Five Reasons Why Sibling Support Groups Are Important
Caring for a child with a disability can be overwhelming for all members of a family. As parents, we are often consumed with the demands of caring for our children with special needs, and we often don’t see the true impact it can have on their siblings. It is understood that children with disabilities require more attention than their typically developing siblings, however, that can cause friction within families. Siblings also feel the physical, emotional and mental effects of caring for a family member with a disability and can experience grief just as parents do. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, confusion, embarrassment, anger and resentment. Navigating these emotions may be difficult for siblings as well as parents, so finding appropriate outlets is crucial to helping siblings cope. Research also highlights the positive outcomes of sibling support. Here are five reasons sibling support groups are important for siblings of children with disabilities.
1. Sibling Support Groups Provide a Safe Space to Vent
It is quite common for siblings of children with disabilities to experience negative emotions. They often report not feeling heard or understood. Your life may be easier if siblings fall in line and adopt, however, their feelings are valid and they need to know that. Sibling support groups can provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for them to voice how they truly feel and how being a sibling of a child with a disability affects daily life. Like caregivers, siblings have to make adjustments that disrupt their lives. Having a space where they can openly vent and be validated without feeling guilty is important.
2. Reduction in Mental Health Concerns
Out of respect for parents, siblings will refrain from expressing how they feel. Over time, this can have the potential to have serious consequences for their mental health. Growing up with a child with a disability is no easy feat and comes with a lot of pressure and responsibility. This can overwhelm siblings and negatively impact their mental well-being if left unchecked. Research shows that siblings of children with disability often experience higher levels of anxiety and depression. Luckily, research also shows that sibling support can reduce the risk of siblings experiencing adverse mental health issues later in life. Seeking support for your child early is therefore crucial.
3. Sibling Support Groups Can Build Resilience
The American Psychological Association defines resilience as “the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands”. Resilience is an important skill for siblings to develop as they will experience many challenges throughout life. Sibling support groups can expose siblings to effective coping skills they can use during stressful events.
4. Sibling Support Groups Builds Tolerance
One thing siblings may lack, especially towards their special needs brother/sister is tolerance. Having to constantly adjust to accommodate their sibling can lead to resentment and intolerance. Despite having siblings with the same disability, your child will have very different experiences than another child. Sibling support groups will allow your child to hear the different challenges their peers experience. They will also hear about the things those same peers love about their siblings and the same ways they bring joy into their lives. Additionally, sibling groups often include peers with brothers/sisters with more severe or other types of disabilities which may reveal struggles they never even thought of. Hearing the hardships of peers can increase tolerance which can improve the relationship between siblings.
5. Potential to Form Meaningful Friendships with Peers
Having a supportive community of friends can be powerful in times of adversity. As parents, we are often advised to find a community where we can feel supported. This is also true for children. Siblings can feel isolated when they’re unable to share with others who don’t understand their struggles. Sibling support groups give them the opportunity to form meaningful friendships with other siblings who get it.
Understanding and catering to the mental and emotional needs of siblings of children with disabilities are important. Showing you care about the struggles they experience makes them feel heard and appreciated. Finding a sibling support group can help your child develop adaptive coping skills that can mitigate the effects of negative emotions. Contacting local support agencies in your area can put you on track to finding the best fit for your child.