About toilet paper...

So today someone laughed at me. I told them I was concerned about self isolation due to Corona Virus. They said “don’t be silly”. Well. Needless to say it inspired me to write this post.

The person who said this has a wife and they share one child. They have family round the corner and both are employed by large firms and can work from home.

I am a lone parent of 4 young children. I’m self employed and live 1.5hrs from family.

 

My kids dads see them at consistent times but for my older two that’s once every 3 weeks. My business is flexible but part of my income is from Respite care. I’ve been hospitalised with pneumonia twice and have frequent chest infections. I have historic scar tissue on my lungs and they cause me pleurisy when I get a cough.

 

So, my point is.. and I say this not just about the current health situation;

 

1- I only take advice from those who have walked my path and are in my tribe, or those who spend time trying to understand my situation. This is part of the reason I love supporting with Respite, as I get to understand in a small way the challenges of supporting a child with SEND. This weekend was particularly difficult and it helps me see how crucial the right setting and support is.

2- Fail to plan, plan to fail... If you like me have a more complicated home life, which most of you do given the reasons you follow this page, then don’t be embarrassed to make the plans that need to be made. I have set up for my ex to take two of my kids if I become ill and have to self isolate. I have brought supplies. I will purchase ready meals in case I can’t cook, because in self isolation I’m out numbered on a 4:1 ratio and let’s just say, my kids are used to a very active mum.

 

It’s empowering to know that you have a right to live your truth. I didn’t explain this to the person who laughed at me, and they aren’t on Facebook, but I hope others see this and realise that it’s important to understand before we advise. Our support and advocacy is all about listening. We must first listen so we can fully advise.

If you need to talk. email us. Nothing you say will be judged.