A family that cares for a
child with disability regularly faces a lot of challenges. Every family member
becomes involved in the task to maintain a welcoming, comforting environment
for their disabled child. However, a recent study suggests that siblings may be
the most affected of all.
Like everyone else,
siblings of children with disability go through good and not-so-good times with
their respective families. It’s normal for them to have different—even
contradicting—feelings and thoughts about their differently-abled brother or
sister. As a parent, your role is to help your non-disabled children understand
their disabled sibling better. An 18-inch doll may be the best tool to
facilitate that.
There are companies that sell
dolls for boys and girls which are specially made for siblings of disabled kids.
These toys are designed to help the siblings understand the special needs of their
brother or sister with disability. Quality toys like dolls were made to raise
awareness about disability within a family, and to foster some understanding
and a more empathetic and accepting environment in the home.
If your disabled child has siblings,
you may find that one or the other may handle the family dynamics better and
adjust well more than the other who may need some support. As their parent,
you’re the best judge of which of your children needs that extra support. Talk
to a child psychologist or counsellor on how you can help your children adjust
properly.
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