Not Another Pinterest Project… Let’s be real for a second. I didn’t create a calm corner because I saw it on Pinterest next to a photo of a colour-coordinated beanbag and a £400 cloud lamp. I created one because my sensory child was having daily meltdowns, and I needed a safe space that didn’t involve crying behind the fridge or hiding in the loo with biscuits. Turns out, you don’t need a sensory room the size of Tesco to help your child regulate. You just need the right vibe and the right tools. This is your no-fluff guide to creating a calm corner that actually calms — not overstimulates, not overwhelms, and doesn’t cost your entire mortgage. 🧘‍♀️ What Is a Calm Corner Anyway? A calm corner (also called a regulation station, safe space, or chill zone) is a small area in your home where your child can retreat to regulate their emotions , process sensory input , and feel safe — especially during overwhelm, transitions, or meltdowns. Let me be super clear: ❌ It’s...

 How to Talk to Your Child About Autism – Using Books as Your Superpower (From one sensory parent to another) So… you’re sitting there with a thousand tabs open, wondering: “How the hell do I even start this conversation?” Autism. Diagnosis. Self-understanding. All the big brain stuff. Let me just say this: you don’t have to have the perfect words. You don’t need to turn into an overnight child psychologist. What you need is a good storybook, a blanket, and probably snacks. Because the truth is… books are our superpower. And here’s why. 💬 1. Books make the big stuff feel safe Autism can feel like a scary word when you first say it aloud — even for us grown-ups. But books wrap those big topics in characters, pictures, and stories that help kids say: “Hey… that’s like me!” “That’s how I feel sometimes!” When kids see themselves in a book — flapping, spinning, hiding in a blanket cocoon — it suddenly clicks. They feel seen. They feel safe. They feel brilliant. ?...

 ADHD vs Autism: What’s the Difference? If you’ve ever sat there Googling “Is it ADHD? Autism? Both? Or am I just quirky and tired?” — welcome to the club, love. I’ve been there at 3am, snack in hand, deep diving Reddit. Spoiler: brains are messy.  I’m pretty sure I’m ADHD too — not officially diagnosed (yet!), but let’s just say the impulse buys, lost keys and half-filled planners don’t lie. Over time, I’ve realised having that label doesn’t mean there’s something “wrong” — it just means I know what tools help: planners, lists, visual schedules, timers — all the things that make my brain less chaotic and help me actually prepare for life’s curveballs. Here’s the deal in plain English: ADHD and Autism are both neurodevelopmental conditions — fancy words for your brain’s wiring came pre-installed a bit different. They can overlap, but they’re not the same. So here’s your easy, no-jargon, mum-to-mum breakdown. 🔍 What is ADHD? ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Di...

 If I could time travel back to my early meltdown days, I’d walk straight up to my exhausted, snack-bribing self and say: “Oi, here — you’re gonna need THIS.” I didn’t have it then. So I made it myself. And I’m sharing it with you because if you’re reading this, you probably need it too. what is it? It’s my Sensory Mum MEGA BUNDLE — a fancy name for 4 printables that have genuinely saved my brain more times than I can count. I made this kit because: I was sick of digging for scraps of routines on Pinterest. I needed a meltdown plan that didn’t live in my head. I wanted my kid to show me what he needed, instead of me playing “guess why we’re crying” at Tesco. And, let’s be real, I needed a good mum sticker for my water bottle to remind me I’m still hilarious even when I’m crying in the car. What’s Inside? ✅ 1. Best-Selling Talk Cards Visual cards my kid actually uses to say “I’m tired”, “I need quiet”, “I want snack NOW”. They stick on the fridge, the buggy, my b...

  What Are PECS? (And No, Not the Boob Kind) The Ultimate Parent-Friendly Guide to Picture Exchange Communication Systems So, what actually are PECS? If you’re new to the world of acronyms, meltdowns, and laminated everything, let me break it down: PECS stands for Picture Exchange Communication System — a fancy pants way of saying: talking using pictures instead of words . It’s a visual communication method that helps kids (especially those with autism, sensory processing differences, or speech delays) express what they need, want, feel, or really, really don’t want (👀 looking at you, broccoli). Who is PECS for? 💬 Kids who are nonverbal 🧠 Kids who are overwhelmed and can’t get their words out 🗯️ Kids who communicate better with visuals (aka, most sensory kids) 👀 Parents, carers, and teachers trying to guess if “eh-eh-eh” means tablet , snack , or a full-scale emotional spiral Basically, PECS is for anyone who wants to reduce frustration and boost communication...

 Why Summer Breaks Can Be Tough for Sensory Kids (and Parents!) Intro — Real Talk  Alright, let’s be honest — summer holidays with sensory kids can feel a bit like trying to herd cats... while juggling flaming torches... on a tightrope. You dream of lazy days in the sun, ice cream on tap, and endless beach trips. But what actually happens? Meltdowns over sun hats, “I’m bored” said 47 times before 10 am, and somehow you’ve ended up serving cereal for dinner... again. Been there, done that, and yep, got the stained t-shirt to prove it. But here’s the thing — we can survive this. Even thrive a little. Grab your cuppa, and let’s chat about how. 1. Keep a Visual Routine (Because Surprises Are For Birthdays, Not Your Kid) We might be off school, but our sensory champs still need a bit of “what’s next?” Without it, chaos reigns and tantrums multiply like rabbits on steroids. A simple visual routine — morning, afternoon, evening — with pictures or doodles can save your sanity...