What does it really take to parent neurodivergent children in a system that isn't built for them? Daniel sits down with Andrea Reid, a mum of two, Toastmasters member and parent carer advocate, for an honest conversation about SEND, the fight for support, self-care and finding your people. As a fellow member of their Toastmasters club, Daniel was so moved by Andrea's speech that he knew he had to have her on the show. Here she shares what it's like behind the scenes: the early signs, the battle to get support in school, the pressure on relationships, and why connection and letting go of expectations make such a difference. If this one resonates, share it with a parent who needs to hear it, and like and subscribe for more conversations like this. *Andrea's links:* * Herts Parent Carer Involvement (where Andrea works): https://hertsparentcarers.org.uk/ * SPACE Hertfordshire (the charity Andrea is running the London Marathon for): https://spaceherts.org.uk/ * Sponsor Andrea's London Marathon run: https://www.justgiving.com/page/andrea-reid-1 * Follow Andrea on Instagram: @andreareid7712 * *Hertfordshire Local Offer:* https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/microsites/local-offer/the-hertfordshire-local-offer.aspx *Book mentioned:* _The Artist's Way_ by Julia Cameron *Takeaways:* * Navigating neurodivergence is challenging * Advocacy is crucial for support * Self-care is important * Community support is invaluable The conversation centres on Andrea Reid's experiences with neurodivergence in her family, particularly her daughters' special educational needs and the challenges faced by parents navigating the education system. Andrea shares her journey of understanding neurodivergence, the emotional toll it takes, and the importance of advocacy and support for families in similar situations. The conversation explores the experience of parenting children with special educational needs and disabilities, emphasising self-care, connection and community support. It highlights the emotional struggles parents face, the need for validation, and the significance of recognising both their own and their children's neurodivergent traits. *Chapters:* * 0:00 Introduction to Andrea * 1:18 Understanding neurodivergence * 4:36 The journey begins: early signs * 8:21 The battle for support * 12:36 Navigating the education system * 16:44 The role of advocacy * 19:59 Resources for parents * 22:52 Community support and charities * 24:28 Changing expectations in parenting * 26:23 The impact of social media * 28:10 Managing relationships * 30:02 Finding acceptance * 32:29 The pressure of academic success * 34:22 Coping with overwhelm * 36:07 The importance of self-care * 41:02 Finding time for yourself * 46:32 Navigating parenting challenges * 52:33 Taking away the shame * 56:25 Finding connection and community Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: SPHUL5PVPLGEV3DY #MentalHealth #SEND #Neurodiversity #SENDParents #ParentingPodcast