In this episode, Debs, Emma, and Gemma dive deep into the labels, assumptions, and misunderstandings that parent carers face. From being branded “difficult” or “hard to reach” by professionals to dealing with the outdated perceptions of some politicians, the trio doesn’t hold back on discussing the emotional toll and resilience required to navigate these stereotypes. Emma shares how she and her co-campaigner were dismissed as “bored housewives” by an MP, while Gemma talks about the unfair assumptions people make about parent carers “just sitting at home” rather than working.

The hosts also address the overwhelming administration involved in managing their children’s needs—managing appointments, advocating in schools, and staying on top of ever-changing local support options. They dig into the absurdities of “travel training” and the often outdated local offers for services. Their takeaway? Don’t let labels define you. Embrace who you are as a parent carer, even if it means earning a “Rottweiler” badge, as Debs has done with pride.

Throughout, they offer practical advice to new parent carers: let others’ judgments go, focus on what truly matters, and maybe even write a few unsent letters in a journal to clear your mind.

Topics covered:

• Mislabelling and assumptions by professionals and politicians
• The heavy load of admin work involved in caring for SEND children
• Coping strategies for parent carers facing judgment
• Advocacy, resilience, and finding humour in the chaos

Tune in for a raw, real, and empowering chat that every SEND parent carer will find familiar!