We all know that friendships can be tough to navigate, and for children within our Hope community, there are often more challenges to consider: differences in communication styles, physical abilities, sensory sensitivities, or emotional regulation can all influence how they (and their siblings) connect with their peers. So, how can parents and caregivers help their children build meaningful friendships in a way that celebrates their strengths and accommodates their needs?
Enter Annie Gunning, Hope’s certified child life specialist. In a recent Q&A, she shared some practical strategies to support children with HIE (and their siblings, of course!) in developing and maintaining peer relationships.
Missed the live session? No worries. We took notes, and like any good partner, we’re willing to share.
What is the role of a Child Life Specialist, and how has this evolved through time?
Child life specialists are experts in child development and family dynamics, helping them navigate the emotional and psychological impact of hospitalizations, diagnoses, and life-changing events. They focus on supporting the child and the whole family, using their knowledge to ask, “How can we make this experience better for everyone involved?”
Evolution of Child Life Services
Child life services have roots as far back as the 1920s when hospital volunteers used play to help children cope. But the profession really came into its own in the 1960s, thanks to Emma Plank. Her groundbreaking book, Working with Children in Hospitals, provided a blueprint for addressing the unique needs of children during hospital stays and is still considered foundational in the field today.
Over the years, child life has grown far beyond hospital playrooms. Today, child life specialists provide support in a wide variety of settings, tailoring their care to meet the needs of both patients and their families. Whether offering emotional guidance, helping siblings adjust, or educating parents about medical procedures, child life professionals create a more supportive healthcare experience for everyone involved.
Annie’s Role as Hope’s Certified Child Life Specialist
And now, let’s fast forward to Annie’s role as the Child Life Specialist at Hope for HIE. Her main objective is to help children and families navigate medicalized life by empowering and supporting both children and their caregivers and fostering the ability to advocate for their needs while simultaneously reducing stress, pain, and anxiety. This often looks like support for patients and their families facing surgeries, tests, procedures, diagnoses, and hospitalizations by offering preparation, creating personalized coping plans, providing education, fostering creative expression, and incorporating medical play.
What are some effective strategies for helping children with HIE build and maintain peer relationships?
Here are some strategies and ideas to try that can help them connect with others while celebrating their unique qualities and strengths.
Adapt activities for accessibility: Make sure that games and activities are inclusive for all children. Adjusting physical activities, providing sensory-friendly options, or using communication tools are ways to help children feel engaged and like they’re able to join in.
Role-play: Using role-playing games or therapeutic play lets them practice social situations in a safe space. Depending on their age or developmental stage, you can use puppets or storybooks to show how to interact with others, which can boost their confidence and ease any anxiety about socializing.
Small steps to connect: Big groups can feel overwhelming for a lot of children. Starting with one-on-one playdates or small gatherings can help them feel more comfortable and allow for deeper connections.
Foster leadership when and where you can: Letting kids take the lead in certain activities can build their confidence and highlight their unique strengths. This way, their peers can see what they can do, creating a sense of respect and connection.
Find shared interests: Focusing on things kids have in common—like art, building with blocks, or a favorite character—can help them bond naturally. Shared hobbies create a sense of belonging.
Encourage cooperative play: Introduce games and activities that are all about teamwork instead of competition. Whether they’re building something together, working on an art project, or just role-playing, these collaborative activities help everyone feel included and valued.
How can parents and caregivers collaborate with educators and other community leaders to promote social interaction for children with HIE in these settings where they may feel isolated?
Helping your child feel connected in social settings—like school, sports, or community events—can sometimes be tricky, especially if they feel a little or a lot different from their peers. But by teaming up with teachers, coaches, and caregivers, you can create a supportive environment that encourages friendships and a sense of belonging. Here’s how you can start:
Create a buddy system: Ask them to consider pairing your child with a buddy who shares similar interests. Whether during recess, gym class, or after-school activities, this system can help them connect and develop that friendship naturally.
Celebrate differences: Ask coaches, teachers, camp counselors (you name it!) to create activities that celebrate differences and allow each child showcase their unique talents. Doing so promotes a culture where peers accept differences, whatever those may be.
Share their strengths: Don’t hesitate to tell others what your child excels at and where they might need extra help. Whether it’s a specific skill or an area for encouragement, this helps adults create opportunities for your child to feel confident and recognized by their peers.
Connect parents to other parents: Coaches, educators, etc., are privy to your child’s interactions with others, sometimes more than yourself. Let them connect you to other parents to set up dual playdates and activities.
How can parents help siblings of children with HIE build their own friendships while navigating the unique dynamics and emotions of having a sibling with special needs?
This can be a delicate balance: siblings have their own unique set of challenges when it comes to dealing with complex feelings and family dynamics while trying to make friends. So, here are some ideas for supporting them through this process:
Find sibling support groups: There are more resources and support programs available than you might realize! Peer support programs specifically for siblings of children with disabilities have expanded in recent years and can help them connect with others who share similar experiences, express their feelings, and learn coping strategies.
Talk about it openly: Start with honest, age-appropriate conversations about their sibling’s diagnosis. Make sure they understand what HIE is, how it affects their brother or sister, and how they can explain it to their friends if needed. Asking them what they know before telling them can give you a lot of insight, too!
One-on-one time: Set aside individual time for each of your kids. This helps strengthen your bond and keeps communication flowing, making it easier for them to share how they feel about their sibling or their friendships. Whether it’s a special outing, immersing yourself in their world or interests for a bit, a recurring weekly activity, or just some time to chat, these moments remind them that they’re just as important.
Let them have their own activities: Help them participate in something they love, like sports or playdates. Having their own activities is important for meeting others with similar interests and helps them build their identity (and friendships!) outside of being a sibling.
What role can peer support groups play in strengthening social connections for children and siblings in our community?
There’s so much we can say about the importance of peer support groups. So much so that we have an entire playlist of previous Q&As and resources all about this topic!
If we had to sum it up in one sentence, peer support groups create a safe and understanding space where kids can connect with others who truly “get it.” Sometimes, they may not even realize there are other families like theirs — but when they do, they feel less alone. Here are great options we recommend for children and siblings in the Hope for HIE community to find this connection and support:
Hope for HIE’s Super Sibs: Having a sibling with special needs can be tough, but meeting others in the same boat can really help. Through Super Sibs, kids bond with peers who understand the unique challenges—and joys—of being a sibling to a child who is living with or has died from HIE.
SibShops: Look for SibShops or sibling support groups in your area. These programs are designed to help siblings of kids with disabilities connect with others in similar situations. It’s a safe space for them to share feelings and experiences and build friendships with kids who really understand what they’re going through.
Hope for HIE’s SOAR Program: SOAR (Support, Ownership, Advocacy, Resilience) is a pilot program we’ve initiated for children with HIE. It offers a chance to connect with peers in our community, build social skills, foster friendships, and provide a space for them to share their experiences.
Local schools and community centers: Many schools and community centers can be great places to start. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s school counselor or the special education department; they might know about existing support groups or activities to connect you to!
Check with local hospitals and clinics: Social workers or child life specialists there often have insight into support groups in the community. They can point you toward programs designed for siblings, helping your kids find others who understand what they’re going through.
Parent support networks: These groups are filled with parents who have been in your shoes and can share their experiences and recommendations. They might know of specific groups their own children have participated in and can help you find the right fit for your family.
Online communities, forums, and networks: Don’t overlook online resources! There are many forums and social media groups where families come together to share advice and support. These platforms can help you connect with other families and specialists who can guide you in finding peer support options for your children.
What resources are available to help provide and learn more about fostering peer relationships?
You asked for resources, and we got ’em! In addition to the peer support groups mentioned above, a few resources are listed below that can help support these efforts. Of course, some lend themselves more to certain age groups than others.Remember that every family’s situation is unique, so for more tailored support and resources, reach out to Annie by connecting in at HIE.Support.
PBS Kids: Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Here, you can find a collection of videos specifically addressing social interactions and feelings. It’s a great way to spark conversations and help kids navigate friendships in a relatable way.
Supporting Learning Differences on the Support Spot App: Free and accessible to most HIE families (international families — you can still access these resources directly at HIE.Support), this app from Child Life on Call provides resources to support your child’s learning differences in many facets of life. Simply download the app, select Hope for HIE, and enter code 048325.
Sibling Support Project: provides resources and support specifically for siblings of children with special needs, fostering connections and helping them navigate their unique experiences and emotions. It includes Sibshops, interactive workshops where siblings can share their feelings, connect with peers, and engage in fun activities tailored to their needs.
Courageous Parents Network:They provide guidance for parents on how to facilitate social connections for their children and may offer community-building activities that encourage friendship development. Additionally, their focus on sharing experiences and stories can help children and families feel less isolated and more connected.
Hope for HIE’s Super Sibs Programming:This program specifically supports siblings of children living with or who have died from HIE. Our on-staff child life specialist, Annie, designs and develops these quarterly kits, which include activities to help siblings navigate their unique challenges. You can ask for a welcome kit or even purchase previous quarterly drops by visiting our Shopify site, which is linked above.
Watch the full recording, along with our other Child Life Q&As, on Hope for HIE’s YouTube channel under the Child Life Series playlist, or download our Key Takeaway resource for an at-a-glance look at our biggest highlights!
