Time to get out the winter school uniforms

It seems like the kids have only been back at school for a few weeks but it's already approaching half-term.  The routines we've just settled into will stop again.  Then it's just a week off.  It'll get even darker and colder and when they go back the kids will be in their winter uniforms.

My top three busy mum backpack to shoulder bags

I've just about got past the initial stage of needing to take the world with me when I'm out with the kids.  I'm still lugging an iPad mini around with me for David to stay calm when we are out, juice and snacks etc. But I've got bored of always looking like I'd just walked out of changing room and want to look... dare.. I say it.. nice every now and again.

Finding their feet - our favourite back to school shoes

The kids are going back to school. Jane is starting in reception and has had most of her uniform since June. She spent nearly a week wearing it to preschool.  I'm just in the process of grabbing the other bits for Jane and the boys and on the list is more shirts, trousers and.... new shoes.

Autism parenting: The heart ache of one shoe, my son's despair

It's hard to explain a meltdown to someone who doesn't understand.

Have you ever been so distraught that you can't function? Has anything ever upset you so much that you simply can't cope with anything? Think uncontrollable tears or absolute fear or rage? Or all at once? Now imagine feeling like this because your sister has only got one of her shoes on. That's what  life is like for our autistic son, David.

Shoes... in the laundry?

David is five years old and attends a specialist autism education unit.  Being five and having ASD means school activities are still based around play and developing the senses.  The other day, I was met by David being carried by his key worker at the gate of the school.