Raising Confident Kids with SEN – Details, episodes & analysis

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...

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

Today Sarah and her guest Amanda Clifford are exploring the foundational concept of co-regulation and its vital importance in raising confident and resilient kids.

Amanda Clifford is an experienced neonatal and paediatric occupational therapist. Tune in as they unpack the deeper aspects of how co-regulation supports your child's emotional development. They also discuss sensory regulation and share how parents play a crucial role in helping their children find their "just right" place in challenging situations. Amanda is a mother to four, including twins, she also shares her insights on managing the stress of parenting and keeping the household running smoothly. 

Listen to the episode to learn some practical strategies that you can use every day to help empower you and your kids.

Here are the Highlights:

00:01 Coregulation is important for development and growth.

04:46 Adults influenced by environment; children struggle with regulation.

07:46 Supporting families, and recognising their own regulation states is essential.

12:51 Balancing responsibilities impacts family and emotional climate.

17:00 Deep pressure creates a calming proprioceptive sensation.

19:55 Emotional processing, therapeutic use of self, breathing.

21:16 Adapting to a child's needs through a calm approach.

25:13 Mirroring and calm responses in managing emotions.

28:35 Helping children recognise and manage their emotions.

33:47 Respecting a child's clothing choices to avoid pressure.

38:25 Support for families with development challenges.

About Amanda:

Amanda is an Australian Neonatal and Paediatric Occupational Therapist with over 25 years of experience in supporting infants and children with additional developmental needs. Amanda’s heart is to support and equip families with the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to be the expert in their baby or child at whatever stage they find themselves. Her business, Mighty Minis, especially focuses on families and infants who have experienced a neonatal stay. It aims to nurture the earliest stages of infant development and the parent-infant relationship amongst a crucial developmental period and unique experience. 

Find out more: www.mightyminis.com.au

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

Your host Sarah Billingham explores the important topic of choosing a school for a child with special educational needs. She dives into the decision-making process, considerations when visiting schools, and the significance of prioritising a child's individual needs. Sarah shares valuable insights and practical tools to assist parents in making this crucial decision.

The episode also addresses the question of mainstream versus special schools and when it may be appropriate to consider a special school placement. Tune in as Sarah provides valuable advice and guidance for parents navigating the school selection process for their children with special educational needs.

Here are the Highlights:

03:30 School facilities are not as important.

06:48 Proactive planning and personalised approach for children.

11:01 School's willingness to work with parents, flexibility.

14:50 Identify key priorities when choosing a school.

18:09 Consider different views, but make your own decision.

21:13 Is mainstream education suitable for my child?

23:11 Reach out for advice, visit schools wisely. 

Podcast mention:

Ep 02: Navigating the Special Education Journey with Richard Woods

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. She currently supports a number of mainstream, independent and special schools on developing their SEN practice. 

Sarah was a committee member of NAPLIC (National Association of Professionals Supporting Language and Communication Development) for five years and 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

Today we're welcoming Richard Woods to the show. Richard's journey through dyslexia to entrepreneurial success provides an insightful backdrop about the potential within neurodiversity. Your host Sarah discusses with Richard how he and his wife navigated special educational needs with their daughter Poppy. From recognising developmental delays to embracing the positive change a special school has made in her life.

They also discuss the challenges and eventual successes of applying for an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), the importance of community support, and how to find the right school fit for children with SEN.

This episode is a must-listen for any parent on a similar pathway, offering not just a father's perspective but inspiration and practical advice. Stay tuned as Sarah and Richard delve into these topics and equip you with resources to support your child's educational journey.

Here are the highlights:

06:55 Comparison of child's development and milestones awareness.

10:59 Quiet, clingy girl blossoms in a nurturing environment.

16:03 Struggled to find lasting friendships in school.

18:51 Insufficient support, we changed schools for a better environment.

23:30 Downloadable tool for choosing the right school. Helpful tips.

29:28 Initial resistance leads to the eventual acceptance of special schools.

31:36 Diverse community with common struggles.

34:04 Struggles with the education system despite creative potential.

About Richard Woods:

Richard Woods is a three-time bestselling author, award-winning entrepreneur, finalist of the top BBC series 'The Apprentice,' keynote speaker, radio presenter, and investor.

He runs the Million Dollar Sprint™, which collaborates with entrepreneurs to scale their service businesses to a million in revenue and beyond.

Awards won to date include Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Haines Watts), Key Person of Influence (Dent Global), and Marketing Campaign of the Year (Inspire Business Awards).

Richard also makes regular appearances on Eagle Radio, BBC Surrey, BBC Sussex, Marlow FM, and Brooklands Radio. He is a frequent speaker at large business events, trade shows, and seminars.

He studied Business with Entrepreneurship at Southampton Solent University, where he received First-Class Honours for his final dissertation, 'Is there a link between Dyslexia and Entrepreneurship?'. He was later awarded an honorary MBA for his contribution to business.

To learn more, visit www.milliondollarsprint.com

Follow Richard on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardwoodsofficial

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...

Welcome to the first episode of Raising Confident Kids with SEN, where we explore the complexities of parenting children with special educational needs. Your host Sarah Billingham shares her motivation for creating this podcast. From her experience of working closely with children with special needs, she realised the lack of support available to parents navigating this challenging journey. With personal anecdotes and insights from her career, she delves into the importance of building a community for parents and the struggles they often face in accessing the right support for their children.

Join us as we embark on this journey of discovering tools, support systems, and the experiences of other parents raising confident kids with SEN. So, stay tuned for an enriching conversation in our upcoming episodes.

Thank you for joining us.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Teaching children, assessing needs, podcast to help parents understand.

04:11 SEN assessment services provide useful information and school pointers but are not able to give ongoing parental support.

06:14 Struggling with fear of asking for parenting help

10:47 Inconsistent support for parents of young children.

13:40 We will feature discussions about SEN needs, supporting parents and siblings, and navigating school systems.

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. She currently supports a number of mainstream, independent and special schools on developing their SEN practice. 

Sarah was a committee member of NAPLIC (National Association of Professionals Supporting Language and Communication Development) for five years and 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

Welcome to Raising Confident Kids with SEN, the podcast for parents of 3-8 year olds, who want to understand how their child ticks, help to ease frustration, and experience a calmer day today. 

Join us on this insightful journey where we delve into practical tips and tools for navigating the challenges of parenting a child with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Your host Sarah Billingham is a Speech and Language Specialist Teacher with a focus on emotional regulation. With two decades of experience working with children with SEN and their families, she equips parents and practitioners with expert knowledge and the practical tools they need through training, coaching and group programmes at Confident Kids. 

In this podcast we will be totally open and honest about what it’s really like to manage day-to-day life on your child’s emotional rollercoaster, navigating complicated SEN support systems, family conflict, getting to work on time and getting some sleep. 

Sarah will be discussing tried and tested strategies, talking to experts and fellow parents to get their insights and steal the strategies they know work in real life, not just on the pages of a book. Get ready to hear about:

• Building emotional literacy for your child's well-being
• Practical visual tools to support routine and structure
• Working harmoniously with your partner to support your child's development

Stick your headphones on whilst you load the dishwasher again and let's start looking at what's really going on for our kids and how we can help. Let's journey together towards a calmer and more confident parenting experience!

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. She currently supports a number of mainstream, independent and special schools on developing their SEN practice. 

Sarah was a committee member of NAPLIC (National Association of Professionals Supporting Language and Communication Development) for five years and 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

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...

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’?

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’?