Anyone with sisters and brothers can tell you, siblings are often the family members that we spend the most time with. They're your BFF, your support system and sometimes even your adversary - but when you have sibling with special needs you need to find different ways to communicate and share experiences with them. Check out these Strategies for Special Needs Siblings from Care.com to find out more!
No.1: Listen and Learn
The best strategy for coping with stressful or unexpected situations with your special needs sibling is to learn as much as you can about their challenges, disability and how they see the world. The more you know the easier it will be find a way handle any situation. Having a special needs sibling isn't uncommon, but it does mean learning to communicate in a whole new way.
No.2: Communicate Openly
If you're feeling frustrated, angry, disappointed or even just confused and have questions let your parents know right away. They will understand and be able to help you and explain what's going on. When it comes to special needs, everyone in the family has to be able to talk freely about how to effectively help your sibling.
No.3: Fair Doesn't Always Mean Equal
Sometimes it can seem unfair that maybe you have to clean your room or do chores and your sibling doesn't, but remember things that are easy for you are not so simple for them and have to be based around their challenges.
No.4:Have an Outlet for Stress
Stress can be a major factor of lief when you have a special needs sibling, so it's important to have an outlet for your feelings whether it's shooting hoops, talking to friends, or writing in diary, find what works best for you when you need to vent.
No.5:Sibling Bonding
It's important to be close to siblings and to spend time with them so that you create great memories and trust for the future. This should make things easier and more enjoyable for both you and your sibling. Find out what activities are the most fun for both of you and go from there.
Have Your Say
Do you have a sibling with special needs? How do you overcome challenges with them?
