Raising Confident Kids with SEN

Episode 14: What is normal anyway?

In today’s episode Sarah Billingham is joined by Lauren Fenton and Rina Teslica, the hosts of the podcast F**king Normal.

In this episode, Lauren and Rina share their journey of navigating the challenges of parenting a child with special educational needs (SEN) while balancing self-compassion and guilt.

They explore the importance of seeking outside support, managing the mental load, and the role of self-care. Tune in for an honest, heartfelt, and sometimes humorous conversation about the realities of raising children with SEN.

Episode 13: Avoiding the summer holiday meltdown

In this week's episode, we’re covering a topic on many parents' minds as the summer approaches: how to avoid the summer holiday meltdown. We'll be sharing essential tips on planning a holiday that prioritises comfort, sleep, nutrition, and physical activity to support your child's well-being, especially for parents of children with special educational needs. 

From pre-planning decompression tools and familiarising your child with the holiday experience to ensuring continuity in routines and providing choices for activities, we’ve got you covered. So, whether you’re gearing up for a beach trip or planning local adventures, stay tuned for useful advice that can help you and your child have a more enjoyable and less stressful summer holiday.

Episode 12: Prioritising self-care when you have neurodivergent children

This is a heartfelt and empowering conversation between our host, Sarah Billingham, and special guest, Jo Long. Get ready to delve into the importance of setting boundaries, prioritising self-care, and navigating the unique challenges and joys of parenting children with special educational needs. 

You'll hear Jo's personal journey, insights on embracing autism, and practical advice for finding support and balance. Tune in as they explore how to raise confident, happy kids while taking care of yourself along the way.

Episode 11: Helping your SEN child transition at school with confidence

Today, Sarah is exploring a topic that's both exciting and daunting for many parents, transitioning to a new school or class. As we approach the end of the academic year, schools and nurseries are gearing up for transition visits, and both parents and children have a whirlwind of feelings to navigate. 

In this episode, Sarah explores practical strategies to help your child feel ready and confident during this period of change. She’ll discuss the importance of connection and predictability, and how these key elements can significantly smooth the transition process. She’ll also share some valuable tools, such as visual resources and the power of shared reading, to help your child manage their emotions and expectations.

Make sure you listen for insights and actionable advice to make this transition as seamless as possible for both you and your child.

Episode 10: The power of signing to connect with children with speech and hearing challenges

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Raising Confident Kids with SEN. Your host Sarah interviews Suzanne Meill-Ingram, an inspiring mother who has channeled her personal experiences into creating impactful resources and programmes for children with special educational needs. Throughout this episode, you'll hear Suzanne's heartfelt journey of how signing has transformed how she communicates with her daughter, Ella, who has CHARGE syndrome and hearing impairment. 

Tune in, and you'll learn about the profound impact of Makaton signing, get tips on how you can incorporate signing into your own routine. Get ready to explore the empowering world of signing, and discover how it can support and transform communication with your own child.

Episode 9: How to navigate your child's first EHCP annual review

In this episode of Raising Confident Kids with SEN, Sarah delves into the crucial topic of preparing for the annual review of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Whether you're approaching your child's first review or looking to better understand this essential process, host Sarah Billingham is here to guide you through every step.

This episode addresses key concerns and provides insights to help you navigate the review with confidence, ensuring the continued support your child needs and deserves. Join Sarah as she unpacks the intricacies of EHCP annual reviews and shares practical advice on how to prepare for it. She also tackles the common fears that come up during the assessment process. Don't miss this opportunity to empower yourself with knowledge and strategies that can make a real difference in your child's educational journey.

Episode 8: The five pillars of ADHD support every parent should know

In this episode Sarah had an enlightening conversation with Dr. Amy Moore about the vital world of sleep, nutrition, and emotional regulation for children with ADHD. Dr. Moore highlighted the transformative power of a calming bedtime routine, the need to address chronic stress, and the impact of a healthy diet on our kids' brains. 

They also unraveled the complexity of ADHD beyond attention deficiency and shared practical tips for building strong connections and skills. Remember, whether you're navigating assessment wait times or supporting your child's unique journey, we're here to help. Listen to the episode to learn Dr. Moore's 5 pillars for a healthier, happier ADHD life for you and your child, right here on our podcast.

Episode 7: I think my child has SEN - what now?

Sarah discusses what to do if your child's school or nursery has raised developmental concerns. She empathises with the emotional impact of such feedback and offers reassurance, drawing from her own experiences and those of her clients.

She shares insights on navigating the challenges of seeking support, emphasising the importance of having the right strategy, finding the right time to implement it, and seeking support from professionals or experienced individuals. Additionally, she debunks the "watch and wait" myth and encourages persistence in seeking support.

Sarah also highlights the power of parental intuition and the impact of proactive, little and often actions in supporting a child's development. This episode offers invaluable guidance and insights for parents navigating the complexities of raising a child with special educational needs.

Episode 6: Figuring out family life and ADHD with Emma Cossey

Sarah Billingham chats with Emma Cossey, a Freelance Coach, about her personal journey of recognising ADHD traits in her son and her adult ADHD diagnosis. Emma shares the impact it had on their family life, as well as practical changes she made to create a more ADHD-friendly home environment. 

Their discussion also touches on the challenges and benefits of freelancing for neurodivergent individuals, and Emma shares details about her inclusive freelance community and podcast, offering valuable resources for those navigating similar experiences. 

Tune in for an enlightening and empowering conversation on raising children with ADHD and creating a supportive community for neurodivergent individuals.

Episode 5: Post pick-up slump: Supporting your child after school

Sarah tackles the outpouring of emotions that many children with special educational needs experience after a long school day. Think of it as the big release after keeping emotions bottled up—this is the time they need us most.

Sarah chats about the power of discussing feelings and shares a tool, My Mood Stars, that helped her daughter communicate her anxiety. 

Expect tips on how to balance decompression time and connection for our kids after school. Learn the signs of a "hangry" child and the importance of refueling right after school, managing schedules, and choosing the right after-school environment.

Prepare for insights and advice on how to help your children unwind and express themselves, laying the groundwork for a calmer evening. She delves into the strategies and understanding necessary to support kids through the post-school transition. Listen in as Sarah shares how to avoid the post pick-up slump.

Episode 4: Embracing co-regulation for SEN kids with Amanda Clifford

Today Sarah and her guest Amanda Clifford are exploring the foundational concept of co-regulation and its vital importance in raising confident and resilient kids.

Amanda Clifford is an experienced neonatal and paediatric occupational therapist. Tune in as they unpack the deeper aspects of how co-regulation supports your child's emotional development. They also discuss sensory regulation and share how parents play a crucial role in helping their children find their "just right" place in challenging situations. Amanda is a mother to four, including twins, she also shares her insights on managing the stress of parenting and keeping the household running smoothly. 

Listen to the episode to learn some practical strategies that you can use every day to help empower you and your kids.

Episode 3: How to choose the right school for your child with SEN

Your host Sarah Billingham explores the important topic of choosing a school for a child with special educational needs. She dives into the decision-making process, considerations when visiting schools, and the significance of prioritsing a child's individual needs.

Sarah shares valuable insights and practical tools to assist parents in making this crucial decision. The episode also addresses the question of mainstream versus special schools and when it may be appropriate to consider a special school placement. Tune in as Sarah provides valuable advice and guidance for parents navigating the school selection process for their children with special educational needs.

Episode 2: Navigating the Special Education Journey with Richard Woods

Today we're welcoming Richard Woods to the show. Richard's journey through dyslexia to entrepreneurial success provides an insightful backdrop  about the potential within neurodiversity. Your host Sarah discusses with Richard how he and his wife navigated special educational needs with their daughter Poppy. From recognising developmental delays to embracing the positive change a special school has made in her life.

They also discuss the challenges and eventual successes of applying for an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), the importance of community support, and how to find the right school fit for children with SEN.

This episode is a must-listen for any parent on a similar pathway, offering not just a father's perspective but inspiration and practical advice. Stay tuned as Sarah and Richard delve into these topics and equip you with resources to support your child's educational journey.

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The Raising Confident Kids with SEN podcast is designed to offer strength, guidance, and understanding to parents navigating the rollercoaster of raising children with special educational needs. My aim is to make this podcast a hub of education, inspiration and support for families, using humour, expert knowledge, interviews and parents’ stories.

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