What happens when you're parenting on a battlefield that was never built for your child?

In this episode of The Naptime Sessions, I’m joined by Dr. Rosie Gilderthorp – Clinical Psychologist, founder of Know Your Mind and Psychology Business School, mum of three neurodivergent children, and someone who deeply understands the emotional and practical load carried by SEND parents.

Rosie brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this powerful conversation. We talk about the mental health challenges that come with raising neurodivergent children, the financial and emotional strain on families, and just how exhausting it can be to navigate the SEND system – especially when that system feels like it’s working against you.

She shares her insights on what helps – from building a supportive community to learning how to advocate for your child – and why it’s so important to protect your own wellbeing along the way.

This is a conversation full of validation, compassion, and practical encouragement for any parent who’s ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or unseen.

Here’s what we cover:

• The unique mental health pressures SEND parents face
• How financial strain and lack of support add to the load
• Why navigating the SEND system often feels relentless
• The emotional toll of having to constantly advocate for your child
• Why understanding the system helps you advocate more effectively
• The power of community and peer support for reducing isolation
• The coexistence of grief and love in SEND parenting
• How to build flexibility into your life and work to protect your wellbeing
• Encouragement for parents who feel like they’re reaching breaking point

Rosie’s story is a reminder that support isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. And that while you may feel alone in the struggle, there are people out there who truly get it.

Resources

Want to connect with Dr. Rosie Gilderthorp or learn more about her work?

• Know Your Mind Consulting
• Dr Rosie's Substack
• Listen to her podcast: Pregnant and Sick

Dr Rosie also mentioned two fantastic resources during the podcast. You can find them here:

• Naomi Fisher
• IASK

Enjoyed This Episode?

If Dr. Rosie’s words resonated with you, share this episode with another SEND parent who might need to hear they’re not alone. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review – it really helps others find the show and reminds us that community starts with conversation.

What happens when you hit burnout and realise you can’t keep doing it all on your own? In this episode of The Naptime Sessions, I chat to Karen Lander - mum, community builder, and founder of Mum Hub Kent - about the real-life challenges of motherhood, and why connection and self-care are anything but optional.

Karen shares her honest journey through burnout and overwhelm, and how that difficult experience led her to create Mum Hub: a warm, welcoming space for mums to come together, share stories, and feel a little less alone. We talk about why mums so often put themselves last, how damaging that can be to our mental health, and what it looks like to start putting ourselves back on the list – even in small, doable ways.

This is a powerful reminder that motherhood doesn’t have to be a solo mission. That asking for help is a strength. And that finding joy, purpose, and connection beyond the chaos of parenting is not only possible, but necessary.

Here’s what we cover:

• Karen’s experience of burnout and how it led to creating Mum Hub Kent
• Why mums often struggle to prioritise their own needs
• The importance of community and peer support in motherhood
• How asking for help can be one of the bravest things we do
• The impact of self-care on our mental health and relationships
• Living with a rare health condition and finding strength in vulnerability
• The need for mums to have something just for them
• Why your identity doesn’t disappear when you become a parent
• Simple shifts that can help you reclaim time, energy, and joy
• Embracing the unpredictability and messiness of motherhood

Karen’s story is a beautiful reminder that support can be found in the most honest conversations – and that creating something from your own struggle can help so many others along the way.

Resources

Want to find out more about Mum Hub Kent? Visit the website, follow Karen on Instagram or Facebook.

Enjoyed This Episode?

If Karen’s words resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Share this episode with a mum friend who might need the reminder that she’s not alone, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review – it helps so much and means the world.

What happens when a successful career in finance no longer fits the life you’re trying to build as a mum? In this episode of The Naptime Sessions, I chat to Marianne Dadd - accountant, mum, and all-round powerhouse – about her journey from corporate life to self-employment, and what it really takes to find balance between motherhood and meaningful work.

Marianne speaks candidly about the identity shift that came with becoming a mum, and how it pushed her to reassess everything she thought she wanted from her career. From the pressure of trying to ‘do it all’ to the judgement mums often face when making career choices, this is a real and relatable conversation for anyone standing at a similar crossroads.

We talk about the flexibility self-employment can offer, but also the fears and uncertainties that come with it – especially when the world doesn’t always recognise the immense value of what mums bring to the table. Marianne shares practical advice for those considering self-employment, along with a healthy dose of encouragement to trust your instincts, back yourself, and know your worth.

Here’s what we cover:

• The shift in identity and priorities that comes with becoming a mum
• Why Marianne chose to leave a successful finance career and go self-employed
• The challenges and rewards of working for yourself as a parent
• How societal pressure and judgement can affect mums’ career choices
• The untapped potential of mothers in the workforce
• Why confidence and clarity of purpose are key when considering self-employment
• Marianne’s tips for building a supportive work-life balance
• Why the leap into self-employment doesn’t have to be all or nothing
• Embracing the messy, non-linear paths that motherhood and careers can take

Marianne’s journey is an inspiring reminder that you don’t have to fit the mould to be successful – and that choosing a path that works for you and your family is more than enough.

Resources

Want to connect with Marianne or MD Accounting? You can find her over on her website

For more encouragement and honest conversations about motherhood, follow me over on Instagram or explore the blog.

Enjoyed This Episode?

If Marianne’s story gave you that little boost of courage you needed, I’d love to hear from you. Send me a message on Instagram or share this episode with another mum who’s thinking about taking the leap, and don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review – it means the world.