Parenting is a wild, messy adventure, like trying to herd cats while riding a unicycle and juggling flaming torches. Throw in the beautiful complexity of neurodiversity (where brains come in all flavors, from autistic to ADHD to sensory-seeking) and the stakes get even higher. Drawing from the insights of Sanvictores and Mendez (2022), who outline … Read more
The Endless Summer: Why Your Kids Need Morning Structure (Even on Holiday) The school bell has rung for the last time, backpacks are tossed in corners, and suddenly you’re staring down ten weeks of unstructured mornings. If you’re anything like me, you’re torn between letting the kids luxuriate in proper lie-ins and the nagging feeling … Read more
The Art of Choice: Why Getting It Right Matters More Than We Think There’s a moment that happens in every classroom, every day, that we barely notice. A child is asked to choose between two activities, or pick their partner for a task, or decide what they want for lunch. For most children, this is … Read more
The Modern Father “The moment I first held my daughter, I realized everything had changed—including what being a ‘good father’ meant to me.” — James, father of two Are you wondering if you’re fulfilling your role as a father in today’s rapidly changing world? You’re not alone. The modern father juggles many responsibilities beyond the … Read more
Embracing Flexibility: A Guide for Parents of Autistic Children on Managing Cancelled Plans As parents of autistic children, we understand that routine and predictability often provide a sense of comfort and security. However, life has a way of throwing curveballs, and cancelled plans can be particularly challenging for our autistic loved ones. This article aims … Read more
Encouraging Communication with Your Teenager I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges and rewards of maintaining open communication with teenagers. I don’t always get it right and struggle with being met by grumps, eye-rolls and silences. The adolescent years are a critical period of growth and self-discovery, and effective communication during this time can strengthen family bonds … Read more
The Art of Rupture and Repair You’ve likely experienced moments when your connection with your child feels strained or broken. These instances, known as ‘ruptures’, are an inevitable part of parenting. However, it’s the way we handle these ruptures that truly matters. This is where the concept of ‘repair’ comes into play, offering a powerful … Read more
How Can I Have a Happier Family Life? Family life can be incredibly fulfilling, but it doesn’t always come easily. With the right approach, you can create a joyful, harmonious home. Here are ten expert-backed strategies to foster a happier family life, with practical tips you can implement today, these will hopefully work to reduce … Read more
Virtual Autism: Understanding the Impact of Screen Time on Child Development As parents, we struggle with screen time for our 5 children from 4-14. It is an issue on many levels and firm boundaries and balance is required. When I saw the Phrase “Virtual Autism” I had to look into it in more detail. In … Read more
Communicating with School: A Guide for Parents of Children with Special Needs Having a child with special needs like autism or profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) means developing a strong partnership with the professionals involved in your child’s care and education. Effective communication is absolutely vital for ensuring your child receives the support and … Read more
To Share or Not to Share: A Balanced Perspective on Teaching Children to Share There is some debate in the parenting world whether you should teach your children to share their toys or not. Sharing is often considered a fundamental social skill that children should learn from a young age. However, the question of whether … Read more
Sleep Issues and Autism: A Guide for Teachers, SENCOs and Parents Sleep plays a crucial role in child development and daily functioning. However, for children with Autism (ASD), achieving consistent, restful sleep can be a challenge. Understanding the intersection of autism and sleep issues is essential for educators, as it can have significant impacts on … Read more
How to Make Parallel Parenting Work for You When divorce or separation happens, the impact on children’s lives can be immense, especially if conflict continues between parents. Traditional co-parenting may prove difficult or even toxic in high-conflict situations. Parallel parenting offers an alternative arrangement to support children’s wellbeing when direct co-parenting is not working. What … Read more
Managing Unsolicited Parenting Advice As a new parent, you’ll experience the highs of joy and wonder along with the lows of challenges—including coping with unsolicited parenting advice. This comprehensive guide provides pro tips to help you evaluate advice objectively, set clear boundaries, and gain confidence in your parenting instincts. As you embark on this incredible … Read more
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