The other day we were driving in the car and asked Alison to give Daniel a snack. Because of his still difficulty with chewing, she knows that she needs to break off small pieces and give it to him in his hand. She is also aware that she needs to have him chew what he has in his mouth before giving him any more.
She is only 6 years old.
I feel bad for her.
Never mind that she doesn't notice anything wrong with that. He is her little brother and she is the big sister who, from day one, wants to help. I know all big brothers and sisters are put in charge. I know that the oldest has more responsibility, I get that. What I don't like is that she will probably never get a break from that responsibility. Unlike other older siblings whose baby brother or sister gets bigger and can eventually take care of themselves, Alison's little brother may always need her help.
Of course we'll be there and it won't all fall on her shoulders but in fact someday it might.
She gets sad too. She wonders too why her little brother doesn't walk. We try to remind her and say, "don't you remember his brain doesn't work like other children's brains." How can we expect this little six year old girl to understand something that we don't understand?
In the end she is six, but she has had to grow up more than she will ever know.
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