Sibshops are opportunities for siblings of children with special needs to obtain peer support and education in a recreational context. They are not therapy sessions, although many parents report they are theraputic for their children who attend. Sibshops are led by adult siblings (those who've walked the walk) and are geared toward school-age children. Sibshops can be modified for pre-school attendees or for teenage participants. Many times, a Sibshop is the first opportunity siblings have to meet others who have special needs brothers or sisters - those who understand what their life is about. Sibshops are the creation of Don Meyer of the Arc of the U.S. Meyer has been involved in the establishment of sibling support programs across the United States, as well as numerous foreign countries. Detailed information can be found at the Sibling Support Project's web page (www.thearc.org/siblingsupport/).
They'll have an opportunity to talk about the goood and not-so good parts of having a sibling with disabilty. They'll definitely have fun. Sibshops are an exciting, information and recreation opportunity for siblings ages 8-13. Besides peer support, Sibshops provide participants with an opportunity to learn more about their siblings disability. Participants play new games, cook dinner, and make new friends.
Brothers and sisters may have feelings that are difficult to express, even to a friend: sadness that a sister can't learn things that others take for granted, anger when a brother's behavior problems prevent the family from doing things other families do, or the special pride when a sibling learns a basic but important life skill after months or years of practice. At Sibshops, siblings will share these feelings with others who can truly relate to each others life styles.
Make sure that you sign up for Sibshops as soon as possible. They will have a blast and learn things that no kid would ever think of learning. See you soon and hope you enjoy them as much as possible.
