Travelling With a Sensory Child – What I’m Packing Going on holiday with a sensory child isn’t just packing. It’s a full-blown logistical operation involving noise, snacks, tears (theirs and yours), and enough sensory tools to fill an extra suitcase. We’re heading off soon, and I thought I’d share exactly what I’m packing for my son — plus a few things I know I’ll probably forget. Because let’s be honest, this isn’t your average “beach towel and sun cream” checklist. A Bit of Backstory… The last time we went on holiday, he caught a bug right before we left. He was throwing up the night before, the morning of the flight, and during the actual flight . Then again on the first day of the holiday. So now? Just hearing the word “airplane” triggers full-blown panic. “I HATE PLANES. THEY MAKE ME SICK.” Understandably, he associates flying with feeling awful. So getting him on a plane this time is going to be... let’s say... character-building. Hence the Calm Kit. And the calcu...

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably downloaded a million planners over the years thinking, “THIS is the one that’ll fix my life.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. I’m a self-confessed planner addict — like, stationery aisle heart-racing, Canva-template-hoarding, printable-hoarding LEVEL 100 planner girl. But as a sensory parent , I realised something... 👉 The stuff that was out there? Cute. Functional. Beige. But not even close to what I actually needed. 🧠 I didn’t want “just another self-care journal.” I needed: A meltdown tracker Somewhere to dump the “why did we cry today” notes A place for appointments I WILL forget And something that wouldn’t judge me for scribbling in a rage or colouring outside the lines So guess what I did? 💅 I made it myself. 🌈 Meet: The Sensory Sidekick Journal 16 dreamy pastel pages made by a real sensory mum (hi 👋) who knows the chaos first-hand. This isn’t your “light a candle and write your goals” journal. This is rea...

  Dear School: Sensory Breaks Are Not a Reward – They’re a Lifeline! Let me just say it loud for the people in the back: SENSORY BREAKS ARE NOT A TREAT. They're not a reward, they're not a bribe, and they’re definitely not something my child should have to “earn.” They are a lifeline. A reset button. The difference between a regulated, engaged child — and a full-blown meltdown next to the reading corner. I’ve spoken to so many parents lately who feel the same way. Some are even reluctant to send their child to school at all — not because they don’t value education, but because they’re terrified of the outdated nonsense still floating around in classrooms. Schools are still treating sensory support like a luxury. Meanwhile, our children are masking, breaking down, and losing trust in the very places meant to support them. So, dear school… we need to talk. What a Sensory Break Actually Is Let’s get this clear — a sensory break is: A self-regulation strategy ...

Why I’ve Stopped Apologising for My Kid’s Sensory Needs (and You Can Too) Let’s just say it: the world isn’t built for neurodivergent kids. And by “not built for,” I mean it’s like handing my child a megaphone in a library and saying “shhh.” For a long time, I found myself constantly apologising . “Sorry about the noise.” “Sorry he’s spinning.” “Sorry we’re leaving early.” “Sorry he’s wearing headphones and a superhero cape in a restaurant.” Sorry. Sorry. SORRY. Until one day, I realised I wasn’t sorry at all. Sensory Needs Aren’t Naughty We’ve been conditioned to view “different” as “wrong.” But sensory seeking, stimming, avoiding loud sounds, flapping hands — these aren’t behaviour problems. They’re coping strategies . My child isn’t being difficult . He’s trying to make the world bearable. The Guilt Was Never Mine to Carry Other people’s discomfort is not your responsibility. Your child has every right to exist loudly, quietly, spinny, barefoot, or whatever helps ...

  Autism-Friendly Gift Ideas by Age (Plus a Free Printable!) What are the best gifts for Sensory / Autistic Children? Right, let’s be real for a second. Buying gifts for sensory kids isn’t always as magical as it sounds. You want to get them something fun, calming, maybe even helpful… but let’s face it — it either ends up being too loud , too stimmy , or just gets chucked behind the sofa with the other “good intentions.” 🙃 So I’ve pulled together some tried and tested gift ideas that actually worked for us — split by age — and popped it all into a pretty printable too (scroll down for the free download!). 👶 0–3 Years (a.k.a. chew everything, poke everything stage) Textured teething toys – chewy, soft, and double as hand soothers Light-up floor mats – soft lights, no scary sounds Squishy sensory balls – good for little grabby hands Gentle swings or baby hammocks – calming without being too much 🧠 Think: safe, calming, no giant sirens or weird music. 👦 ...

 Are These Liquid Floor Tiles Worth the Price? Here's the Honest Mum Verdict Right, so let me tell you about the £145 thing I didn’t need... and now can’t live without. Because same as you — I saw these sensory floor tiles floating around online for ages . And I always thought: “Yeah, cool… but not for that price!” We’re talking £200+ in some places, for a few tiles . I was close to just buying one and calling it a feature wall. But then I stumbled across this set of 9 for £145 – link here , and honestly? I caved. And I’m so glad I did. 🤔 What are they? They're these squishy, colourful liquid-filled tiles that change and swirl when you step on them. Sounds simple, right? But there’s something so satisfying about them. They’re kind of like bubble wrap meets lava lamp meets floor art.  I even quite like the cool sensation of them if I am too hot! ✨ Here’s why they’re actually amazing: 💥 Instant visual feedback – great for sensory seekers (or just any kid ...