Page 49 - SEN107 SEN Magazine July-August 2020
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senmagazine.co.uk SEN 107 49 I always thought that I would slot into being a parent without too much of a struggle, as I had experience as a primary school teacher. However, being responsible for all areas of the development of my children was a heavy burden. This was made more challenging by having three children who needed additional educational and emotional support in comparison to their peer group. Dyslexia had a big impact on the education of my two boys, my eldest son had undiagnosed ADHD and my daughter attended a specialist school. She was diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay at the age of 18 months, and it is a lifelong learning disability. Her diagnosis was a turning point for me as a parent. The early years of parenting were challenging and lonely. I managed, but now I know how much easier my life would have been had I known the support of other families like ours, people who truly understood what I was experiencing. Education was a big challenge. I was often met in the playground regarding emotionally difficult behaviour at school, and I learnt that what happens at school does not always need addressing at home and that our long term relationship as a family was much more important. At one point our children were in three different schools, in three different local authorities, and at three SENCOs. It was almost a full time job, but fortunately our children attended supportive schools. The key is that both the parents and the school recognise the expertise of the other. I can highly recommend local SENDIASS (every local authority will have one) who so brilliantly support parents and carers who are finding it hard navigating the education system. In 2006, when all three children were ‘settled’ at school, I set up a charity called Parenting Special Children (PSC), providing families of children and young people with SEND specialist parenting support. The first time that I attended a specialist SEND course I felt I had come home, and that ‘I wasn’t a bad parent’. In the last fourteen years that has been a common refrain as well as ‘I no longer feel so alone’ from the families who have come on Parenting Special Children courses. All of our courses are delivered by facilitators with a background in education, health and social care, but the most important aspect for parents is that we are parents of children and young people with SEND, which means that we get it! I have learnt so much as a parent through learning about SEND, from parents on courses and workshops, and the community that we have at Parenting Special Children who share the joys and challenges of being a parent of a child or young person with special needs. Fourteen years later, Parenting Special Children have provided specialist SEND support to thousands of families. During Covid-19 lockdown we have supported over 900 families through PSC helpline and online workshops. My own family is thriving and I am grateful for life’s experiences which have made me a more compassionate person and definitely a more confident parent. Point of view: parent Embracing being a parent of children with special needs About the author Ruth Pearse is a parent and the founder and CEO of Parenting Special Children. parentingspecialchildren. co.uk @PSCRuth linkedin.com/in/ruth- pearse-0087723 I can highly recommend local SENDIASS (every local authority will have one) who so brilliantly support parents and carers who are finding it hard navigating the education system What’s your point of view? Email editor@senmagazine.co.uk Point of view