Having siblings is one of the best things that can happen to you in life, what's more, it's the best gift your parents can give you. Siblings teach you to share, they teach you what friendship is and to grow up surrounded by equals. Being an only child is not a condition for life, but it prevents you from living unique experiences, sharing secrets, games, laughter and the company of other children with whom to grow up.
Above all for children with any type of disabilityHaving a brother is a fundamental part of their development. It has been shown that family relationships that are forged in childhood are decisive when it comes to shaping character. Siblings offer the first possibility of establishing a relationship with an equal and this for a child with any type of disability is essential.
Why is it important to have siblings for children with disabilities?
Much is said about the importance of young children attending early childhood education centers so that they learn to socialize. But social relationships can be established in many different settings, in the community or between members of the same family, but one of the first relationships that children establish with their peers is with their own siblings.
A brother offers you confidence, teaches you valuable lessons such as sharing, negotiating, fighting and also reconciling, playing, being patient and learn to manage negative feelings such as envy or jealousy. And this for children with disabilities is a giant step for their personal growth.
Children with disabilities tend to be overprotected in most cases, and this is completely understandable. However, this can encourage the child to develop a shy personality and with difficulty relating to peers. Having siblings is essential for the child to relate in a normal way, with other children who want the same as him and with whom to grow up despite their peculiarities.
What does it mean for a child to grow up with a sibling with a disability?
The usual thing is that the most attention is taken by the child with special needs, and this, of course, can affect the sibling who does not have those needs. There are no studies in this regard, but what does exist is the testimony of many adults who have grown up with disabled siblings, and in most cases the answer is the following:
- Helped them to be more sensitive people and empathic
- They are mature people, since they had to work on their autonomy from childhood
- They value their experience as something positive, since growing up with a sibling with a disability has offered them personal growth
In summary, a brother is a life partner, a playmate, laughs, secrets, confidences and support in bad times.