In this month’s round-up, Ann at Rainbows Are Too Beautiful highlights some recent blog posts from the BritMums’ community about the little-known highs of being a SEND parent and also discovers the best SEND friendly theatre shows around the UK.
The joy of being a SEND parent
“How do you do it?” is a question I’ve been asked many times. I know it’s not meant to offend, but when I’m hurtling down the road keeping my rather messy troop together, holding hands with kids who look far too old for it and relaying simple instructions to another that sound more like I’m talking to a dog than a person, I can see why it’s asked. I remind myself that it’s probably because as a SEND parent I have a lot to do and think about, I’m ‘always on’, as On The Mother Hand says. Rather that than the thought that they wouldn’t want to be me… with my kids.
Yes they need more support, yes it takes more time, yes getting appropriate provision is a nightmare. But they are my kids and I love them to pieces and I have joy in all sorts of ways. As others have also shared this month.
Usually something we all battle for, MS Parent Advocate shares that the family finally have support from CAMHS. No small feat! Then, Ordinary Hopes shares how fortunate they are to have a carer, PA, support worker (or whatever other title use). I share her sentiments ‘please know that you are valued, loved and treasured by the whole family’.
SEND friendly entertainment
Finding places to enjoy with our families are also not always easy, but A Curious Journey helps by sharing where to find relaxed theatre performances across the UK. If you love theatre, this could be a great starting place. If you love films more then The Additional Needs BlogFather writes a fantastic review / study plan for the movie Wonder.
Not So Ordinary Diary and Down Right Joy are both expressing their ideas about the short film made by Alex Widdowson. Read the posts, watch the short. That is all.
Often at the end of the day it’s the simplest of triumphs that lift us. It was Number Day last week, a day for to schools to have a mega maths-inspired fundraising and awareness raising day for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). I’ve read reports that show that children with disabilities are nearly four times more likely to be abused or neglected when compared to children without disabilities.
Dressing-up day success
These are scary numbers for parents like me. But Number Day for 47 Stripey Socks was one of those little victories that give us that lift. Dressing up at school can be a disaster waiting to happen for many SEND households but not in this story. 47 Stripey Socks’ lad was so happy he ‘squealed’ with delight in his number blocks costume for Number Day. Definitely a ‘love’ moment.
Whatever you next month brings, hold on to your little victories and special moments. After all, we love our kids to bits!
You might also like:
How to keep the kids entertained over half-term
The good, the bad and the funny aspects of parenting teens
SEND: Managing expectations and setting small goals
About Ann .
“Rainbows are too beautiful,” said Anthony. “I just can’t look at them.” Ann says her son’s statement characterizes so much about how her autistic and neurotypical family interacts and interprets the world in their own wonderful way.
Originally a PR and marketing professional for the third sector, Ann now does some lecturing in this topic but spends most of her time being a full time mum and sharing her experiences through her award nominated blog. Ann’s three kids attend different schools and have multiple diagnoses including Autism, ADHD, anxiety and more. Ann is a Trustee on a local disabled children’s charity and speaks at SEND conferences and consultations.
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