Re: Examples of sibling letters

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Appendix D: The Dear Aunt Blabby Letters

Dear Aunt Blabby,

Sometimes I feel like the invisible man. My brother has Down

syndrome and has a lot of needs that seem to take up all my parents'

time. It seems that the only time they pay attention to ME is when I

get into trouble, and that's no good. How do I let them know that

they have TWO kids instead of one?

Signed,

The Invisible Man

Dear Aunt Blabby,

Maybe you can help me with my problem. My sister has a disability.

Sometimes, my friends ask me what's the matter with her and how she

got that way. Once my teacher even asked. I usually get red in the

face, shrug my shoulders, and say, " I dont know. " I never know what

to say. Any suggestions?

Signed,

Speechless in Seattle

Dear Aunt Blabby,

Boy am I mad! For the fifth time tonight my sister has bugged me

while I've been trying to do my homework.! She is always bugging me!

ESPECIALLY when my friends come over. Help!

Signed,

Fuming

Dear Aunt Blabby,

I have a problem that I'm sort of ashamed of. My brother has

cerebral palsy. Sometimes, he embarrasess me. Don't get me wrong--in

a lot of ways he's a neat guy. He can really do a lot for himself,

considering all his problems. MY problem is that I get embarrased

when people stare at him in the shopping mall, or when he drools.

What can I do about my problem?

Signed,

Feeling Awkward

Dear Aunt Blabby,

I hope you can help. People sometimes ask me how my brother got his

disability. I'd tell them, except I don't really know! My paretns

have never explained it to me very well, and I feel funny asking

them. can you give me some suggestions on how to ask my parents

questions about my brother's special needs?

Signed,

Need to Know

Dear Aunt Blabby,

Maybe you can help me. I really like my sister. She has a lot of

special needs, but I love her a lot. My problem is that I get bored

just going for walks and watching TV with her. What other things can

we do together that BOTH of us would find interesting?

Signed,

Curious

Dear Aunt Blabby,

I have a problem that maybe you can help me with. Just because my

brother has a disability, and I dont, my parents expect me to be

some sort of " Superkid, " and get perfect grades in school. Does that

seem fair to you? What can I do?

Signed,

I'm no superkid

Dear Aunt Blabby,

Is it OK to tease your sister? I mean, I tease my other brothers and

sisters, but when I tease my sister who has special needs, I

sometimes feel bad. I'm not doing it to be mean or anything--it's

just teasing. Is it OK or not?

Signed,

Feeling Guilty