WHAT IS A SIBSACK?

A Sibsack is a backpack that comes with helpful and fun items that have been developed to help you talk with your 3-5 year-old(s) about their sibling’s disability. How to discuss a big topic with your young children can seem overwhelming. This kit provides you with a few simple, age-appropriate tools and tips. Each Sibsack includes:

SIBSACK ACTIVITY BOOK

Explore the activities. Enjoy the creativity and interaction it sparks.

TOY

What would a kit for children be without a toy? Play is important in relationships between parent and child, and between siblings.

Barrel of Monkeys Instructions

Instructions for playing with Fun Barrel of Monkeys

 

You can play this game by yourself or with others.

 

By yourself:

Dump the monkeys onto a flat surface. Pick up one monkey by an arm. Hook the other arm through a second monkey's arm. Continue making a chain. It is fun to do over and over and time yourself to see how quickly you can pick up all the monkeys.

   

With others:

One player at a time, pick up one monkey by an arm. Hook the other arm through a second monkey’s arm. Continue making a chain until a monkey is dropped. Count the monkeys on your chain. Then the next person makes a chain and counts the number of monkeys they connected before dropping a monkey.

   

The player who creates the longest chain wins. If there is a tie, the person who did it fastest wins.

   

If you have more than one barrel, give each play a barrel of monkeys and race against one another or dump all the monkeys on the floor from all the sets and have players all at the same time create chains. See who makes the longest monkey chain in the shortest time.

STORYBOOK & BOOK LIST

Books can help children value the unique traits and special gifts of each member of their and the world them.

"My Mommy and Daddy told me that Nicole was born very early and her brain got hurt. I love Nicole. I like to hug her."

— Ben, age 4 (from Views from My Shoes)

Keep in mind that family members may experience the journey of living with someone with a disability differently. Be aware that siblings of any age will experience both positive and negative feelings.

  • Reassure your child they are loved. The Sibsack activities can help you.
  • Keep your child informed. Always be open and honest about what is going on and answer questions in terms your child can under­ stand, even if the response is “we don’t know yet”. The details about “why” may be more appropriate as they get a little older.
  • Recognize and acknowledge your child’s role and feelings. Siblings often like to take a special role in helping their brother or sister. It helps them feel more in control. Acknowledge their role by talking with them about it.
siblings sitting in chairs outside

HELP YOUR CHILD DEVELOP COPING STRATEGIES

When a child experiences emotional challenge, join them in coming up with ways to cope. Encourage them to talk freely with you, another family member, or a counselor about their concerns. Books are great ways of showing how others come up with ways of coping with challenges.

siblings sitting in chairs outside

HELP YOUR CHILD DEVELOP COPING STRATEGIES

When a child experiences emotional challenge, join them in coming up with ways to cope. Encourage them to talk freely with you, another family member, or a counselor about their concerns. Books are great ways of showing how others come up with ways of coping with challenges.

MORE ABOUT US

Sibsacks are brought to you by WisconSibs, Inc, a non­-profit based in Appleton, WI dedicated to the interests of sisters and brothers of people with disabilities throughout their life-long journey. A variety of peer-support, informational, and social programs are designed for children, teens, and adults including:

  • Sibshops (ages 6–12)
  • Sib Camps (ages 6–17)
  • Teen Sib Leadership (ages 13–19)WisconSibs Logo
  • Journey Forward (future planning for adult siblings)
  • Volunteer training
  • Consulting and presentations

More information can be found at wisconsibs.org. Contact us for infor­mation about how we can benefit your family.

CONTACT US

Are you interested in learning more about Sibsacks or ordering for yourself or organization? Use the contact form below and we will be in touch shortly.

Siblings walking through woods holding hands

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

A Few Helpful Resources for Young Siblings of Children with Disabilities:

Books for children are listed in the Parents guide and can be found on the WisconSibs website at wisconsibs.org.

Additional Web Resources

childmind.org

sibs.org.uk

   siblingsupport.org

researchautism.org