Please enable JavaScript in your browser to experience all the custom features of our site.

RabbiHorowitz.com - Contemporary Parenting Questions

Mr. Harry Skydell, Chairman
Mr. Mark Karasick, Vice Chairman
Rabbi Yakov Horowitz, Director
Rabbi Avrohom M. Gluck, Director of Operations
The first 1000 members will have a chance to win a
16 GB
iPod
touch
with Rabbi Horowitz audio

Membership Benefits:

  • Save articles to your favorites folder.
  • Save and print selected articles in a PDF journal.
  • Receive emails containing the latest comments on your favorite articles.
  • Mark articles as "READ".
  • More member features coming soon...

Raffle Rules:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, complete the signup form and join as a member. Incomplete entries will be disqualified. All entries shall become the property of CJFL. CJFL is not responsible for lost, misdirected or delayed entries.

The contest is open to the general public. Members need to be at least 18 years old. Identification must be produced on request. Employees of CJFL, its raffle sponsor, advertising and promotional agencies and their respective affiliates and associates and such employees' immediate family members and persons with whom such employees are domiciled are excluded from this raffle. ALL PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED MEMBERS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED INTO THIS RAFFLE. The prize is not redeemable in cash and must be accepted as awarded. Decisions of the raffle judges are final - no substitutions will be available. By claiming the prize, the winner authorizes the use, without additional compensation of his or her name and/or likeness (first initial and last name) and municipality of residence for promotion and/or advertising purposes in any manner and in any medium (including without limitation, radio broadcasts, newspapers and other publications and in television or film releases, slides, videotape, distribution over the internet and picture date storage) which CJFL may deem appropriate. In accepting the prize, the winner, acknowledges that CJFL may not be held liable for any loss, damages or injury associated with accepting or using this prize. CJFL retains the rights, in its absolute and sole discretion, to make substitutions of equivalent kind or approximate value in the event of the unavailability of any prize or component of the prize for any reason whatsoever. This contest is subject to all federal, provincial and municipal laws. CJFL reserves the right to withdraw or terminate this raffle at any time without prior notice. One entry per person.

Contemporary Parenting Questions

BACK TO QUESTIONS MENU

Last updated on 01/23/09

How can I help my children cope with having a special-needs sibling?

From the moment a special-needs child is born, life for his parents and siblings changes forever. Special-needs children, whether challenged physically, cognitively, or emotionally, demand much of their parents’ time and energy. Siblings of a special-needs child may feel anger or resentment towards the child, as he takes all of their parents’ attention and leaves them tired and drained. As the child gets older, his siblings may wish that they had a regular sibling. They might also resent the stares and questions they get when in public with the special-needs child.

It is important for the parents to speak openly about their child to their family and community. People are generally very accepting toward special-needs children and they will respect the family for their devotion. If the siblings of a special-needs child receive the necessary support from their family and community, they will not feel shame and resentment toward their sibling, but they will love him for who he is.

In the Jewish Community

In almost every Jewish community across the globe, many programs cater to special-needs children and their families. A few examples include Yidei Chessed, Hamaspik, Ohr Vada’as, Ohel- Bais Ezra, Camp Simcha Special, HASC, SCHI…the list goes on and on. Some families, however, do not avail themselves to these services; they are too ashamed of their child. This may be more common in the Jewish community because of its influence on matchmaking. Some individuals scorn any sign of imperfection and will not consider the sibling of a special-needs child as a potential partner, hence the secrecy.

Individuals who do this are mistaken, as special-needs children are not an imperfection; everything in the world was made exactly the way it needs to be to fulfill its purpose. Special-needs children have special souls that are directly connected with our Creator. Siblings of special-needs children should be made aware of the special role their sibling has in this world.

Use the following links to learn more about the concerns that siblings of special-needs children have. Find out how to explain your child’s special needs to his other siblings, and learn where you can go get help.

Frequently Asked Links

What do siblings of special needs children need to know?

What do siblings of special needs children need from their parents? more more

What can parents do to help siblings of children with emotional and behavioral problems?

How can I explain what mental retardation is to my child?

How can I explain Down’s syndrome in child-friendly terms?

How can I help my child understand what life is like for a child with special needs?

Are siblings of children with special needs at a greater risk for psychological disorders?

What are some of the concerns that siblings of children with special needs face?

How can I address my children’s feelings about their special needs sibling?

How can I raise a special-needs child without arousing the jealousy of my other children?

What should I do to combat sibling rivalry between regular children and a special needs child?

How can I explain to my child that different things are expected from a child with special needs?

What can I do to prepare my children for questions about their special needs sibling?

Where can I find books for parents and siblings of children with special needs?

Related Articles

Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are a way for some people to be independent, despite illnesses or injuries. Find out more in this article for kids.

Sibling Rivalry

As upsetting as it can be for a parent, conflict between siblings is very common. Luckily, you can take steps to help your kids get along.

What Is a Gene?
Why does one kid have green eyes while another kid's eyes are brown? It is all in the genes! This article has all you need to know about how genes work, what happens when there are problems with genes, and more.

Preparing Your Child for a New Sibling

The arrival of a new baby can cause many changes. However, parents can prepare kids for an addition to the family.

Resources

Parenting Resources for the Jewish Community

Compiled by Rabbi Yakov Horowitz

Resources for Parents in the Jewish Community with Special Needs Children

Compiled by Rabbi Yakov Horowitz

National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
http://www.ndss.org
NDSS strives to ensure that all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their full potential in community life. Call: (800) 221-4602

Sibling Support Project

http://www.siblingsupport.org/

The Sibling Support Project is a national effort dedicated to the life-long concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns.

Rabbi Horowitz does not endorse any external sites or monitor or approve content on these sites. When considering information presented here, you should consult your experts to determine what is best for you. Our sole purpose is to help you access information that Rabbi Horowitz and others have made available on the internet.

BACK TO QUESTIONS MENU



Working with Families and Educators on Behalf of our Children

This site is managed by The Center for Jewish Family Life, Inc., 56 Briarcliff Drive, Monsey, NY 10952
Project Y.E.S. was founded by Agudath Israel of America
The Center for Jewish Family Life/Project YES - 56 Briarcliff Drive, Monsey, NY 10952 (845) 352-7100 ext. 114 Fax: (845) 352-9593
email: email@kosherjewishparenting.com


Advertisements