Siblings
Glass Children
A “glass child” is a sibling of a child with profound disabilities, behavioral, and/or medical needs. The term comes from the idea that adults, professionals, and even extended family may unintentionally focus more on the child with special needs, making the sibling feel “looked through” or invisible.
“Glass children” often grow into deeply compassionate people who are hard-working, resilient, and adaptable. But with this ability comes the psychological caveat of grieving the loss of a “normal” childhood.
In adulthood, this can then manifest through trauma symptoms, perfectionistic tendencies, a sense of feeling “lost,” etc.
Glass children seek validation, a sense of belonging, to know they are not alone, and, above all else, to feel seen.
ABLE Connect: Siblings
Sign up for a virtual group
Are you an adult with sibling(s) with disabilities or unique challenges? Would you like to join a sibling group? Led by Aaron and Janelle Wynn, SEEN (Siblings Endure, Encourage, Nuture) is a place to connect with others who get it.
Sign up to be notified when our next virtual group for adults starts!
Start an ABLE Connect: SEEN siblings group at your church!
Use the SEEN Siblings Workbook by Aaron and Janelle Wynn to facilitate an 11-week group that supports siblings of all ages.