Our brothers and sisters; they’re the first friends we make in life, built-in playmates who share our laughter, secrets, and sometimes even our clothes. National Siblings Day, on April 10th, is a chance to celebrate that unique and powerful bond.
This connection between siblings isn’t just for childhood. Studies show strong sibling relationships can have a lifelong impact, leading to better emotional and mental health, even for those separated by distance or circumstance. Sibling bonds can become even more intense and essential in challenging or unpredictable times.
When children and youth in care can’t be kept together physically, finding ways to maintain that connection becomes even more vital. In many cases, siblings may have been a child’s only constant presence or safe space. Included below are several resources to help with this. They offer creative ways to bridge the gap, fostering feelings of safety and well-being for siblings who can’t be together.
This National Siblings Day, let’s celebrate the laughter, the fights, the shared memories, and the unwavering support that our siblings bring to our lives. And if you know a family struggling to keep siblings connected, reach out and share the Coalition’s resources. Because sometimes, all it takes is a little help to keep that vital bond strong.
Recommended Resources
Training From Champion Classrooms
From the Resource Library
- Siblings in Adoption and Foster Care: Traumatic Separations and Honored Connections, by Deborah N. Silverstein & Susan Livingston Smith
- Partners Newsletter: Siblings
- Brothers and Sisters in Adoption: Helping Children Navigate Relationships When New Kids Join the Family, by Arleta M. James
Tip Sheets
- Fostering a Child Whose Sibling(s) Live Elsewhere
- Sustaining & Strengthening the Sibling Bond
- Parenting Siblings Connected Through Trauma
Additional Resources
