Air Hockey

In games like this, Will was kind to Mikey and didn’t play ‘all-out.’ Mikey likes to be included, but a fast-paced game like air hockey would have been frustrating for him.

Will took time to be with Mikey and engage him in a fun activity. 

There was air hockey and laughter and love.  I’m sure someone has that embroidered on a pillow.

Sibling Rivalry?

If you’re struggling with sibling rivalry, try pairing the siblings with reinforcers.  If you’re having dessert, give the ice pops to one child to give to the other kids.  This way, all the good stuff isn’t always coming from you. They’re getting treats or ‘rewards’ from each other as well. 

My husband’s mom had a great way to make food sharing fair.  One kid cuts the brownie in half and the other kid chooses which piece they get.  That way, the first kid tries to cut it as fairly as possible and then the other kid gets first pick.  Alternate who gets which job.

Trade off who goes first and who gets to pick the movie. If you let your child with autism rule your house with their every whim, their siblings are not going to buy in…AND, you’ll be setting your special kiddo up for failure because the entire world is not going to do everything according to their wishes.

Enlist the help of your typical kid or kids to teach these lessons in a gentle way.  Allow them to advocate for themselves.  They should always be allowed to say that they need some space or some time alone.  Remind them that we don’t teach by yelling or grabbing. Empower them to handle it in a more grown-up way.

For more on Will and Mikey’s bond and how to foster supportive sibling relationships, click the link below.