This story isn’t a manual for wellness. It’s a personal reflection from someone who’s walked through mental ill health and slowly, gently, found a way to a place of peace and hope.

Many people close to me have no idea how dark things got. But here I am, writing these words and proving that mental health is a journey.

Why I’m Sharing My Story

Maybe you’re in your own darkness. Feeling stuck. Isolated. Like there’s no way forward. I hope by sharing my story, there might be a piece of inspiration or connection that helps.

No one leaps into wellness. Recovery isn’t always big or dramatic. You take one small step. And when it feels okay, you take another.

There’s something about spring that feels deeply symbolic to me. The slow unfurling of buds, the return of birdsong, the longer days—it’s a gentle but powerful reminder that even after the darkest seasons, life begins again. What once looked dormant bursts into colour. What felt stagnant starts to stir. And somehow, nature reminds us that hope and possibility are always waiting—even if they’ve been buried for a while.

This time of year encourages reflection. For me, that reflection has led to one clear realisation: prioritising my own wellbeing is not a luxury—it’s essential. Because when I do, I open myself up to the growth that spring represents. I begin to notice the opportunities I would have otherwise missed. I find the energy and resilience to help not only myself, but my children, flourish too.

We talk so much about resilience, about supporting our children through the ups and downs of life. But what about us? What happens when we are tired, overwhelmed, overstimulated, frustrated? When I’m disregulated, perspective is the first thing I lose. Small things become massive, everyday challenges feel impossible, and frustrations spiral into what I call ‘EastEnders drama’ level events. I’ve always been aware of this, but I’m now trying to become more mindful of it in the moment.

Ever found yourself wondering if we’re too careful as parents?

From GPS tracking to top up cards, the way we manage risk for our kids has changed dramatically. But are we helping them... or holding them back?

Before becoming a mum, my expectations for Mother’s Day sat somewhere between this and the picture-perfect scenes from The Waltons. Safe to say, this is not what Mother’s Day looks like in my house.

Why Are So Many Children Struggling in School – And What Can We Do About It?

Celebrating Small Wins & Breaking Free from Comparison

Parenting is filled with expectations—some set by society, some by professionals, and many we place on ourselves. We’re told what children should be doing at a certain age, how they should behave, and the best ways to guide them. But what happens when those traditional measures don’t fit your child?

Navigating the System with Confidence (Even When You Doubt Yourself)

Advocating for your child isn’t just about speaking up—it’s about knowing when, where, and how to be heard. It’s about persistence in a system that often feels overwhelming and unfair. And if you, like me, struggle with self-doubt, worry about what others think, or find yourself wanting to please everyone, advocacy can feel even harder.

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Learning to Speak Up in Their Own Way

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the ability to advocate for themselves—to help them express who they are, what they need, and how they experience the world. But for many children with additional needs, this isn’t always easy.

Some struggle to find the words. Others fear judgment or rejection. And sometimes, as parents, we step in so often to protect and explain that they don’t get the chance to do it for themselves.

A Strengths-Based Approach to Supporting Children with additional Needs. Parenting a child especially one with additional needs is a journey of contradictions. It’s joyful and heartbreaking, exhausting and uplifting. There are moments of incredible progress, followed by setbacks that shake your confidence. I know this because I live it every day.

Building Resilience and Overcoming Blocked Care

Parenting a child with complex needs isn’t just about navigating their world—it’s about surviving in a world that often doesn’t understand them. It’s exhausting, deeply rewarding, isolating, and overwhelming, sometimes all at once.

Supporting Children with Strengths-Based Goals, PACE, and a Strong Support Network. Parenting a child with any sort of additional need is a journey filled with love, challenges, and resilience. But often, the traditional systems around us focus on what our children struggle with rather than what they excel at. The ForMi Way offers a different approach—one that empowers families by focusing on strengths, meaningful goal-setting, and creating a Circle of Support.