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Workshops for Young Sibs

WisconSibs SIBshop are workshops for children ages 6-12 who are brothers and sisters of children with disabilities or long-term illnesses.  Typically lasting three to four hours, SIBshop are lively, relaxed events that combine recreation, information, and discussion, and give siblings the opportunity to celebrate the contributions and the challenges of their brothers and sisters with others their age who “get it.”

SIBshop are guided by trained facilitators (school psychologists, teachers, counselors or adult siblings, for example) in small, age-appropriate groups.  All are trained in sibling issues, and always keep an eye open for participants who may need additional support.

Upcoming SIBshop – Sibshop Registration

More information – Click for Sibshop FAQ.

For information about joining the WisconSibs troupe of Sibshop facilitators, contact us.

 

SIBshop Wisconsin

SIBshop have been offered monthly during the school year in northeastern Wisconsin since 1997 by the Fox Valley Sibling Support Network, now known as WisconSibs. We offer SIBshop monthly throughout the entire year at locations in the Madison area and the Fox Cities.

Upcoming WisconSibs SIBshop

WisconSibs is proud to be a registered Sibshop provider for over 25 years, along with over 800 SIBshop registered throughout the world.

Visit our Registration Tree to find all upcoming Sibshop registrations.

 

SIBshop Around the World

Want to attend SIBshop but not able to make it to the scheduled locations?  Some local Arc or CESA organizations occasionally host these workshops, so check with them to see whether any are scheduled for your area.

To find a Sibshop near you, click here.

Like our Facebook page to keep informed.

Or, if you are an agency or individual wanting to know more about offering SIBshop where you live, contact the WisconSibs office.

SIBshop are celebrations of the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of kids with special health or developmental needs.

Whether you come to all the SIBshop, or just a couple, you are always welcome. You will find friends there.

Why do parents enroll their children in WisconSibs events?

Here’s what they tell us:

  • “To gain skills in dealing with the ups and downs of being a sibling and make friends with other sibs.”
  • “She has been wanting to come to SIBshop since she was 3!”
  • “Fun, friendship, support.”
  • “Get to know other sibs who struggle with the same frustrations.”
  • “Time he can be with other kids and not have to worry about sister interrupting!”
  • “Her older brother is in a wheelchair, non-verbal, G-tube fed.  He is always first as he requires a lot from me.  She needs her time.”
  • “It is very important to have an outlet for our son to socialize with other siblings of special needs kids. I’m not sure he truly understands just how different his brother is – which is very heartwarming, at times.  But like many families, our ability to participate in many activities – like going swimming or going to Badger Sports Park – wouldn’t be possible altogether.  Thank you for organizing such great group activities!”
  • “WisconSibs provides a resource to Wisconsin that is like no other.  We are pleased to have benefitted from this unique opportunity for both of our children.”
  • “I think it is valuable for our children to meet others who have siblings with disabilities. I think having my child in a group with someone from her home town was awesome, a great way to make a new friend in the area who also lives day to day with a sibling with special needs :).”
  • “I have always been impressed with the quality and professionalism provide by FVSSN [now WisconSibs].”
  • “SIBshop offers my daughter a chance to spend time with other kids like herself. It gives her a place to freely express her feelings, both positive and negative, regarding her sister and the family situation.  I think SIBshop help her to realize that it is ok to not always be thrilled with everything about her sibling but still love her.  I also think SIBshop help to increase compassion for people with disabilities.  I know SIBshop has increased her awareness of different types of disabilities.  While most children her age don’t understand disabilities and may stare or make comments, she is very comfortable and will happily interact with people with disabilities besides her sister.”
  • “I know Sibshop played a role in helping my son, a former Sibshop participant, develop into the person he is today. He is a compassionate person and very comfortable interacting with his sister and happy to educate others regarding people with disabilities.”