The SEND Sisterhood

In this final episode of the season, Nat and Dee take a look at sustaining good mental health while carrying out the role of a parent carer.  The duo review the importance of bringing awareness of the wellbeing of the parent carer, dispelling stigmas, take a look at the reoccurring issue of "burnout",  where you can get help and how you can help yourself to develop a better level of ment...

On this penultimate episode Dee and Nat meet up with Andrea H, who worked in the social care sector for over 15 years; a career that was driven by her empathetic nature, understanding and belief that everyone deserves quality care.  Within this period, she became a single mum to two, now teenaged queens; and she was also diagnosed with progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS); an incurable condition th...

There are so many different disabilities out there. Many of which most of us have not even heard of let alone can fathom the experiences that those who have children with complex needs go through.  On this episode we discover PICA with Franceise, a BSc Psychology undergraduate student; mother of 2, one of whom has complex special needs and a diagnosis of PICA.  She has taken on the challenge of ed...

On this episode Dee and Nat are joined by Joe N, a young man who as a child went through challenges with his own disability.  Doctors told his mum that he would not be able to do most things that "typical" children would be able to do and that his disability would effect him into adulthood.  They could not have been more wrong. Joe states that "experiencing the fight and desire of m...

Those who are new to the SEND world, are often so embroiled by being in the moment, that it is hard to even consider 20 years into the future.  However, future planning (regardless of how parents may plan to do it) is definitely worth thinking about sooner, rather than later.   On this episode Nat and Dee speak with Yvette a retired mother of two, whose eldest child, now 39 years old has a SEND di...

When you learn your child is "delayed" is some capacity, it doesn't bring about feelings of great joy or prized accomplishments.  There are a variety of challenges that come with navigating the unique profile of a SEND child. There are also complications with how others perceive and attempt to educate on the overall outcomes of a child based on diagnosis or notification of needs.  I...

On this episode Dee and Nat speak to Sali M, a Senior Education Advisor and parent of two sons with SEND.  Sali reflects on the very different journeys of both of her children.  The ups and downs, fearing diagnosis, the misinterpretations of others and most importantly the successes of both of her children as they now make their way into adulthood.  Updates on future episodes check us out: @thesen...

Often many take for granted the ability to have your child cared for while you work, rest or play. For millions of SEND parents this is a luxury. There are financial implications to getting help; often schools will opt out, care providers may decide they are inclusive, but just not for your child and friends and family generally do not have to assist or lack in confidence if your child has additio...

Welcome back to The SEND Sisterhood - Season 2!  On this first episode of Season 2, Dee and Nat reflect on the time since Season 1 was released as parent carers. Being a SEND parent carer doesn't allow for much time to do anything else and often we even forget how much we have going on, are going through and how life in general has been just lifing! Over the course of this season, Nat and Dee...

Episode 2 gives the mic to those often sidelined or forgotten on this SEND journey.  SEND parent men. Joining Nat and Dee is Barry Kotei. Barry is a husband, mentor and SEND father to his son Jett, who has Down syndrome. He brings light to difficult conversations, sharing honestly about the realities of fatherhood, faith and navigating challenges so others can find hope. Drawing from his journey t...

On this bonus final episode Dee and Nat discuss their experiences when looking for Early Years/school settings. Focusing on what they found helpful and also discussing what considerations a parent carer in the UK might want to make; identifying some of the differences between SEND parent carers and typical parenting.  For any parent, finding a child care provider for your child can be nerve wrecki...

On this final official episode of the series (watch this space for the bonus episode coming soon!) Nat and Dee consider if there are in fact any "joys" to being a SEND parent-carer.  Taking a look back on the early years of being a parent-carer - with a pinch of "if you don't laugh; you'll be crying all the time"; the ladies discuss if it will always be a "woe is...

On this penultimate episode, Nat and Dee discuss and share their experiences of learning and development within the context of being a parent-carer.  They explore whether additional training is essential; if "training" can benefit you and your family; any barriers to training and consider, the question of "what if you haven't done any training at all?"  For most of us, we...

Although it is noted that all parents at some stage in their journey experience "parent guilt"; Nat and Dee discuss whether there is perhaps, such a thing as "SEND parent guilt".   Although the concepts are extremely similar; they question are there differences simply because being parent-carer of a child with additional needs.  Do additional needs = additional guilt? If so, wh...

There are so many misconceptions surrounding SEND Parenting and the impact of becoming a SEND parent on finances and careers.  Occasionally, some may have to give up working altogether; while others attempt to continue the status quo, only to end up experiencing burnout physically, mentally and financially.  On this episode, Nat and Dee pick apart the financial and career changes they have experie...

When you have a child with SEND; one of the first fearful things you hear about is getting your child an Education Heath Care Plan (EHCP).  Although it may seem as if an EHCP is a given for all SEND children; the truth is, that the process of obtaining a plan can be extremely challenging and really take its toll on the well-being of a parent and needs of a child if they remain unmet.  On this epis...

Playdates are meant to be fun.  But how much fun are they really for many SEND parents?  Nat and Dee take at look at their own experiences with play dates, discussing the good, the bad and the ugly of the emotional rollercoaster also know as playdates.  Updates on future episodes check us out: @thesendsisterhood; please like, comment, share, leave a review and rate each episode on socials and podc...

Nat and Dee tackle the difficult topic of health conditions; discussing  the volume of appointments, emotions and lessons learned when tackling the healthcare system and interacting with healthcare professionals.  Updates on future episodes check us out: @thesendsisterhood; please like, comment, share, leave a review and rate each episode on socials and podcast listening platforms.   If you have a...

On this episode Nat and Dee divulge what it has personally been like to adapt to being a parent carer - discussing what a typical “week in the life” has been like for them; the impact on day to day life and on those they interact with. Updates on future episodes check us out: @thesendsisterhood; please like, comment, share, leave a review and rate each episode on socials and podcast listening plat...

On this brief episode Natalie and Danise formally introduce themselves and discuss how they came to create the SEND Sisterhood podcast.  As they share how they have experienced navigating their new SEND lives; they hope to offer insight into what it is like to be a member of the SEND community and how others can help support them.  Updates on future episodes check us out: @thesendsisterhood; pleas...

Nat and Dee dive right in by discussing the concept of community, feelings of isolation and how their support networks evolved once they became parents to children with additional needs. Updates on future episodes check us out: @thesendsisterhood; please like, comment, share, leave a review and rate each episode on socials and podcast listening platforms.   If you have any comments, feedback or wo...