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Links:
About
the Big Sibling Program
Other similar
Big Sibling programs
Apply
to be a Big Sibling
FAQ's
for Big Sibling applicants
Apply
for a Big Sibling
Frequently
Asked Questions for family applicants
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FAQ's....for Big Sibling Families @ MIT
• How are Big Siblings assigned
to families?
The families choose the Big Sibling based on the student's
application.
• What are the expectations
of Big Siblings?
Big Siblings are expected to make at least a year's commitment
(September - May, or from the time they are assigned to the little sibling
to the end of the academic year). How often the Big Sibling meets
with the Little Sibling will depend on the family's preferences and student's
schedule, though we would hope that they would have contact at least once
every two weeks at minimum. Building a relationship takes time and
it is important for the child to have some continuity in their relationship
with the Big Sibling.
In the ordinary case Big Siblings should not plan to spend time alone
with the Little Sibling. For the student's safety and the safety of
the child, another adult should be with the Siblings when they spend time
together. As time goes on, we may institute procedures (e.g., a CORI
and a legal release by families) that will provide greater flexibility in
your activities.
Note that Big Siblings should not be used as baby sitters. This not only
a consequence of the policy that siblings should not be alone together, but
also is contrary to the spirit of the program.
• What are some fun activities
for Big Siblings and families?
- Hanging out and playing games, doing puzzles, helping with
homework, etc. at the family's home;
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Going to a neighborhood park together;
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Going for a walk or a bike ride, e.g., along the Charles
River, at the Mt. Auburn Cemetary;
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Going to the MIT Sports Center
(day passes cost $5 for kids);
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Going to a local sporting event (tickets to Harvard and BU
games are generally affordable):
Collegiate:
MIT Athletics
Harvard Athletics
BU Athletics
Boston College Athletics
Tufts Athletics
Northeastern
Athletics
Professional:
Boston
Red Sox
Boston Celtics
Boston Bruins
Boston
Museum of Science
Omni
Theatre (IMAX)
Harvard Museum
of Natural History
New
England Aquarium
Children's Museum
Museum of Fine Arts,
MFA children's
programs.
These museums usually have special programs on school holidays. (Check
out MITAC for discount tickets!)
• If the family wants to take the Big Sibling
to a baseball game (or other event with paid admission), who is expected
to pay for the tickets?
Big Siblings will participate in family activities with
a parent or other adult present. Families may suggest going to a baseball
game or other activity requiring paid admission, and if so, the Big Sibling
should offer to pay for his or her own ticket. However, families should
pay for the Little Sibling's and other family members' tickets.
Of course, it will be important to be sensitive to the financial circumstances
of the student and not suggest expensive outings that would not be within
their budget, unless the family is willing to pay for all admissions.
• Are there annual get-together
events for Big Siblings and families at MIT?
Because the program is just beginning, we don't have a regular
schedule of events. We are hoping that once the program is up and
running we will at least have an annual picnic in the fall and another event
in the spring. During 2002-3, we will aim for a spring event. We
will keep families and big siblings posted of our plans.
• Who do we call for questions
and/or emergencies?
Of course, in any serious emergency dial 911. But
if you have questions or problems arise, you may contact any of the following:
Kristin Gunst
gunst@mit.edu
617-452-3499
Sally Haslanger
shaslang@mit.edu
617-253-4458 (weekends: 617-876-0738)
Diane Betz Tavitian
dtavit@mit.edu
w: 617-253-2138
h: 603-929-0140
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