Sibling Activities & Sibshops
The longest relationship our children with Down syndrome will have will be with their siblings. It is important therefore that as a Branch we set up activities so that this relationship between siblings can flourish. We have organised some Sibling Activities over the years such as:
Multi-Activity Group
This was for children between the ages of 4-8 (the pre Special Olympic age) and the children met once a week and played games like What’s the time Mr Wolf? And Duck Duck Goose as well as playing mini-bowling, ball games, using hoops, parachute games, passing items between kids etc. The involvement of siblings was very important for this because they could model the correct way to play the game, help their brother or sister to wait and take turns, follow the leaders instructions, and generally encourage each other. Sometimes our children with Down syndrome just might do something if asked by their sibling rather than a parent.
Music Therapy
We run this during term time, once a month, on Saturday mornings and the whole family can get involved. Siblings are always encouraged to come along because they often benefit from meeting other siblings. Just as parents enjoy meeting other parents, siblings enjoy meeting other siblings and our children who have Down syndrome enjoy meeting other children who have Down syndrome and/or other special needs. Everybody needs a friend and everybody needs to have fun!
Chillax
This is a group set up for our adult members. Some adult siblings help to run these groups with other volunteers as the adult members have a request that “no parents” be involved if possible. Each Chillax group meets up socially and decide amongst themselves to either go to the cinema, go for a pizza, go bowling, see a show, attend a concert, have a night at the dogs, etc..
Other Activities
- Dance classes -
- Golf – We have organised golf lessons with First Tee of Ireland.
SibShops
Sibshops are run on a group-work model, where a group of siblings (usually aged between 8-14 years) come together to share information about their brothers and sisters with disabilities and to have fun.
Benefits of Sibling Activities
- Turn- taking
- Communicating
- Developing language skills
- Learn a new skill or game
- Learn how to follow simple instructions
- Enjoying playing together and becoming a team
- Making friends
- Having fun,