98: Siblings | Ways We Can Protect Our Glass Children w/ Melissa Schlemmer

Siblings of disabled children are often referred to as “glass children.” Glass because people tend to look right through them and focus on the sibling with disabilities. And because they appear a lot stronger than they are. Because they are, afterall, just kids. In this special topic episode, Melissa Schlemmer shares all about her incredible son Alexander and his big heart. She talks about ways she protects his relationship with his disabled brother Christopher by not accentuating their differences and allowing them to simply be brothers. She also tells us of a tragedy that occurred in her mother’s family that has shaped the way she parents them. Links: Check out the Trexo Robotics website Follow us on Instagram: Melissa (Our AMAZING guest!) Trexo Robotics (our AMAZING sponsor!) The Rare Life Follow us on Facebook: Melissa (Our AMAZING guest!) Trexo Robotics (our AMAZING sponsor!) The Rare Life Episodes to listen to next: Ep. 40: Wendy + the Sibling Experience (a solo episode) Ep. 47: Siblings w/ Katie Taylor, CCLS (with a childlife specialist) Ep. 50: The Sibling Perspective w/ Katherine Acton (with an adult who grew up with a disabled sibling)