swings between positive and negative emotions are perfectly natural. The support group will help your children understand why they have feelings of resentment and occasional embarassment and help them understand and cope with these feelings.

Most importantly, the support group can help your children appreciate the wonderful qualities that their disabled sibling offers. Remember, your children will have the longest lasting relationships of anyone with your disabled child and helping them appreciate their disabled sibling will foster a life-long bond between them.

If you would like to get more information about a “sibling support group” for the brothers and sisters of disabled children, the ARC of your county can provide this information to you.  The support groups usually meet once a month.

If you have any questions about sibling support groups, I welcome your phone call on my toll-free cell at 1-866-889-6882 or you can send me an e-mail at jfisher@fishermalpracticelaw.com .  You are always welcome to request a free copy of my book, The Seven Deadly Mistakes of Malpractice Victims, by sending me an e-mail with your name and address at jfisher@fishermalpracticelaw.com . I will also be happy to add you to the mailing list for my newsletter, Your Malpractice Insider, at no charge.