Welcome to the first instalment of our new Q&A mini-series as part of World Autism Awareness Week. Over the next few days, we’ll delve into the travelling habits of SEND families and answer the question: How do other people do it? First up is Kate Blackledge who microblogs on Facebook and Instagram as The Passable Parent. Kate lives in …
5 ways travel can boost your mental health
How do I look after myself? This week is Mental Health Awareness week, and it’s probably a question we should all be asking. Life is busy for all parents but for those of us with children who have additional needs, we’re a different kind of busy – endless meetings, hospital appointments and school appointments on top of the day-to-day crazy …
How to pack like a pro
About two years ago we went away for a few days to the Yorkshire Coast. I was really tired and disorganised and consequently left packing until the morning we were going away. “It’ll be fine,” I thought. “We’ll just get up early, pack and go.” Which would have been fine in our old life with just the two of us. …
Planning a family holiday with additional needs
Until this year, when it came to planning holidays, J and I always had the same approach. We left it to the last minute, booked a few weeks before and never went to the same place twice. Sometimes we booked accommodation, often we didn’t. When the Bears came along, little changed except we organised where we were staying. It wasn’t …
9 tips for long car journeys with kids who have additional needs
I love going away. Travelling was a big part of my life pre-kids and I still enjoy discovering new places. However, like most parents, those long car journeys spent listening to some favourite music or a great audio book have been replaced by whining and shouting from the back seat. It’s hard enough travelling with kids at the best of …