They vie for the affection and approval of their parents, they argue with each other and yet no other relationship is as close and able to endure as much as the bond between siblings. Regardless of whether it is a connection like the Klitschko or Gallagher brothers have, sibling relationships run deep and in the case of Liam and Noel can also withstand repeated disagreements.
After all, the same blood flows through their veins. But what happens if your brother or sister is a person with a disability? Parents often walk a fine line between overprotecting the child with a disability and overburdening his or her sibling. Needless to say, this is not an easy situation because the child with the disability often inherently needs more attention.
While there are many support groups for parents who are in this particular situation, many groups and projects are also dedicated to the brothers and sisters of people with disabilities. There is a Sibling Club that meets once a week and we also feature a monthly themed Siblings Day. This year, we were able to carry out several leisure events with the help of our project partners and private donations," says Nina Vietzke, a degreed social worker and one of two experts, who are a vital part of the project.
Her colleague Joshua Wolter explains why this service is aimed at siblings. We believe that it encourages siblings to focus on their own needs and desires and spend time with other children and adolescents, who are in a similar situation.
Growing up is already a difficult feat. Growing up with a brother or sister makes things even more complicated. After all, sibling rivalry, jealousy, and conflict are just as common as getting along again and wreaking some havoc together.
