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Sibshops

Sibshops offer a fun, supportive space for siblings aged 8+ to connect and share experiences.

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A Special Place for Siblings to Connect

Sibshops are a wonderful space created just for brothers and sisters, ages 8 and up, who have a sibling with special health needs. We know it helps to meet other kids who truly understand what it’s like to be a sibling. At Sibshops, you’ll find a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can talk about your concerns, listen to others, and make new friends. It’s also a lot of fun, with time set aside for games, crafts, and snacks! “Special health needs” covers a wide range of conditions, including medical concerns, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and other chronic health conditions. Sibshops are a collaborative effort between the Vermont Family Network and the Vermont Department of Health. To register your child or learn more, please contact marie.fetterhoff@vtfn.org or call (802) 876-5315.

What to Expect

  • Created for brothers and sisters, ages 8 and up, who have a sibling with special health needs.
  • Provides time for fun activities like games, crafts, and snacks to make new friends.
  • Offers a supportive, non-judgmental environment for siblings to talk about concerns and listen to others.
  • Serves siblings of children with a wide range of conditions, including medical, developmental, and chronic health conditions.
Call 802-876-5315 Email marie.fetterhoff@vtfn.org

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    FAQs

    Sibshops are fun events for children and youth ages 6+. The program is open to those who are siblings of brothers and sisters who have special health needs or disabilities. “Special health needs” includes anyone with a medical concern, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or cystic fibrosis; a developmental disability, such as Down Syndrome, a low IQ, or autism; or any other chronic disability or health condition.

    Sibshops meet once a month in Chittenden County during the school year. Events are facilitated by Vermont Family with support from the Vermont Department of Health: Children with Special Health Needs. Each get-together includes activities, games, crafts, food, Sibchat, and lots of fun!

    We are excited to resume in-person Sibshops for the 2021-22 school year. Please note that masks will be required for indoor Sibshops and we ask that your child bring a mask for outdoor activities as well, to wear while using bathroom facilities. We are keeping a close eye on COVID-19 rates in Vermont and will adjust activities if needed.

    Parents know that siblings will have the longest-lasting relationship with their brother or sister –- a unique relationship which changes over time. At Sibshops, sibs openly share their joys and challenges, and even brainstorm ways to handle different situations. Parents, who may sometimes feel like they aren’t devoting enough time to siblings, especially like that Sibshops are fun outings just for sibs.

    It’s fun! Sibs may be meeting another sibling of a child with special health care needs for the very first time in Sibshops. Sibs make new friends with other brothers and sisters who “know” what it’s like to be a sibling. They do activities, play games, share food, do crafts, laugh, and make suggestions for future Sibshops. Sibs have an opportunity to talk about, and to listen to, others’ concerns related to being a sibling of a child with special needs, in a supportive non-judgmental environment.

    The Sibling Support Project, founded in 1990, was the first national program dedicated to the life-long and ever-changing concerns of millions of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental, and mental health concerns. Sibshops are part of this Project. Vermont Family Network has been trained in the Sibshop model and has been facilitating Sibshops for more than twenty years! The Sibshop curriculum is used throughout the United States and Canada, and in Japan, New Zealand, Argentina, Iceland, Ireland, England, Italy, and Turkey. There are more than 500 Sibshop groups around the world.

    If you’re registering for several events, please use the Registration Form on the VFN website. If you have questions, please email Molly.Lawney@vtfn.org or call her at (802) 556-1219.

    You can ask Molly to add you to our Sibshop email distribution list. This list is used only for emails directly related to Sibshop and we will never give your email to a third party.

    Sometimes a child only feels comfortable attending Sibshops if they can bring along a friend. We get that, so let’s discuss further if that’s the situation with your child. We’ll try to be as flexible as possible, so everyone’s needs are met.

    Yes, first-timers, especially those who are younger, may be comforted by a parent who stays nearby for the beginning of Sibshop or longer as needed.

    Absolutely! There is no pressure for children to share any information beyond their comfort zone. Facilitators create a safe environment where feelings are acknowledged. Sibshops follow a wellness model and are not designed to be therapeutic.

    Yes, the Sibling Support Project hosts on-line groups for teen and adult siblings.

    Jessica Thompson

    Burlington, Vermont

    • VFN has been a game changer for my family!

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