At La Rabida Children’s Hospital, we take an integrated approach to healthcare by caring for the patient while also supporting the needs of their family, including the siblings of our patients. In collaboration with the Sibling Support Project, La Rabida hosts a series of workshops called Sibshops that give the siblings of our inpatient kids a chance to connect, learn and have some fun with other “sibs” of La Rabida patients.

Sibshop is a peer group for the siblings of children who have special needs and disabilities. Each month, our trained facilitators host a Sibshop that allows these kids to interact with each other, talk about the good and challenging aspects of having a sibling with special needs, and learn about the care that their siblings require. The Sibling Support Project provides the curriculum for Sibshops to partners all over the world, including with us here at La Rabida.

“The best part about hosting our Sibshop has been seeing the kids be able to have open discussions about the joys and challenges of having a sibling with special needs,” explained Viktoria De Jong, La Rabida Child Life Specialist. “Sibshops are a time for children to meet new friends and talk about different issues that they may not feel comfortable discussing in front of others. Sibshops are so important because they offer a time for siblings to focus on themselves and above all, to have fun with other children they can relate to.”

Typically, Sibshops are conducted in person and consist of gross motor activities and team-building exercises. Due to COVID-19, our Sibshops have been virtual for the last year. “I have been able to continue meeting with the siblings of our patients virtually and have incorporated engaging activities that can be done virtually to keep our kids connected,” shared Viktoria.

Sibshops are for the 8 to 13-year-old siblings of any patients with special developmental needs or other health concerns. Our Sibshops are taking a break for the summer and will begin again this fall. If you have a question about a sibling's eligibility, please reach out to Viktoria de Jong at 773-256-5749 for more information.

This story was featured in the May 2021 issue of eCurrents. Read the full issue here.