As parents, in the middle of half term, we know how hard it can be to bounce-back.  We know that we spend so much of our time putting everyone’s needs before our own that we often crash and burn.

Often, we keep going and going and going on little, if any, fuel.  How do we bounce-back?

What are the secrets to bounce-back ability?  

• How do some people do this so much better than others?
• How do some people do this with a smile on their face when you feel as if it’s all too much and a smile is the last thing you can produce?
• How do some people appear to have so much on their plate but their FB updates are always positive?
• How do some people seem take it all in their stride?
• How do you cope when the rug gets pulled from beneath you?
• How do you get back up when you just want to hide in a corner?
• How do you deal with the stress that comes as part of the package?
• How do you cope with the “No, you can’t have our service” experiences?
• How do you handle changes to your routine when your child finds it difficult?
• How do you cope with the “bad parenting” comments or the “let’s talk to you and not your child in the wheelchair” experiences?

Let’s bounce-back together

We want to join forces with all of you.  Everyone of us will have a method that works for us, everyone of us will have an idea that maybe they don’t use but they have friends who swear by it.

We’re calling it our Happiness Club but it’s not just about being happy.  We will all have days when being happy just isn’t going to be on the cards.

Last week, I was unexpectedly given a diagnosis of ASD for one of my children.  We already have ASD in the house and a number of labels so you would think it would have been easy to hear, wouldn’t you?

It wasn’t.  It hurt a lot.  I walked through London in a daze trying to keep it together when all I wanted to do was sit down and sob.  Being happy was not on the cards that day for me.

The Happiness Club is all about us helping each other to bounce-back when it all goes pear shaped.  It’s about being there for each other with ideas and a non-judgemental shoulder.

So join me and Katie as we try to work out how to get through this crazy world we live in, with at least the appearance of some sanity.  Let’s Bring Us Together and share our ideas, experiences and our non-happy days so we can support each other as we bump along through this system.

What will the Club involve?

• Google hangouts – informal and fun chats
• A Facebook group.  A secret group so only members can see the comments.
• Regular prompts and suggestions for things to try
• Sharing tips and ideas from other families via email, hangouts and groups.

Basically, think of it as an online group offering a variety of options so you can pick and choose the methods that work for you.

Join our Happiness Club

BuT Site Admin

Debs is one of the co-founders and Directors of Bringing Us Together. She is mum to three child with a variety of SEND and has a great husband.