Minutes from October 2017 SEPTA Meeting

Arlington Special Education PTA

Minutes of October 2017 Meeting

Thursday, October 12, 2017, 7-8:30 pm

Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA

Minutes of September 2017 meeting approved

2016-17 Audit approved

2017-18 Budget approved

Topic: Sibling Support

Guests: Kathleen Donovan, Monica Martinez, Clare Talbert, and Sondra Wolff

Our guests gave personal accounts of parenting, being, and serving siblings of children with special needs. Tips shared at the meeting included:

Provide concrete information
Convey that “Fair” does not always mean “Equal”
Communicate openly
Provide the right tools for coping, including alternate coping mechanisms
Encourage sibling bonds
Balance responsibility. For example give accurate information that is geared for age and comprehension, and remember that as they grow older, their need for information will also change.
Respond to challenging moments. Help children deal with these instances by telling them it’s okay to feel embarrassed, protective, or angry. Awkward or difficult situations happen to everyone, so talk about it.
Foster connections with other special sibs. Focus on what they have in common and enjoy the positive aspects of the relationships.
Discuss the future. You don’t have to go into great detail with young children, but they need to know that there are plans in place. As a child becomes older, parents can involve them in these discussions.