Glass Children: They Need a Little TLC

I just saw a video about glass children.  I wasn’t familiar with the term so I’ll share what I learned.  Often, when a family has a special need child, they have other children that do not have special needs.  These children are also known as glass children.  Why?  They are children who people “look right through” thinking they are without any problems.  The parents are so busy with the extra care a special needs child requires that they may “just want this child to be ok.”  Many times this child knows the stress the parents are under so she tries to be fine and help her parents with caring for the special needs child.  Unfortunately, this child doesn’t have the life experiences or emotional maturity for this. 

So what does a parent do for this child?  This is an encouragement to find ways for the “typical child” to have as ordinary childhood as possible.  Here are a few ideas.

1. If you can’t do many one-on-one things with the child find another significant adult (relative or friend) to do special things with this child on a regular basis.

2.Seek ways to find babysitters or respite for your special needs child so you can be at significant events in this child’s life.

3.Make sure that birthdays are honored and celebrated. 

4.Find a source of emotional encouragement for the child since his life is different than a lot of his friends.  This may come in the form of a grandparent, a counselor, a youth worker from church or a sibling group.  A camp experience with other children who have a special needs sibling like Joni & Friends Family Retreats is a great way. 

 Don’t forget about each child in your family.  Encourage others to assist you with your child without disabilities.  Someday, you will be so glad you did.