Siblings of special needs children

Sometimes we forget that many time our children with special needs have sisters or brothers. I think that siblings have special needs themselves. Their sisters or brothers with special needs WILL get a bigger share of attention simply because we are trying to keep their sister or brother alive. While I know that having a sister or brother may come with many challenges they also come with opportunities. 

Mighty Z's big sister LA LA is a prime example on how being a sister of a special needs child has molded LA LA into having qualities that many children and adults don't have.

LA LA has patience she is very patient with Mighty Z. When many people don't have the patience to learn Mighty Z's language or even when I am distracted LA LA always has the patient to sit with Mighty Z when Mighty Z is on her machines.

LA LA is full of kindness and supportiveness . LA LA has been here through it all, the good and the bad with Mighty Z. She was the one cheering her on when Mighty Z was sprinting off her machines, and was one sharing her I pad when Mighty Z was in the PICU.

LA LA is very accepting of other peoples differences. Whether at school or just at the neighborhood park. If you are different LA LA is the first to ask you to play.

LA LA is full of compassion for other and always the first to help you with any task.

LA LA is very empathetic towards others with special needs she understands that kids with special needs just want to be treated like a kid and LA LA does that beautifully.

LA LA is very dependable and very loyal towards Mighty Z in fact  LA LA quit competitive cheer because Mighty Z wanted to join the entry level team and the coach said she "didn't want those kinds of kids on her team".

LA LA does worry about her sister, and is scared that she might lose her sister. Anxiety is present when Mighty Z is in the PICU or is just not doing well.

As a parent I always make sure during the hard scary times I love on and reassure LA LA. I always tell her whats going on and make LA LA feel like she is part of this Mighty Z team. I make sure I spend time with just her and I every night by reading to her ( I also read with Mighty Z separately).

As wonderful and as precious as LA LA is, her and Mighty Z do fight like normal sisters.
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I will leave you with a quote that LA LA said only just yesterday " Momma I have no problem hitting a disabled kid, most of the time Mighty Z deserves it."

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