1 year of Slow Down Amaya
I never would have imagined that I would have reached this many people and had people across the world reading my books. My books are being read in the UK, the US, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Italy, Germany and Spain!
Yoga Nidra Meditation for Neurodivergent Parents
Meditation can feel like something that seems “too hard to do” or when you don't see/think about meditation, it becomes out of sight and out of mind. However, I feel that starting a meditation practice that isn't overly rigid (not a daily challenge that you think that you need to achieve), can benefit neurodivergent parents.
How I use Mindfulness to Help Develop Children's Emotional Skills
When practiced regularly children can start to notice what thoughts come up in their mind and not put themselves down for thinking those thoughts. Instead, they can develop a kinder attitude towards their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
How Yoga is a Powerful Self-Care Tool for Parents and Carergivers in a Neurodiverse Family
When you create pockets of time to look after your wellbeing and recharge your energy you can feel a sense of connection to yourself. This helps you rediscover your own needs and how you can balance your very limited time and energy.
It can be hard to simply have quiet time by yourself
How Children Can Teach Adults
Without experiencing moments of slight discomfort I wouldn't be developing my growth mindset and be open to new opportunities and experiences.
How to Share Diverse Picture Books with Kids
When children read a book and see characters who look like them, or share a relatable experience, they develop a deeper connection to the story.
I didn’t see myself in books as a child.
How to Support Sibling’s Wellbeing in Neurodiverse Families
When I was working with children in the charity sector, delivering social and emotional activities, I noticed that siblings in neurodiverse families often advocated for and worried about their brother(s)/sister(s) even at a young age.
This often meant that instead of having fun they would feel worried about what might happen next.
Starting the Year with Gratitude
While catching up with some admin work I realised that I was getting close to reaching my goal of sharing mindfulness through storytelling with 1000 families in one year.
When I first set this aim I thought I was being too ambitious and it was an impossible goal. Yet, now I think it might be possible over the next few months.
Want to Reduce Stress as a Parent to a Neurodivergent Child? Here's How
It’s normal for your mind to wander or you might want to rush through the process. When you notice that your mind has started thinking about the next part of your routine, see if you can simply observe them without being critical towards yourself or your thoughts.
1:1 Transform Programme: Everything you Need to Know
When you’re navigating support systems for your neurodivergent child it can cause you to feel fatigued, highly stressed and/or anxious.
Over time, if you aren't taking actions to look after yourself you might find yourself in a cycle of burnout. It might feel like burnout is unavoidable and just how life is for being in a neurodiverse family.
1:1 Programme and The Lion King
When you're part of Transform, you're provided with space to remember who you are beyond your caring responsibilities.
Taking up Space: The Wellness Industry
I knew that there would be people who would want to see more diversity and inclusion in the wellness space. I had a feeling that there were probably Black and POC people who were too nervous to attend a yoga class due to being the only “one” in the room.
12 Weeks of Wellbeing
The lead up to the festive period can feel stressful and unpredictable. This can especially be the case when you're in a neurodiverse family.
Although you will be doing your best to keep a sense of routine and predictability for your child(ren), there will be things that pop up outside of your control.
Mindfulness in Motherhood
When you use mindfulness techniques, to help bring you into the present and as a tool to practise self-compassion, your child(ren) will sense your calm energy.
How to Reduce Stress as an ASN/SEN Parent
As a parent carer you will give huge amounts of love, care and attention to your child(ren). Your primary focus each day is likely navigating the best ways to support your child and fighting for their needs in different contexts.
However, when was the last time you treated yourself with kindness and compassion?
Creative Edinburgh- Inclusion Award
Inclusion is one of my core values in my business, and in my general life.
When creating and growing Butterfly Minds I always keep diversity and inclusion in the front of my mind.
Mindfulness in Classrooms
Whether you're a parent/carer, educator or both, encouraging the children in your life to read and have access to diverse books is important.
Creating an Online Mindfulness Course
Fast forward to now, I have created my first online self-paced mindfulness course! I designed this course especially for parents to children with Additional Support Needs/SEN.
A few months ago, I decided to offer my main services to neurodiverse families. I also offer in person yoga and mindfulness workshops to organisations in Edinburgh.
I have 15 years of experience working with children, teenagers and adults from different backgrounds within the voluntary sector. Many of them had diagnosed and undiagnosed Additional Support Needs, particularly being neurodivergent.
“Can I Touch Your Hair?”
I have lost count how many times people have asked if they can touch my hair.
When I was a child it was a regular question but as an adult the same question has been asked several times.
Starting Mindfulness
When you become more mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and actions, you can start releasing stress and exhaustion.