What Are Sibshops?

When a child becomes ill, the entire family is affected. Sibshops provide support and guidance to siblings of children with special medical or developmental needs. Siblings are encouraged to share the challenges and celebrate the joys with brothers and sisters in similar situations.

Sibshops combine information and discussion activities with games, art projects and more. It is also an opportunity for siblings to share the challenges and celebrate the joys with brothers and sisters in similar situations

Sibshops are run by a team of people who have professional and, in some cases, personal understanding of the impact a child's illness or disability can have on family members. Equally important, they all have great kid skills! Both Sibshops sometimes have “junior facilitators” who are sibs in their later teen years. Cathy Harrison, child life specialist, and Lina Lewis, senior program coordinator, coordinate both Sibshops teams.

Sibshops take place one Saturday per month during the school year, groups alternate months based on age.

Sibshops are held at Seattle Children’s Hospital Campus in the 7th floor Ocean Café. 

The morning session goes from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and the afternoon session goes from 2–5:00 p.m.

No. Parents are expected to sign their child in before the session starts and pick them up promptly when it ends.

No, we ask that parents bring their child into the cafeteria and sign their child in. Most importantly, we need to collect emergency contact information from you for the time that your child is in Sibshops.

As a courtesy to our facilitators, please be sure you arrive before the session is over. We cannot leave your child unattended to wait for you.

Yes. A snack will be provided during each session.

No. The Sibshops model is designed for children ages 6-13. Younger kids are not usually ready for this or would benefit as much as intended.

If your child is still 13 at the time of registration, he/she is welcome to attend, as long as they want to participate and understand that they will be with younger kids. 

No. We use a third-party registration system, Cvent, which requires that all payments go through their secure online payment system. This system confirms and protects your payment and guarantees that we receive funds securely.

No. The registration page has an option to add additional people. 

The fee for the session is already at a reduced cost to you, but a limited amount of funds is available as needed. Please contact Sibshops at 206-987-4133. 

Our Sibshops are made possible by generous sponsors like JoAnne and Alan Holt, the Vorhis H. Edwards Endowment for Sibling Support and the William A. and Betty Anne Nyberg Endowment for Sibling Support; registration fees; and your generous financial support.