How do I balance the sibling without a disability at the splash pad?

The sibling of a special-needs child — often called a 'glass child' because they're seen through — frequently learns to suppress their own needs to keep family peace. At splash pads, this looks like the typical sibling waiting patiently while you manage a meltdown, missing turns, or never asking for what they want. The fix is structural, not promised. Schedule dedicated 1:1 splash pad time with the typical sibling — Tuesday with grandma, Saturday with one parent, whatever fits. Make it predictable and protected. During mixed outings, name the dynamic: 'I see you waiting and I appreciate that — your turn next.' Don't praise them for being 'easy' or 'helpful'; that reinforces self-erasure. Teen years bring real grief if this isn't addressed. Sibshops (run by sibsupport.org) is the leading sibling-of-special-needs program — many cities have local chapters. Books: 'Views from Our Shoes' for younger kids, 'The Sibling Slam Book' for teens. The typical sibling deserves a parent who shows up for them too.