Outside the Touch of Time

It's hard to believe that the second half of my sibling workshop is tonight (scheduled in November).  Whew, where does the time go?  By the time I finish this post I'll be 45 years old.

In the five or so years that I've been (occasionally) researching and presenting on sibling issues, I've learned some important things:

1. The sibling relationship is the longest-lasting close relationship in life.
2. Conflicts (compromises, communication) with siblings provide important preparation for our adult relationships.
3. Significant pieces of our identities develop in the context of the sibling relationship.
4. Most typically-developing siblings of kids with autism see themselves as more similar than different from their brother or sister with special needs.

(Those interested in more information about the importance of the sibling relationship could certainly start here.  For ideas and advice on parenting siblings, try here.)


In preparation for my talk, I'm reading John Gottman's Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child, which one could describe (and he sort of does) as the perfect union of science and parenting tips.  And stopping to give thanks for my parents (both oldest siblings) and my sister, who enabled the practice of my communication skills until they were nearly functional.


Sometimes I sing this at the office, just to keep things real (and groovy).  It's amazing how much we accomplish in therapy (or our own intimate relationships) when we start with permission to feel.

In other news, it's my sister's 28th birthday next week.  Happy Birthday, Dooze!