Recently, a friend of mine sought my advice. Her children attend nursery with a young girl with autism and sometimes her behaviour scares them. She makes loud noises, likes to touch things a lot and sometimes gets too close. How, she asked me, can I explain in a sensitive way? I have also experienced this… Read More
If I had my time with babies again, I would buy a Greentom stroller. Not only do they look divine – just look at all those beautiful colours to choose from – Greentom products are also safe and sustainable. They use fabrics that made entirely from recycled drinking bottles. In addition, once you have finished… Read More
If you ask me ‘why does he do that?’, you cannot offend me. When you question, ‘if autism is not a disease, then what is it?’, I am not insulted. If you say, ‘My children are scared. How can I explain this to them?’ I will talk for as long as you will let me,… Read More
We met, nearly fifteen years ago, during teacher training. Every day, I walked from the train station to our placement school. Every day, a few minutes before I got to the gate, you would overtake me on your bike. As I walked, my thoughts were dominated by the moment when you would pass. I adjusted… Read More
We are not fans of milestones in this house. We love celebrating progress in general, of course. All parents rejoice in the successes and achievements of their children. The ‘official’ milestones, however – the ones written in books, the ones that get sent to your inbox with ‘an update on your 22 month old’, the… Read More
My parenting may seem unusual to you. You might think I am indulgent. Maybe you think I display favouritism, that I am soft, that I have made a rod for my own back. You probably won’t understand my odd reactions to what seems like misbehaviour from my son. Every parent knows what it is like… Read More
Everyone has thought about it – what would you truly love to do if money were no object? You might have discussed it with family, around the dinner table or compared notes at family gatherings. When we are asked what we would do if we won the lottery, two things immediately spring to mind: travel… Read More
Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom is a firm favourite with everyone in our household, from the youngest to the oldest. It has everything a cartoon needs to capture the imagination. There are catchy tunes, genuine humour and a touch of magic and whimsy. Ben and Holly Live seeks to capture that adventure and charm on the… Read More
My son said his first word at just over one. It was car. Others followed – by age two he spoke in sentences and followed instructions easily. He was behind physically. He rolled and crawled and walked late, but not enough to warrant concern. It was only later, only when the physical delays became more… Read More
This month my #BostikBlogger box was full of ducklings, chicks, eggs and bunnies – which means spring is upon us. I have to say I am relieved. I can’t wait for the blossoms to be out and for the world to be a bit brighter and lighter, just like our box of crafting goodies. This… Read More
My son is not a problem. He is not a health and safety risk, a difficulty to manage or an obstacle to overcome. He is not a disability. He is not a neurodevelopmental condition. He is a little boy who fears and loves, who laughs and cries. His behaviour is not challenging. To label it… Read More
Are you are affected by any of the issues in the stories below? Or you are simply one of the thousands of people whose personal or family situation means that part-time working options are the only ones that can work for you? It can be really hard to get a new job on a part… Read More