Parents may be most surprised to learn that guilt is a common emotion for special needs siblings. Siblings seem to naturally take on a sense of responsibility for a variety of issues related to their brother or sister’s challenges. Whether it is guilt about having less struggles and more opportunities themselves or feeling that they are not doing enough to help their parents and siblings to cope, the range of reasons can be vast for these children. Coaching from adults is especially needed to lift them out of this particularly heavy emotion.

What Can You Do With Siblings This Month?

1. Uncovering a sibling’s collection of guilt-ridden thoughts takes a compassionate conversation initiated by parents and trusted adults. https://siblingleadership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/3-Helping-SIblings-Cope.pdf
2. One of the best ways to unburden children from guilt is to help them question how reasonable it is to hold the thoughts they do. Point out the situations that disprove what they are believing about themselves and their role in the family’s situation.

The Power of Parents

Parents carry their own burden of guilt and deserve to give themselves the same compassion and understanding they strive to give their children. They are managing an extraordinary life and that merits acknowledgement and appreciation.

ACES is Helping You Support the Longest Family Relationship!