Episode 37

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Published on:

28th Feb 2023

Parenting children with additional needs

We started the podcast with Emma describing how Amala was diagnosed, which happened very quickly just after the twins were born.

This is an emotional listen – Emma has faced a huge amount of challenge since Amala was born with sadly almost non-existent support; but she has learnt so much, not least that Amala is just as perfect as her other children, she just has different needs. 


We also talked to Emma about: 


  • Balancing Amala’s needs with those of her other children. 
  • The life skills that her boys have gained by having a sister with Down’s Syndrome – including empathy and acceptance of people’s differences.  
  • The negativity that Emma and her family have experienced from her family since Amala (whose condition was seen as bad luck) was born. 
  • What Emma would say to a parent who has a child with special needs. 
  • Together or apart? Why Emma decided to separate her twins at pre-school and how their independence grew. 
  • The need to always be fighting for your child’s rights and a childhood they deserve. 
  • What Emma has learnt from being a parent of a child with special needs. 


Instagram - @bespokefamily  

Facebook - @bespokefamily   


Find out more about the charity Gympanzees which Emma mentioned here  

Books by Sue Buckley who Emma speaks so highly of in the podcast can be found here 

Down’s Syndrome Association 


‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars) including Sleep - get 25% off any guide with the code ‘PODCAST’ 

Bespoke Family 1:1 Parent Consultations: https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/parent-consultations     


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About the Podcast

Newborn to Teen and Everything in Between
Your go-to for advice on how to communicate with the children in your life. Brought to you by family consultancy Bespoke Family, enabling families to thrive
Join us (Becks and Claire) for a new episode every fortnight, for accessible, light-hearted and well researched advice and guidance on the various ways we can tackle the ups and downs of life with children (and have a bit of a giggle along the way!)
Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, TA or childcare worker, or just looking to gain a better understanding of the world through a child’s eyes, we have 25 years of childcare experience to share with you. Listen for judgement free reassurance and support to help you navigate tricky conversations, challenging behaviour, complex emotions, and the general day to day pressures of raising and working with children.
We believe that a child centred approach which recognises and respects individuality is the best way to enable families to thrive.
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