Supporting Siblings During a Speech Therapy Journey
Speech therapy focuses on developing a child's ability to communicate with his surroundings. Therapies help them express themselves and give them the confidence to interact with others, especially their siblings.
Siblings form a unique bond, understanding and supporting each other through thick or thin. When a brother or a sister can't communicate well, a sibling usually steps up, acting as a support system for the other. This amazing sibling relationship is a critical aspect of speech therapy that should never be overlooked.
In this post, we will explore the meaningful and positive roles siblings play in speech therapy. We will highlight common challenges and strategies in including siblings in therapies. We will also focus on the role of parents in balancing care, especially when one child requires more attention than others.
Why Siblings Matter in Speech Therapy
Every parent knows that each child is unique compared to their siblings. One may be independent, while the other may often demand attention.
A sibling may feel left out or confused in a family where one child needs speech therapy. Some may act out, unable to understand why their brother or sister requires special attention and why parents treat them differently.
However, siblings can become valuable communication partners, models, and motivators when parents include them in the therapy process. Let's see why siblings matter in therapy:
Communication Partners
Including a sibling in therapy is like having a partner to help motivate and support their brother or sister. Siblings can participate in various communication activities, such as singing songs, reading books, telling stories, or playing games. Older siblings can help prepare toys, food, etc., to ensure every therapy session is a success.
Motivators
Siblings know each other better than anyone and can motivate each other no matter what activity. With simple words of encouragement like "You can do it!" or "It's easy if you try!" siblings can act as cheerleaders, rooting for their brother or sister session after session. And simply by being present, they can support their siblings on their communication journey.
Models
Siblings can teach how to pronounce words, make sounds, and communicate their emotions during storytime that includes animal names and sounds. For instance, a sibling can model how to say the word "cow" and make the sound of the animal.
Siblings make every communication session, playtime, storytime, or family activity an enjoyable and positive experience for the child. And when a child feels happy, accepted, and supported, they become more eager to participate and learn.
Common Challenges Siblings May Face
Siblings can become excellent communication partners to parents; however, some families encounter the following challenges:
Feeling jealous or overlooked
A sibling may feel jealous of their brother or sister because of the "special treatment" they get from their parents. They may notice their parents spending more time with their siblings while giving them more responsibilities (chores, schoolwork, or expecting them to care for their siblings).
Mimicking speech errors or becoming overly dominant
They eventually realise that their parents give special attention to their siblings with communication needs and try to mimic these behaviours so they can also receive special attention.
They may also become overly dominant, demanding attention from their parents or caregivers; they may refuse to do their chores and homework or unreasonably demand new toys, books, or gadgets.
Misunderstanding the nature of the therapy
They may think their parents favour their siblings more than they do when attending speech therapy sessions. They may also consider therapy sessions as playtime or fun time that they can't join. These often happen when parents fail to explain what happens in therapy sessions or when they exclude siblings from these activities.
Addressing these signs early can help avoid negative behaviours among siblings. By including brothers and sisters in therapy and recognising their efforts, no matter how small, siblings can become active and effective partners and motivators in a child's developmental journey.
How to Positively Include Siblings in the Therapy Process
Don't underestimate the support and motivation siblings can give to each other! Use practical inclusion techniques to include your child's siblings in speech therapy:
Designate siblings as a "helper" during home practice
Inform the sibling that they will have a special role in helping their sibling during therapy sessions. They will be the deputy, assisting you in crafting games and activities, arranging toys and books, making the room comfortable for play, and motivating their brother or sister.
Reward them for being a helpful helper. For example, they can choose a toy or book they want, or a fun place they wish to visit for the weekend.
Set aside 1:1 time with each child
After playtime or home therapy, you may set aside an hour or two with each child. You can help them with their homework, go shopping, or let them help you with chores. As you spend regular time with them, allow them to voice their thoughts about their sibling's speech therapy and answer their concerns honestly.
Use books and play to explain speech delays
Younger siblings may not immediately understand what's happening and may not fully grasp the importance of therapy. You can use books or play activities to explain communication delays, using simple language to help them understand what their sibling is experiencing. Guide them in understanding how they can help, even in their own little way.
Invite them to observe or participate in family goals
Make siblings feel important during family discussions and planning. Let them voice their concerns and be heard. Show them their opinions matter by letting them decide on activities, noting their suggestions on how to care for their sibling, and expressing your gratitude for their efforts.
The goal is to foster a spirit of teamwork within the family, ensuring that every member plays a vital role in a child's speech development journey.
The Role of Parents in Balancing Sibling Needs
As parents, you have a special role in balancing your children's needs. Having a child with speech delays does not mean you need to sacrifice your time and energy in nurturing only one child. Although it may feel overwhelming, you can overcome these challenges by applying the following practical strategies:
Provide individual attention
Ensure each child gets quality time with you to help them feel valued and appreciated. Take time to learn about their interests, hobbies, and needs. For instance, if a child loves to collect rocks or play basketball, join in these activities, showing your genuine interest and concern for what they love.
Plan activities that siblings will enjoy together
As you learn their likes and needs, you can arrange shared activities that siblings will love.
For example, if one sibling loves the beach while the other likes riding bikes, you can schedule a Saturday bike ride to the beach and then ice cream afterwards.
Treat each child with fairness
Recognise that their needs may differ and focus on meeting these needs rather than trying to give them similar experiences. For example, a trip to the mall may be exciting for a teenage child but too tiring and stimulating for a child with communication needs.
Teach siblings about healthy conflict resolutions
Help your children apply healthy ways to resolve conflicts by using active listening and compromise.
For instance, a sibling may need to practice their violin while the other needs to study. Help them resolve this conflict by listening to each other and compromising on a schedule.
Have regular family meetings
Schedule a regular family meeting on the first Sunday of every month, where every member can share their thoughts, concerns, and feelings. During this activity, every member has the opportunity to voice their concerns without judgment. They can also help plan for future activities, especially when it comes to helping their siblings during speech therapy sessions.
Our Parent Powered Communication Approach focuses on real-life parenting strategies, enabling parents to easily and effectively apply speech therapy techniques at home. We believe in the power of family teamwork and sibling collaboration, and with empowered parents at the helm, a child can experience lasting progress.
How V-Well Supports the Whole Family
Our family-centred philosophy focuses not only on the child in therapy but also integrates family members, especially siblings. Our parent coaching strategies are versatile and effective, ideal for all family sizes. Whether you have two, three, or more children, we create strategies that work for everyone, taking into account the capabilities of every family member.
We offer practical tips to help parents include siblings during sessions, ensuring effective and lasting results. From playtime activities to bedtime rituals, we ensure siblings are active participants, helpers, and motivators in their brother or sister's care.
Finally, to ensure the effectiveness of speech therapy sessions, we gather feedback from other families that have found sibling-inclusive therapies successful. Your feedback means a great deal in helping us improve our strategies and supporting many families in need.
Celebrating Family as a Communication Team
When the family supports one another, speech therapy becomes more effective and emotionally sustainable. We believe in the strength and capabilities of each family member, and regardless of age, we recognise siblings as vital to developing a child's speech and communication skills.
Siblings form special connections, bonds that last forever.
At V-Well, we empower families, not just clients, through collaborative and compassionate care. Working with families is at the core of our philosophy, the secret to every child's success.
FAQs About Sibling Involvement in Speech Therapy
1. Should siblings come to speech therapy sessions?
Yes, siblings should participate in speech therapy sessions to encourage them to become partners and motivators in their siblings' progress.
2. What if my other child feels left out?
Talk to your child and allow them to voice their feelings and thoughts. Make them partners in their siblings' therapy and become part of the family's planning and goal-setting phase to make them feel included and important.
3. Can my child's sibling help with speech home practice?
Sure, they can. They can help by modelling words and sounds, helping with activity preparation, and motivating their siblings during activities.
4. How do I explain a speech delay to younger siblings?
Explain it in simple words or language that they can easily understand. State that every person has their own pace in communicating and learning; thus, they can help by being a good listener.
5. What role can siblings play in building communication?
Siblings can be helpers, models, and motivators to help their siblings build communication skills.
