Celebrating Siblings Day: Encouraging Inclusion, Communication, and Play
Hadeel Alkurdi
DHA License Number: 26226758-002
Senior Occupational Therapist
National Siblings Day, also known as Sibling Day, is celebrated on 10 April every year to honour the special bond between brothers and sisters.
In honour of this day, let’s take a moment to recognise the incredible connection between siblings – especially in families raising a child with special needs. While sibling relationships can be deeply rewarding, they may also come with unique challenges. Occupational therapy (OT) offers practical strategies to encourage inclusion, communication, and shared play, helping siblings connect in meaningful ways.
By incorporating fun and accessible activities, parents can support positive interactions, foster understanding, and strengthen the sibling bond in a way that benefits the whole family.
Why Play Matters in Sibling Relationships?
Play is the foundation of childhood learning, exploration, and relationship-building. For siblings of super special children, play can:
- Strengthen their bond and mutual understanding.
- Foster cooperation, patience, and teamwork.
- Provide a stress-free way to develop important social and emotional skills.
OT-Recommended Play Ideas for Sibling Bonding- Sensory Play for Connection
Many children with sensory differences benefit from calming or stimulating activities that engage their senses through textures, sounds, or movement. Including siblings in sensory-friendly play helps them engage together in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. Try:- Water play: Fill a bin with water, cups, and floating toys for a simple, engaging activity.
- Messy play: Finger painting, kinetic sand, or shaving cream art can be fun and relaxing.
- Movement-based play: If one child enjoys swinging, rocking, or bouncing, a sibling can join in by pushing the swing, dancing together, or sharing a yoga ball.
- Bubble play: One sibling blows bubbles while the other pops them, encouraging visual tracking and coordination. If mobility is a challenge, use a bubble machine to keep the fun going!
- Glow-in-the-dark play: Use glow sticks, LED balloons, or a flashlight in a dark room to create visual sensory fun. Siblings can wave lights, toss glowing balloons, or play flashlight tag.
- Turn-Taking and Cooperation Games
Turn-taking is an essential social skill, and play is a natural way to build it. Encourage:- Rolling a ball back and forth: A simple but effective way to build interaction skills.
- Building together: Stacking blocks, working on a puzzle, or creating a LEGO structure promotes teamwork.
- Musical play: Taking turns with a drum, maracas, or a xylophone can create a fun, shared experience.
- Parallel Play for Comfort
Some children, especially those with sensory or social difficulties, may not engage in direct play but still enjoy playing alongside their siblings. Parallel play allows them to feel connected while engaging in their own way. Try:- Colouring or drawing at the same table.
- Playing with toy cars, dolls, or figures in the same space.
- Listening to music or a story together.
- Everyday Routines as Play
Siblings don’t need structured games to bond – daily activities can become fun shared moments! Consider:- Snack time teamwork: Helping each other during snack time (pouring, stirring, setting up).
- Chore challenges: Making chores playful (racing to pick up toys, sorting clothes by colour).
- Dance breaks: Dance parties for movement and shared joy!
- Encouraging a Supportive Sibling Relationship
- Acknowledge feelings: Siblings may have mixed emotions about their role. It’s important to validate and support their experiences.
- Encourage independence: Give each child opportunities to play in their own way.
- Celebrate teamwork: Praise moments when siblings work together, show kindness, or share experiences.
- Sensory Play for Connection
Many children with sensory differences benefit from calming or stimulating activities that engage their senses through textures, sounds, or movement. Including siblings in sensory-friendly play helps them engage together in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. Try:- Water play: Fill a bin with water, cups, and floating toys for a simple, engaging activity.
- Messy play: Finger painting, kinetic sand, or shaving cream art can be fun and relaxing.
- Movement-based play: If one child enjoys swinging, rocking, or bouncing, a sibling can join in by pushing the swing, dancing together, or sharing a yoga ball.
- Bubble play: One sibling blows bubbles while the other pops them, encouraging visual tracking and coordination. If mobility is a challenge, use a bubble machine to keep the fun going!
- Glow-in-the-dark play: Use glow sticks, LED balloons, or a flashlight in a dark room to create visual sensory fun. Siblings can wave lights, toss glowing balloons, or play flashlight tag.
- Turn-Taking and Cooperation Games
Turn-taking is an essential social skill, and play is a natural way to build it. Encourage:- Rolling a ball back and forth: A simple but effective way to build interaction skills.
- Building together: Stacking blocks, working on a puzzle, or creating a LEGO structure promotes teamwork.
- Musical play: Taking turns with a drum, maracas, or a xylophone can create a fun, shared experience.
- Parallel Play for Comfort
Some children, especially those with sensory or social difficulties, may not engage in direct play but still enjoy playing alongside their siblings. Parallel play allows them to feel connected while engaging in their own way. Try:- Colouring or drawing at the same table.
- Playing with toy cars, dolls, or figures in the same space.
- Listening to music or a story together.
- Everyday Routines as Play
Siblings don’t need structured games to bond – daily activities can become fun shared moments! Consider:- Snack time teamwork: Helping each other during snack time (pouring, stirring, setting up).
- Chore challenges: Making chores playful (racing to pick up toys, sorting clothes by colour).
- Dance breaks: Dance parties for movement and shared joy!
- Encouraging a Supportive Sibling Relationship
- Acknowledge feelings: Siblings may have mixed emotions about their role. It’s important to validate and support their experiences.
- Encourage independence: Give each child opportunities to play in their own way.
- Celebrate teamwork: Praise moments when siblings work together, show kindness, or share experiences.
With a little creativity and OT-inspired strategies, siblings can form strong, supportive relationships that last a lifetime. Play, shared experiences, and small daily moments all contribute to building a meaningful sibling bond – one that grows alongside them.
If you’re interested in personalized coaching on this topic, please feel free to reach out to the OT service at High Hopes Pediatric Therapy Center.