Now, onto something a little deeper (but still with a light heart!) – inclusion. Mums, we’ve all got our challenges, but if you’re raising a child with inclusion needs, it can feel like you’re climbing Everest without a guidebook. And getting them into school? Oh, that’s just the start of the journey!
Let’s face it, we don’t always get those easy-to-share proud mum moments. You know, the “my child aced their spelling test” or “gold star for perfect handwriting” posts. Instead, we’re over here celebrating the unseen wins – the coaxing, the tears (theirs and ours), the endless patience, and those tiny triumphs that mean the world to us.
And let’s not forget the meetings. You know the ones – “Your child is a delight,” “They’re great at communicating” (aka, they talk non-stop), or “They’re a class favourite!” But somehow, academic progress always feels like it’s taking the scenic route.
Then comes the big convo – support. How much help is too much? Not enough? Should they have more? And let’s talk about the labels – ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia… you name it. It might make us wince, but honestly, I think these labels are our secret weapons. Once we know how our children learn, we can help them flourish. I like to think of neurodivergent children as having Lamborghini brains – fast, brilliant, and complex, but learning to drive them at the age of one? Now that’s the challenge!
And oh, the cost of getting support. Ugh, it’s enough to make anyone weep. Educational psychologist reports don’t come cheap, and insurance rarely helps. But before diving into that financial abyss, check with the school – some assessments are free, so start there! And if you do need that report? It’s worth it. Especially as they grow older and need accommodations for GCSEs or other exams.
Once I came to terms with my boys’ learning needs, I was amazed by their perspective. They see the world differently, and I’ve learned to cherish that. Take spelling, for example. My daughter would nail her list in 5 minutes. But for my boys? We had to get creative. We’d break it down into small pieces – even used plasticine! Rolling out the letters, creating the words in 3D, cutting them up, and putting them back together. Trust me, it made those tricky blends way more fun (and manageable!).
Unless you’re living it, it’s hard to grasp how much effort goes into these small victories. So, if you see a mum of a child who is learning differently, give her a high-five, a smile, or even a hug. You have no idea what mountains she’s climbing today.
Here’s to our little ones who think outside the box, who see the world from a different angle, and who are as bright and capable as their peers despite school systems that don’t work in harmony with them, recognize the small wins or allow them to learn in the way they need to, but we see it, and that’s what counts. Our kids are building resilience and strategies that will serve them for life – they are strong, brilliant, and destined for greatness.
So, cheers to another week of mum-life madness! Remember, we don’t have crystal balls, so let’s roll with it, do the best we can, and embrace the unknown with a smile. Sending all the love and high-fives to you, fellow mum champions!