Parenting Behind the Pages
My Life with SEN Children
Throughout my time with this newsletter, I have shared my journey with writing, but I have never really gone too deeply into my other life as a parent.
Over the last couple of weeks, I have gone down a TikTok rabbit hole of amazing parents of SEN children sharing their stories, and these have helped me.
SEN, for those who do not know, refers to children who have additional needs. My eldest daughter has additional needs. She has been diagnosed with autism and is awaiting a diagnosis for ADHD. She is also the most incredible eight-year-old you will ever meet.
Until the age of five, she didn’t speak. Since then, she has made up for it. She is not one of life’s great conversationalists, but any communication is a blessing. She is also hilarious, sometimes intentionally, sometimes because she can be a little unpredictable in the best way.
My youngest, her little brother, is also diagnosed with autism. Although he just started speaking at three, his communication is delayed. He is the most loving little boy you will ever meet. While not as hyperactive as my eldest (yet), he still shares many of the same social and emotional challenges.
In between these two is my middle daughter, the most amazing five-year-old who takes on a caring role for her siblings. Sometimes, she has to step back while we deal with her brother's or sister’s needs.
She is excelling at school and is far more mature than she should be at five. To give you an example: when we go out, I hold her sister’s hand, my partner has her brother’s, and our five-year-old walks beside us independently, with complete trust and confidence.
There are things you have to put aside as a parent of SEN children - the birthday parties I once dreamed of throwing for my children don’t happen. Two of them cannot cope with the noise and the stimulation.
Sitting down at the table as a family, chatting about our day over dinner. That has never happened. I’m now simply grateful that they are eating, in whatever way they feel comfortable.
These are the stories other parents have shared, and they have helped me. It’s why I’ve decided to start adding them to this newsletter. I won’t be sharing names or any photos that show their faces, they deserve their privacy as much as anyone.
Yes, I will still be sharing writing tips and updates, but I’ll also include these stories, because everything I accomplish happens against this backdrop.
So stick with me, or unsubscribe if this no longer feels like your thing. I hope you enjoy these more personal essays, as well as everything else I share.
If you’re also parenting SEN children, I’d love to hear what’s helped you, feel free to reply or comment.
Until next week, remember:
Read to learn. Read to escape. Read to smile.
Sam 😊
You’re not a rescuer. You're a bridge between two worlds. And your child doesn't need saving — he needs a guide. - Autism Wonders
