Raising Confident Kids with SEN

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.

Here are the Highlights:

04:34 Parenting and caring for special needs children.

08:28 Struggling with delegation and need for support.

12:06 Seeking a rational voice and combatting loneliness in SEN parenting.

13:01 Grieving process and denial in the parenting journey.

17:24 Challenges of advocating for a disabled child's needs.

25:24 Logistics and admin take up time.

27:14 Raising a SEND child requires significant effort.

35:27 Parenting Lua led to a career shift and satisfaction.

37:52 Describing everyday parenting experiences and finding joy.

About Sarah Billingham:

Sarah Billingham is a specialist speech and language teacher with a focus on emotional regulation. Her service, Confident Kids, equips parents, carers and practitioners with expert knowledge and the practical tools they need through training, coaching and group programmes. 

Becoming a parent changed Sarah’s perspective on parenting and early childhood development and deepened her interest in understanding the regulation needs of both children and their families. 

Qualifying in 2004, she initially worked in mainstream primary education and went on to lead a specialist speech and language resource base. She worked as Assistant Headteacher at a specialist SLCN school for five years and went on to lead their independent multidisciplinary assessment service until December 2021. 

Sarah was a committee member of NAPLIC (National Association of Professionals Supporting Language and Communication Development) for five years. She is a Regional Makaton Tutor. 

Connect with Sarah:

Website -  https://www.confidentkids.co/

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/confidentkids.co

FB community -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ConfidentTransitions

Instagram @confidentkids.co

Free downloads: 

Choosing a School for a Child with Additional Needs

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy

Easing Your Child’s Communication Frustration

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy

How do I know if my Child’s Emotional Outbursts are ‘Normal’?

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy_copy

About Laura Fenton and Rina Teslica

Lauren Fenton and Rina Teslica are the hosts and two of the founders of the F**king Normal Podcast. 

Along with a larger group of parents of disabled children they wanted to reach out and create a community of support for parents and carers who share their experiences. 

Lauren’s youngest daughter Bea was born in 2015 with 18q deletion syndrome, a rare chromosomal abnormality that affects Bea both physically and in her ability to learn and communicate.

As well as hosting the F**king Normal Podcast, Lauren is a runner, pond swimmer and very amateur pianist! She is passionate about connecting with people and building community and hopes the F**king Normal podcast will, above all, help other parents out there on this less typical parenting path feel less alone.

Rina is mummy to Lua and a fellow North Londoner. It was on a cold January morning in 2016 that her world was turned upside down with the arrival of her daughter, and it was there that she was thrown into the unknown. Although an incredibly difficult period in her life, she was able to connect with other wonderful mums in similar positions, making her feel less overwhelmed. It’s because of this that she is so passionate about bringing the F**king Normal into the world and helping connect others who need a lending ‘ear’. 

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

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.

Here are the Highlights:

03:26 Laura's message resonates with many parents.

08:25 Quiet decompression time using simple activities.

10:48 Maintain bedtime routine and predictability for sleep.

15:48 Familiar items bring comfort and routine.

19:24 Providing nutritionally balanced meals and prioritising sustenance.

22:07 Holiday physical activity is crucial for children.

25:49 Maintain routines, find quiet spaces, and decompress.

27:44 Restore bedtime routine for back-to-school success.

About Sarah Billingham:

Sarah Billingham is a specialist speech and language teacher with a focus on emotional regulation. Her service, Confident Kids, equips parents, carers and practitioners with expert knowledge and the practical tools they need through training, coaching and group programmes. 

Becoming a parent changed Sarah’s perspective on parenting and early childhood development and deepened her interest in understanding the regulation needs of both children and their families. 

Qualifying in 2004, she initially worked in mainstream primary education and went on to lead a specialist speech and language resource base. She worked as Assistant Headteacher at a specialist SLCN school for five years and went on to lead their independent multidisciplinary assessment service until December 2021. 

Sarah was a committee member of NAPLIC (National Association of Professionals Supporting Language and Communication Development) for five years. She is a Regional Makaton Tutor. 

Connect with Sarah:

Website -  https://www.confidentkids.co/

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/confidentkids.co

FB community -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ConfidentTransitions

Instagram @confidentkids.co

Email [email protected]

Free downloads: 

Choosing a School for a Child with Additional Needs

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy

Easing Your Child’s Communication Frustration

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy

How do I know if my Child’s Emotional Outbursts are ‘Normal’?

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy_copy

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

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.

Here are the Highlights:

06:52 Our society is not set up for autistic people.

12:06 Changing your language to shift negative perceptions. 

18:46 Prioritising self-care and personal needs over others.

20:24 Communication is crucial for healthy relationships.

24:10 Planning self-care is essential for its execution.

26:46 Felt isolated raising autistic child.

29:51 Some parents hesitate to seek 1-on-1 support.

33:57 Delegation in teamwork and family life.

37:08 Setting boundaries is important for family balance.

About Sarah Billingham:

Sarah Billingham is a specialist speech and language teacher with a focus on emotional regulation. Her service, Confident Kids, equips parents, carers and practitioners with expert knowledge and the practical tools they need through training, coaching and group programmes. 

Becoming a parent changed Sarah’s perspective on parenting and early childhood development and deepened her interest in understanding the regulation needs of both children and their families. 

Qualifying in 2004, she initially worked in mainstream primary education and went on to lead a specialist speech and language resource base. She worked as Assistant Headteacher at a specialist SLCN school for five years and went on to lead their independent multidisciplinary assessment service until December 2021. 

Sarah was a committee member of NAPLIC (National Association of Professionals Supporting Language and Communication Development) for five years. She is a Regional Makaton Tutor. 

Connect with Sarah:

Website -  https://www.confidentkids.co/

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/confidentkids.co

FB community -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ConfidentTransitions

Instagram @confidentkids.co

Email [email protected]

Free downloads: 

Choosing a School for a Child with Additional Needs

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy

Easing Your Child’s Communication Frustration

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy

How do I know if my Child’s Emotional Outbursts are ‘Normal’?

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy_copy

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

About Jo Long: 

Jo is a Coach for Mums of Autistic Children, her son Bookasaurus is bright, and autistic with ADHD. She understands those feelings of isolation, fear, and guilt, and provides mums with a safe space to share fully with someone who gets it (no diagnosis needed). She creates an easier and more enjoyable family life and empowers women to fulfill their passions.

Jo supports mums in finding solutions to reduce their children’s anxieties/aggression;

to build sibling/friend relationships and to help their children feel comfortable going into school/nursery.

She achieves this by sharing with women how to understand, communicate with, embrace, and adapt to their children/partner, develop their mindset so they get out of their own way, look after their wellbeing, and take a joint parenting approach with their partners.

When mums work with Jo they feel calmer, in control, inspired, and motivated to move forward. She coaches women over Zoom or in person if they’re local, she offers 1:1s with text check-ins and group courses.

Website:https://learningtoloveautism.com/support-for-mums/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jo.learningtoloveautism/ 

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/jo-long-b8a380247

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jo.learningtoloveautism/

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. 

Here are the Highlights:

00:01 Helping parents navigate feelings and support kids' transitions.

05:36 Predictability is very important for children's feeling of security.

08:38 Visual tools help us organise and reassure.

10:33 Boys often need more preparation for room change.

14:10 Visual tools explain pick-up arrangements for children.

19:44 Prepare a sensory bag for car trips.

21:29 We have a downloadable tool with practical tips and videos.

Resources: You can buy the The Transitions tool here: https://www.confidentkids.co/shop

About Sarah Billingham:

Sarah Billingham is a specialist speech and language teacher with a focus on emotional regulation. Her service, Confident Kids, equips parents, carers and practitioners with expert knowledge and the practical tools they need through training, coaching and group programmes. 

Becoming a parent changed Sarah’s perspective on parenting and early childhood development and deepened her interest in understanding the regulation needs of both children and their families. 

Qualifying in 2004, she initially worked in mainstream primary education and went on to lead a specialist speech and language resource base. She worked as Assistant Headteacher at a specialist SLCN school for five years and went on to lead their independent multidisciplinary assessment service until December 2021. 

Sarah was a committee member of NAPLIC (National Association of Professionals Supporting Language and Communication Development) for five years. She is a Regional Makaton Tutor. 

Connect with Sarah:

Website -  https://www.confidentkids.co/

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/confidentkids.co

FB community -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ConfidentTransitions

Instagram @confidentkids.co

Email [email protected]

Free downloads: 

Choosing a School for a Child with Additional Needs

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy

Easing Your Child’s Communication Frustration

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy

How do I know if my Child’s Emotional Outbursts are ‘Normal’?

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy_copy

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Raising Confident Kids with SEN. Your host Sarah interviews Suzanne Meill-Ingram, an inspiring mother who has channelled 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. 

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Parents learned Makaton to aid children's communication.

06:27 Realisation of the importance of communication, progress made.

10:21 Teaching children to communicate through reading books.

12:03 Child's unexpected sign language communication amazes mother.

14:27 Ella became a skilled signer to communicate.

22:13 Joyful, inclusive Christmas show for special needs.

23:51 Addressing Ella's needs for inclusion and communication.

29:55 Embarrassing TikTok antics during lockdown observed by kids.

33:13 Nursery rhymes are important for language learning.

34:16 QR codes simplify learning sign language books.

39:26 Using props for attention helps communication.

40:29 Encourage persistence in teaching sign language to children.

About Sarah Billingham:

Sarah Billingham is a specialist speech and language teacher with a focus on emotional regulation. Her service, Confident Kids, equips parents, carers and practitioners with expert knowledge and the practical tools they need through training, coaching and group programmes. 

Becoming a parent changed Sarah’s perspective on parenting and early childhood development and deepened her interest in understanding the regulation needs of both children and their families. 

Qualifying in 2004, she initially worked in mainstream primary education and went on to lead a specialist speech and language resource base. She worked as Assistant Headteacher at a specialist SLCN school for five years and went on to lead their independent multidisciplinary assessment service until December 2021. 

Sarah was a committee member of NAPLIC (National Association of Professionals Supporting Language and Communication Development) for five years. She is a Regional Makaton Tutor. 

Connect with Sarah:

Website -  https://www.confidentkids.co/

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/confidentkids.co

FB community -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ConfidentTransitions

Instagram @confidentkids.co

Email [email protected]

Free downloads: 

Choosing a School for a Child with Additional Needs

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy

Easing Your Child’s Communication Frustration

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy

How do I know if my Child’s Emotional Outbursts are ‘Normal’?

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy_copy

About: Suzanne Miell-Ingram MBE  

Suzanne Miell-Ingram MBE is co-founder of Singing Hands, Makaton tutor and Patron of the Makaton Charity.  Suzanne and Tracy of Singing Hands are both parents of disabled young people and started to learn Makaton when their children were born in 1999.  Since then, they have appeared on Something Special with Mr Tumble, produced 6 DVDs with Makaton signed songs and have amassed over 220K subscribers to their YouTube channel.   Singing Hands perform at SEN events all over the UK, they work at Great Ormond St Children’s Hospital School and Evelina Children’s Hospital School and other mainstream/SEN school settings across the UK.  They offer Makaton training and Zoom pop parties and a monthly signing choir online.   Singing Hands’ latest venture is the publication of a series of Makaton-signed books under the title ‘Signing Friends’ aimed at helping families and professionals learn to sign stories to help support their children’s language and communication development.   Suzanne and Tracy were awarded MBEs in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List in 2020 for their work supporting children and young people with disabilities and communication difficulties.

Connect with Suzanne:

Website: www.singinghands.co.uk

YouTube: SingingHandsUK - YouTube

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SingingHands

X: www.twitter.com/singinghands

Inst: www.instagram.com/singing_hands

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/singing_hands

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

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.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Parents may find school meetings daunting.

03:50 Prepare for your annual review to maximise your impact.

08:30 Make sure you take meeting notes to ensure nothing important is forgotten.

09:38 Prepare questions in advance for more efficiency.

15:32 Review, update, and request changes for interventions.

17:46 Ensure parental concerns are addressed and the time is managed effectively.

21:27 EHCP progress should be sustained and the support given to your child should be thorough.

23:42 Your local authority must respond to the EHCP requests.

About Sarah Billingham:

Sarah Billingham is a specialist speech and language teacher with a focus on emotional regulation. Her service, Confident Kids, equips parents, carers and practitioners with expert knowledge and the practical tools they need through training, coaching and group programmes. 

Becoming a parent changed Sarah’s perspective on parenting and early childhood development and deepened her interest in understanding the regulation needs of both children and their families. 

Qualifying in 2004, she initially worked in mainstream primary education and went on to lead a specialist speech and language resource base. She worked as Assistant Headteacher at a specialist SLCN school for five years and went on to lead their independent multidisciplinary assessment service until December 2021. 

Sarah was a committee member of NAPLIC (National Association of Professionals Supporting Language and Communication Development) for five years. She is a Regional Makaton Tutor. 

Connect with Sarah:

Website -  https://www.confidentkids.co/

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/confidentkids.co

FB community -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ConfidentTransitions

Instagram @confidentkids.co

Email [email protected]

Free downloads: 

Choosing a School for a Child with Additional Needs

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy

Easing Your Child’s Communication Frustration

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy

How do I know if my Child’s Emotional Outbursts are ‘Normal’?

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy_copy

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

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 unravelled 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.

Here are the Highlights:

00:01 Long wait times for child ADHD assessments.

03:38 Understanding and supporting ADHD from personal insight.

06:44 Adjust bedtime routine to help delay circadian rhythm. Sleep is crucial for brain health and neurotransmitters.

11:59 Encourage children to sleep in a dark, cool environment.

13:13 Bedtime should be a quality connecting time 

23:20 Brains detect and react to threats interestingly.

26:20 ADHD runs in families, it’s vital to manage your stress.

31:26 ADHD assessment before university; no medication needed.

39:42 Understanding diagnosis brings relief and empowers parents.

41:00 Empathy strengthens connections and is crucial for mental health.

About Sarah Billingham:

Sarah Billingham is a specialist speech and language teacher with a focus on emotional regulation. Her service, Confident Kids, equips parents, carers and practitioners with expert knowledge and the practical tools they need through training, coaching and group programmes. 

Becoming a parent changed Sarah’s perspective on parenting and early childhood development and deepened her interest in understanding the regulation needs of both children and their families. 

Qualifying in 2004, she initially worked in mainstream primary education and went on to lead a specialist speech and language resource base. She worked as Assistant Headteacher at a specialist SLCN school for five years and went on to lead their independent multidisciplinary assessment service until December 2021. 

Sarah was a committee member of NAPLIC (National Association of Professionals Supporting Language and Communication Development) for five years. She is a Regional Makaton Tutor. 

Connect with Sarah:

Website -  https://www.confidentkids.co/

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/confidentkids.co

FB community -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ConfidentTransitions

Instagram @confidentkids.co

Email [email protected]

Free downloads: 

Choosing a School for a Child with Additional Needs

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy

Easing Your Child’s Communication Frustration

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy

How do I know if my Child’s Emotional Outbursts are ‘Normal’?

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy_copy

About Dr. Amy Moore

Dr. Amy Moore is a cognitive psychologist, clinical researcher, board certified Christian counselor, TEDx speaker, host of the Brainy Moms podcast, an ADHD mom, and a mom with ADHD. She is the Director of Research for LearningRx in Colorado Springs, CO at the headquarters of the largest network of cognitive training centers in the world. Her ground-breaking neuroplasticity research has been published in peer-reviewed medical and psychology journals and presented at conferences around the country. She has a master’s degree in education, a PhD in psychology, and 30 years of experience working with children and families.

Find out more: https://amymoorephd.com/

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

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.

Here are the Highlights:

00:01 If you are worried about your child, seek help and support.

05:15 Overthinking and seeking reassurance leads to inaction.

08:28 Seeking support to navigate through parenting challenges.

13:04 Emotional support can speed up progress. Debunking the ‘wait and see’ approach for parents.

17:44 Early intervention builds natural support for children.

22:11 Encouraging early intervention for a child's developmental concerns.

About Sarah Billingham:

Sarah Billingham is a specialist speech and language teacher with a focus on emotional regulation. Her service, Confident Kids, equips parents, carers and practitioners with expert knowledge and the practical tools they need through training, coaching and group programmes. 

Becoming a parent changed Sarah’s perspective on parenting and early childhood development and deepened her interest in understanding the regulation needs of both children and their families. 

Qualifying in 2004, she initially worked in mainstream primary education and went on to lead a specialist speech and language resource base. She worked as Assistant Headteacher at a specialist SLCN school for five years and went on to lead their independent multidisciplinary assessment service until December 2021. 

Sarah was a committee member of NAPLIC (National Association of Professionals Supporting Language and Communication Development) for five years. She is a Regional Makaton Tutor. 

Connect with Sarah:

Website -  https://www.confidentkids.co/

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/confidentkids.co

FB community -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ConfidentTransitions

Instagram @confidentkids.co

Email [email protected]

Free downloads: 

Choosing a School for a Child with Additional Needs

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy

Easing Your Child’s Communication Frustration

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy

How do I know if my Child’s Emotional Outbursts are ‘Normal’?

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy_copy

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

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.

Here are the Highlights:

06:02 ADHD and autism bring unique social challenges.

08:44 Living with a disability creates unique challenges.

11:53 ADHD traits benefit entrepreneurs and self-employed people.

16:08 Creating convenience and reducing decision-making for neurodivergent.

19:06 Planning ahead and organisation reduces stress.

22:17 Flexibility in work schedule to support children.

24:02 Creates cosy online space for freelancers.

Free downloads: 

Choosing a School for a Child with Additional Needs

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy

Easing Your Child’s Communication Frustration

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy

How do I know if my Child’s Emotional Outbursts are ‘Normal’?

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy_copy

About Sarah Billingham:

Sarah Billingham is a specialist speech and language teacher with a focus on emotional regulation. Her service, Confident Kids, equips parents, carers and practitioners with expert knowledge and the practical tools they need through training, coaching and group programmes. 

Becoming a parent changed Sarah’s perspective on parenting and early childhood development and deepened her interest in understanding the regulation needs of both children and their families. 

Qualifying in 2004, she initially worked in mainstream primary education and went on to lead a specialist speech and language resource base. She worked as Assistant Headteacher at a specialist SLCN school for five years and went on to lead their independent multidisciplinary assessment service until December 2021. 

Sarah was a committee member of NAPLIC (National Association of Professionals Supporting Language and Communication Development) for five years. She is a Regional Makaton Tutor. 

Connect with Sarah:

Website -  https://www.confidentkids.co/

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/confidentkids.co

FB community -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ConfidentTransitions

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/confidentkids.co/

Email [email protected]

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

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 refuelling 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.

Here are the Highlights:

05:10 Children may enjoy school, but it's exhausting.

06:58 Check for hangry kids after school.

12:03 Balancing child activities and avoiding over-scheduling.

14:21 Consider reducing demands, regulating childcare for decompression.

20:02 Parenting and work scheduling to connect with children.

23:01 Modeling language and emotions is crucial for children.

26:04 Encouraging emotional vocabulary development through natural conversations.

28:40 Support children's emotions with regular communication.

About Sarah Billingham:

Sarah Billingham is a specialist speech and language teacher with a focus on emotional regulation. Her service, Confident Kids, equips parents, carers and practitioners with expert knowledge and the practical tools they need through training, coaching and group programmes. 

Becoming a parent changed Sarah’s perspective on parenting and early childhood development and deepened her interest in understanding the regulation needs of both children and their families. 

Qualifying in 2004, she initially worked in mainstream primary education and went on to lead a specialist speech and language resource base. She worked as Assistant Headteacher at a specialist SLCN school for five years and went on to lead their independent multidisciplinary assessment service until December 2021. 

Sarah was a committee member of NAPLIC (National Association of Professionals Supporting Language and Communication Development) for five years. She is a Regional Makaton Tutor. 

Connect with Sarah:

Website -  https://www.confidentkids.co/

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/confidentkids.co

FB community -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ConfidentTransitions

Instagram @confidentkids.co

Email [email protected]

Free downloads: 

Choosing a School for a Child with Additional Needs

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy

Easing Your Child’s Communication Frustration

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy

How do I know if my Child’s Emotional Outbursts are ‘Normal’?

https://www.subscribepage.com/z1k2j3_copy_copy_copy

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk