Wouldn’t change a thing… would I?
21 March 2019 | Tamsin Kingsley
This blog is at the request of my husband, Dan. We both often forget just how much we’ve learnt about Izzy’s various conditions in the past 2 years, and throw words like SATS, Makaton, Vapotherm and aspiration into conversation without a second thought, with an assumption that we will be understood. Dan sees a wide range of people everyday in the workplace for casual conversations and often realises that people don’t really have a clue what he’s talking about...
Continue reading...Six things NOT to say to parents of children with complex needs
16 February 2019 | Tamsin Kingsley
Before I start I just want to acknowledge that I don’t mind at all that these things have all been said to me... almost all have been totally well meaning, and most haven’t caused any upset or annoyance. I’m pretty sure I’ve said all of them to others at some point, but the last two years have helped me to realise that there are better and worse ways to phrase things. It may well not be the same for everyone, but these are all things that I’ve sometimes not found the most helpful...
Continue reading...The way to my heart is through my stomach
3 February 2019 | Tamsin Kingsley
On Saturday I had the privilege of being able to personally thank the lady who used to bring me my breakfast on the children’s ward in hospital. It was a chance meeting at a Makaton signing course and it turns out she also has a child with Down’s Syndrome. To be honest, I think she thought I was a bit mad going into eulogies about my cold toast. But it was cold toast with a smile and a ‘good morning’...
Continue reading...Comparisons are odious, but joy is contagious
20 November 2018 | Tamsin Kingsley
So the Christmas songs aren’t quite on the radio yet, but they have somehow crept into our house already. I blame nursery, as Lauren is now constantly singing ‘Walking in a Winter Wonderland’ ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘He’s got the whole world in his hands’, which apparently is now a Christmas song (???). But there’s always one line in the classic ‘Do they know it’s Christmas’ that doesn’t sit well with me...
Continue reading...Learning to say no
31 August 2018 | Tamsin Kingsley
I’ve known several first time parents who’ve been determined that the new baby will not change their life and lifestyle in any way. They figure out ways that they will incorporate the baby into their plans and activities once he or she arrives and agree that they will not let this tiny human being rule their life. For many, this resolution crumbles as soon as they look into their baby’s face and realise this will be their tiny dictator from now on. For others, they manage it...
Continue reading...Tamsin Kingsley
I am a 33 year old living in Leeds with my husband and two children. I am a full time mum and carer to Lauren, 7 years and typical, and Izzy, 5 years with Down's Syndrome. Izzy has complex health needs mostly due to her low muscle tone, and struggles with feeding and breathing, resulting in tons of appointments and hospital admissions. Both children are happy and full of life, and our family all love each other very much.
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