Wednesday 29 March 2017

WonderfulWednesday: @_AmazingAutism Amazing Things Happen


I came across this week's wonderful Wednesday share quite a few times.  As I scrolled down my facebook page, I came across this video from Amazing Things Happen, that had been shared by Someone's Mum, Stories About Autism and The SEND Parents Handbook, so thought I'd take a look.

Tuesday 28 March 2017

The love of my loud kids

David by the fence

Some people are aware that individuals with autism can be sensitive to loud noises so might be confused by our sons.  David has all devices at maximum volume all the time.  Our house is like a constant block party.  His older brother, Anthony, is himself extremely loud all the time. This can makes it difficult to tell when Anthony is distressed or needs help because when he shouts for it, he's not actually any louder than normal.  And we are trying to hear it over the rest of the music in the home.

Thursday 23 March 2017

How my autistic son says he is already like a Power Ranger

Power Rangers Toys

In recent years we've not only seen Sesame Street's reveal of their first autistic Muppet, but a re-boot of the Power Rangers Movie. And you've guessed it, one of the Power Rangers is autistic.

Wednesday 22 March 2017

WonderfulWednesday: World Down's Syndrome Day WDSD17

Odd socks for Down's Syndrome Day

This week's wonderful Wednesday share includes some lovely posts and pieces about World Down's Syndrome Day.

Tuesday 21 March 2017

We've got to get our kids outside even if it's wet

Anthony relaxing in a tree wearing his Term wellington boots.

There's no doubt that the cold and rainy weather makes it harder to get out with the kids. Even if it's not actually raining - everything is sopping wet. But we've found it's always worth it.  And our new wellington boots, have made it that bit easier.

Thursday 16 March 2017

Madeupmilestones: @GwynneMiriam and holding a puzzle piece

madeupmilestones picture

I'm proud of so many of my kids achievements.  My boys often don't hit the same milestones as listed in the 'little red book' milestone chart and I've learned that creating our own milestone charts celebrating their own achievements is more valuable to me.  This series celebrates the #madeupmilestones of those we care about. This month it's from Miriam at Faith Mummy and is about a moment of bravery in assembly.

Wednesday 15 March 2017

WonderfulWednesday: The latest weather presenter @melaniepeutlefaire

Looking like sunny weather for Melanie

This week's wonderful news piece came via The SEND Parents Handbook facebook page, who highlighted one of articles about Mélanie Ségard, a young women who used social media to help propel herself onto television in France on the 27th of March. According to the Telegraph, Mélanie said that as someone with Down’s Syndrome, it’s a dream she never thought would be possible.

Monday 13 March 2017

Three tips to maximising mummy's quality of sleep

Ready for bed

Busy Mum? I don't know one that isn't.  Maybe you are a new mum with a baby that seems to need feeding all night or are a working mum who is doing an amazing job juggling everything.  Maybe you just have no choice but to burn the candle at both ends, as my mum used to say.  Grown ups need their sleep just as much as the kids but are often under more time pressure - so how best to get the best sleep when we get the chance?

Thursday 9 March 2017

More free childcare in the future?

Nursery hand prints

When Anthony was three years old he was entitled to 15 hours of free childcare each week.  Fantastic.  When David turned three years old, he should have been given the same amount.  But that's not what he got. He got seven.  David only got seven hours because he has autism. Looking back, I can't believe I let it happen.

Wednesday 8 March 2017

Pushy parents via @lifeasdrest and more

Pushy Parent? Apple on Teacher's desk

I never really thought of myself as a pushy parent. Too diplomatic. I simply explained facts and made it obvious that I had weighed all the options carefully and this was the best, or only conclusion.  But sometimes and for some people this isn't enough.

Tuesday 7 March 2017

Parenting my kids isn't what I expected because...

 Parenting my kids isn't what I expected becuase.... Girl trying to balance at the playground.

I'm not sure if I'd really thought about what it would be like being a parent.  I remember being all gooey eyed when feeding our new nephew a bottle of milk and that was it.  Must have been some maternal instinct - I was pregnant within a month. But it wasn't all easy or what I thought it would be after that.

Sunday 5 March 2017

Spectrum and SEND Sunday #44

Spectrum and SEND Sunday #44

Welcome to our Spectrum and SEND Sunday #44.  Here you can share your autism, special educational needs and disabilities, mental health posts. Whatever stage of diagnosis or life you are at.. you are welcome to join in.

Friday 3 March 2017

When my kids tell me I'm doing an OK job

Boys on a bridge

I don't know a parent that doesn't wonder if they are doing enough.  Am I a good enough mum? Should I be doing more?  Sometimes even, what should I be doing? There are pictures splattered all over the social media of perfect looking families and happy children.  It's going to be fab photos of kids in their World Book Day costumes not photos of a child crying their eyes out because mum forgot to check parent mail and they've turned up in school uniform.

Wednesday 1 March 2017

Wonderful Wednesday: WRDD2017

Blue denim heart

Unless you or a member of your family have a rare disease, I don't imagine you know what's it's like. I don't.  Our kids have some conditions, none of them diseases, and none of them rare.  Autism diagnoses are at an all time high and the waiting times for many are too long. We have support through various condition related groups and charities.  I help at a local charity for disabled children and their families and we had a parent come in with a toddler who had a very rare condition.

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