While I was reading an article about siblings of children with a disability and how they are effected, I started thinking about the impact that the parents have on the situation. This article talks about how parents set the tone for the relationship between their children. I think if the parents ahve a positive attitude about the whole experience, it will encourage the siblings to have a good attitude as well. Ultimately, it's up to the parents to communicate with their children and set the tone for their relationships with each other. It's imporant for the siblings to understand their siblings disability. I think parents should be very open and honest with their children about their sibling with a disability. Most people agree that it's important to encourage children with disabilities to become as independent as possible. I think the siblings can also encourage them and help them along with this process. This way the siblings can share the family's responsiblity of helping each other without feeling burdened. According to this article, parents should allow the siblings to express their negative feelings. I agree with this becasue I think children need an outlet to let their emotions out. If they feel comfortable coming to their parents with their feelings, they are less likely to let their negative feelings build up. I think this is better for the family as a whole in the long run. Here is a link to the article...
http://www.theupsideofdowns.org/support/siblings
I fully agree that the children need the positive support from their parents to help them be successful. Children should always feel comfortable with coming to their parents for advice and to talk about their emotions, especially if things are bothering them. I know that from personal experience as a child, I had to go through my parents getting a divorce at such a young age. I may not have always had my parents to talk to, but I did have my teacher who would sit with me almost every day for me to get my emotions about it out. It just reminds me how as a teacher, you are also a parent to these children in your class.
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