Life as a SEN mum

During the Easter holidays we took a trip to James Richard’s Circus. This wasn’t just the kids first time at the circus, but also mine, so I had absolutely no idea what to expect.

Now, of course, you’re going to have to be prepared for the snacks and random flashing toys that kids ultimately want. We took snacks, and somehow still ended up buying popcorn and candy floss. I’ll be honest I’m generally pretty good at saying no when we’ve already taken snacks, whether it was because we’d gone as a group, or whether it was because it was our first experience and I though “why the hell not” I don’t know, but just be warned that you may end up spending more on the day. That being said, the prices for snacks and drinks weren’t actually too bad, particularly compared to a lot of events.

Obviously it’s going to get noisy, with this in mind I made sure that I packed the kids ear defenders. James didn’t actually wear his, which did surprise me, but I think he’d just got so into the show he didn’t seem phased. Charlotte did wear hers though and I definitely think it helped. Not just with the noise itself, but when there is lots going on she can quite easily go into sensory overload.

There was a list of the acts on social media before the day, but having never been to a circus I didn’t fully know what to expect, and the admission costs were really well priced, which as much as it shouldn’t, you do find yourself wondering whether that’s a reflection of the performers. But I was pleasantly surprised, everyone was brilliant, there was a really good variety of performers and all of them gave it their absolute all. The only issue I did have, and I knew I would going in, was the clowns. There is something about clowns that petrify me, and when they came out into the audience the heart palpitations definitely kicked in, which James thought was absolutely hilarious. That aside, they were good, just not for anyone else with a fear. You’re probably wondering why I’d go to a circus if I’m scared of clowns, really it was so that the kids could experience the fun of the circus regardless. Yes it was difficult at times to hide the fear, but I also hate the idea of my fears affecting their experiences and limiting what they get to do.

Would I go again? Clowns aside, absolutely, it knocked my expectations out of the park, and the kids absolutely loved it. If you have an autistic child and are worried about events like this, don’t be, take the war defenders, let them stim, you’d be surprised how much they’ll actually love it.