Hello and welcome to SideBySideSibs. I’m so glad you’re here. This space was created for parents who are raising children with disabilities and their siblings — families who juggle therapy sessions, routines, and big emotions every single day. If you’ve ever looked at your “other child” and wondered if they’re getting lost in the mix, this post is for you.
It’s easy to notice the child who needs the most help. Therapy schedules, medical appointments, and meetings with specialists fill so much of a family’s day. Somewhere nearby, often waiting patiently, is another child watching it all unfold. They smile when you ask for patience. They help pack the bag, fetch the wipes, or sit quietly in the waiting room.
Over time, they begin to feel as though they are standing behind glass. Present, but unseen.
This is what people mean when they talk about glass children. These are the siblings of children with disabilities or chronic illnesses who learn to be strong, quiet, or “the good one.” They are not forgotten or unloved. They are simply part of a family system where attention naturally flows toward the child who needs extra care.
I have seen this from every angle: as a parent, an educator, and a researcher in early childhood inclusion. Even in the most loving families, siblings can carry a quiet weight. Some feel guilty for having it easier. Others take on too much responsibility or try to be perfect. Many feel left out, even when their parents are doing everything they can.
The Sibling Story Beneath the Surface
The article “Sibling Challenges” by Siblings Australia describes these emotions beautifully. What I want parents to understand is that these feelings are not a sign of failure. They are simply signs that your child is deeply attuned to what is happening around them.
Our goal is not to make those feelings disappear. It is to meet them with warmth, attention, and words that remind siblings that their story matters too.
When we give siblings permission to express their world through play, conversation, or journaling, we help them find language for emotions they may not fully understand. Those small, everyday gestures teach them that it is safe to take up space.
Why Small Moments Matter
You don’t need to overhaul your whole routine to support your child emotionally. Big changes can feel forced or unsustainable. The truth is that consistency in small, genuine moments makes a far bigger difference.
When you take a few seconds each day to notice your child, you send a quiet but powerful message: I see you. Over time, those small signals build trust. They tell your child that even in a busy household, their place in your heart never shifts.
This steady reassurance helps siblings develop empathy and resilience. Not because they are expected to be strong, but because they feel known and valued.
Looking Ahead
In my work with families, I often remind parents that inclusion begins at home. Supporting a child with additional needs is only one part of the story. The other part is nurturing the emotional wellbeing of every child in the family.
If you are reading this and realising that one of your children might be the “side-stage sibling,” please take heart. You haven’t missed your chance. Connection can begin with something as simple as noticing, naming, and listening.
You don’t have to fix what feels complicated. You only have to reach toward what is human.
Try This Today 💜
| Everyday Moment | Simple Way to Reconnect |
|---|---|
| Car rides | Ask: “What was your favourite and least favourite part of today?” Listen with curiosity, not correction. |
| Bedtime | Spend five minutes talking about their day, not their sibling’s. Lights off, phone away, full attention. |
| Waiting rooms | Bring a small notebook. Draw or write together: “One thing I wish, one thing I love.” |
| Playtime | Let the sibling choose the activity. Follow their lead for ten minutes, even if it gets silly. |
| After therapy | Say, “You waited so kindly today. What would you like to do now that’s just for you?” |
| Family dinner | Invite each child to share one proud moment from the week. Keep it balanced and positive. |
(Tip: You can find more of these ideas inside our Family Conversation Deck, a free printable tool that turns ordinary routines into moments of connection.)
