Ep. 4 - Interview with Suzanne Muench - Sibling

Subtitle: Expectations

Recording Date: June 1, 2022

Transcript: Download transcript HERE

Keywords: disability, siblings with disabilities, disabled siblings, expectations, family dynamics and disability, disability and family balance, disability and support options, letting go, changing roles, Sibshops, sibling support, Suzanne Muench

Summary: Gerry interviews Suzanne Muench, whose brother John has a disability. Listen to a poignant conversation as Suzanne shares balancing expectations with reality, changing roles and her journey towards self-care. Suzanne shares her struggles navigating the change of roles from sibling, to caregiver, and back again.

Topical Index:

• Overview [00:00]


• Introductions [01:23]


• Choosing what to share [03:11]


• Importance of family balance [04:14]


• Defining my career [05:19]


• Lack of conversation [07:01]


• Shifting roles from sibling to caregiver [09:19]


• Finding the right supports [10:26]


• Reclaiming the role of sibling [11:24]


• Personal struggles and self-care [13:34]


• Balancing the needs of care-giver and family [17:57]


• What I wish I knew [18:10]


• Conversations vs. expectations [19:22]


• Empowering Families [20:30]


• Acknowledging successes [23:51]


• Letting go of control [25:03]


• A positive change for all [26:44]


• Sibshops - supporting the sibling's journey [29:55]


• Some resources to share [32:16]


• What's next for Susanne and John [37:07]


• Closing [39:11]

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