Parenting is never dull, but throw SEND into the mix, and it’s a whole new level of chaos, creativity, and resilience. From the early morning battles over socks that “feel funny” to the unexpected triumph of convincing your child to eat a single pea, life as a SEND parent is an unpredictable whirlwind of challenges and victories. It’s exhausting, yes, but also full of moments that make you laugh, cry, and occasionally both at the same time.
Here’s a light-hearted glimpse at what an ordinary (or not-so-ordinary) day might entail. Because if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that SEND parents deserve a medal – or at least a hot cup of coffee that hasn’t gone cold by 9am!
6:03am: You’re jolted awake (not by the gentle hum of an alarm clock) but by a small figure standing inches from your face. “Can I have toast? But only the bread I like, not the one Dad bought yesterday.” You make a mental note to add ‘bread loyalty’ to the never-ending list of parenting skills you’ve mastered.
6:15am: In the kitchen, you marvel at how a single slice of toast can have such complex requirements. It needs to be just golden, but not too golden, with the edges trimmed just so. Is it a breakfast food or a piece of abstract art? You decide not to ask.
7:30am: It’s time for ‘Operation School Run’! PE kits? Somewhere in the abyss of the laundry pile. Homework? One worksheet, now covered in suspiciously sticky fingerprints. Your other child is asking if you’ve seen their shoes, which you’re sure were last spotted in 2024.
8:12am: Crisis! Socks feel “weird.” There’s a frantic search for the right socks, which seem to exist in a parallel universe accessible only to your child. While rummaging through drawers, you wonder if sock scientists have considered sensory-friendly fabrics; there’s a market, surely?
8:45am: You arrive at school slightly frazzled but triumphant. A few parents exchange knowing nods. You spot another mum discreetly handing over an iPhone to ease a meltdown, and you make a mental note to thank her later for normalising the ‘parent survival kit’.
10:15am: Coffee. Sweet, sweet coffee. You take a moment to log onto SEND EDventures, diving into the latest articles and advice. Whether it’s tips for navigating EHCP battles or a rundown of the best sensory-friendly activities, it’s your little lifeline to feel informed, inspired, and part of a community that just gets it.
3:15pm: The school pick-up is a game of roulette. Will they be buzzing with excitement or overwhelmed and teetering on a sensory overload? Today, it’s the latter. The seam of their school trousers has been bothering them all day. You mentally apologise to every designer who’s ever put seams on clothes and decide this weekend will involve some serious sewing skills.
5:45pm: Dinner is a familiar routine of negotiations and backups. Pasta with cheese again? Fine. You’ll add balanced nutrition to tomorrow’s to-do list, right after world peace.
7:30pm: Bedtime. The final boss battle of the day. The carefully curated routine – bath, book, sleep – is derailed by your child’s urgent need to tell you about every single dinosaur species ever discovered. You listen attentively, of course, because their passion is contagious, even if it’s the fifth night in a row.
8:15pm: You emerge from the bedroom victorious. Or so you think. Ten minutes later, they reappear in the living room, claiming they’re definitely not tired. You start to wonder if they run on solar power.
9:30pm: Finally, quiet. You collapse onto the sofa, scrolling through your phone for a few blissful minutes. A quick glance at tomorrow’s calendar reminds you there’s an 8am meeting with the SENDCO. You sigh, but there’s no time to dwell; you need to Google ‘seamless trousers’ before bed.
Parenting a SEND child is a rollercoaster, exhilarating, exhausting, and endlessly rewarding. You wouldn’t change your child for the world, but some days, you’d quite like the world to be a bit easier for your child. Until then, you’ll keep embracing the chaos with humour, determination, and possibly a second coffee.
Tomorrow’s another day, and you’ve got this!
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general interest and should not be considered medical, therapeutic or educational advice. Families are encouraged to seek support from qualified professionals regarding individual needs or concerns.
