Glass Child: Understanding the Experience of Siblings of Children with Special Needs

Having a child with special needs is a challenging and demanding experience, not just for parents but also for the siblings. Often, these siblings are referred to as “glass children” as they are seen as delicate and fragile, needing extra care and attention. In this article, we’ll explore the experiences of glass children and shed light on their struggles and triumphs.

Mornings: A Struggle Against Time and Unpredictable Attitudes

Every morning is a struggle for parents of a child with special needs. The unpredictable wake-up routine, the need for constant attention, and the overall uncertainty of the day ahead can be overwhelming. While parents are engaged with the special needs child, the glass child is left to sing, laugh and play by herself. Despite her efforts to engage the parents, the glass child often fails, which leads to frustration and feelings of rejection. Sometimes, this frustration is directed towards the glass child, who becomes the outlet for anger and desperation.

Nights: Sleepless Nights and Frustration

The challenges of having a child with special needs don’t end when the sun goes down. The family often wakes up in the middle of the night due to sickness or a child’s restlessness. However, these night disturbances can be particularly challenging when the special needs child doesn’t know how to fall back asleep quickly. This lack of sleep accumulates and affects the entire family. Unfortunately, the frustration and anger of parents can be directed towards the glass child, who suffers the consequences of the sleepless nights.

The Difference: Trying to Make Sense of it All

As the glass child grows up, she becomes increasingly interested in playing with her sibling. However, she struggles to understand why her sister doesn’t act like other children. The questions keep coming, but the answers are not easy to find. Parents try their best to shield the glass child from the reality of their sibling’s condition, but this can lead to more confusion and frustration.

The Comparison: Judging the Glass Child Based on Stereotypes

The glass child is often compared to her sibling, which creates a distorted lens through which she is judged. Parents may look for similar symptoms in the younger child, causing them to worry about her development and milestones. The glass child’s regular upbringing can be overlooked, and her achievements can be dismissed because she doesn’t meet the same standards as her special needs sibling.

Attention From Parents: A Hunger for Love and Validation

Like all children, the glass child craves attention and validation from her parents. She tries to mimic her sibling’s behavior, hoping to gain her parents’ approval. However, parents may discourage her from copying her special needs sibling’s behavior, which can lead to confusion and feelings of rejection.

The Unanswered Questions: Coping with Heartbreak

As the glass child develops her cognitive skills, she starts asking more questions about her sibling’s condition. Unfortunately, there are very few answers that can provide comfort. It’s a difficult balancing act for parents as they try to shield the glass child from heartbreak while also preparing her for the reality of her sibling’s condition.

It Gets Better: Finding Joy and Laughter in the Journey

Despite the challenges, it’s important to remember that things do get better. The moments of tension and sadness are real, but they are temporary. With time and patience, laughter and joy can return to the family’s life. Although the journey may be challenging, it’s important to keep moving forward and never give up hope.

In conclusion, being a glass child is not an easy journey, but it’s one that can lead to personal growth, resilience, and understanding. By recognizing the challenges that glass children face, we can provide the support and understanding