As the school year has begun, I hear more about parents becoming Advocates for their children. This is one of the important functions parents play in the lives of their children. Siblings also catch the Advocacy Bug. The Advocacy Bug may take different forms for siblings, but they encounter opportunities at home, at school, on the playground, and in the community. Advocating for a brother or sister may come naturally to some siblings or may be uncomfortable for others.
Kids usually watch their parents as role models for advocacy.
If kids observe their parents speaking openly about their brother or sisters special needs, they will learn ways to express and explain themselves, as well as, learn that it is OK to be assertive. Within this helpful guide the authors offer tips for promoting and teaching advocacy to siblings. It is suggested to encourage siblings to share their ideas and opinions on how best to advocate for their brother or sister. During Sibshops we often role play opportunities to advocate for brothers and sisters. You could try this at home.