About Our Sibshops Program

Sibshops are peer support groups for siblings (ages 7–13) of children with special health and developmental needs in a recreational setting.

Stanford Medicine Children’s Health is celebrating siblings of hospitalized patients/children. Sibshops offer opportunities for siblings to meet other siblings and discuss the highs and lows of having a sibling in the hospital. Led by a Certified Child Life Specialist, who is also a Certified Sibshop Facilitator, siblings will have opportunities to participate in a mixture of games, fun, and discussion activities to connect with others who “get it.”

There are currently more than 550 Sibshops all over the world. To learn more about Sibshops, visit the Sibling Support Project, a national program dedicated to the concerns of siblings of people with special needs and special health needs.

Sibshops information

Sibshops are offered for siblings between ages 7 and 13. These two-hour sessions will be held every third Friday of the month. Please refer to Eventbrite for upcoming dates and registration.

Parents will need to be available on-site in case of emergencies.

For questions or more information, please contact sibshops@stanfordchildrens.org.

Register for Sibshops

Sibshops dates

Dates may change; please refer to Eventbrite.

  • May 22, 2026
  • June 26, 2026
  • July 24, 2026
  • August 21, 2026
  • September 25, 2026

What happens during Sibshops?

Siblings are able to engage in fun and playful games and guided discussion activities to provide insight, encourage appreciation for siblings, and create unique connection to celebrate and highlight siblings.

When does the session start and end?

Each session is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Do parents attend Sibshops?

No. Parents are expected to sign their child in for the session and pick them up at the end of the session. Parents will need to stay on-site in case of an emergency.

Are snacks provided?

Yes, a packaged snack will be provided during the session. Please note allergies in the registration form.

My child is not 7 years old yet. Can I register them for Sibshops?

No. Younger children are usually not ready or would not benefit as much from guided discussions. Please contact us for information about future events!

My child is older than 13. Can I register them for Sibshops?

Yes, if your child would like to participate and understands that they will be with younger children.

Do I have to pay for Sibshops?

No. Sibshops are free!

I signed up for a Sibshop but cannot make it to the session anymore

If you can’t make a Sibshop that you have registered for, please email sibshops@stanfordchildrens.org or contact the Child Life department at (650) 497-8336.