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Content note: This episode discusses the death of a young child, accidental harm and parental grief.

Every parent has a sliding-door moment. A second when something could have gone terribly wrong, but thankfully did not.

For parents of neurodivergent children, those moments can be frighteningly familiar. A child runs, hides, follows an impulse or moves towards something without recognising the danger. Parents must somehow balance constant vigilance with their child’s need for freedom, movement, exploration and an ordinary childhood.

Following the tragic death of three-year-old Noah, Jannine is joined again by Jo Roberts and Luisa Gray for a deeply compassionate conversation about SEND parenting, risk and the rush to blame families when tragedy occurs.

Together, they share their own near misses and explore:

• The exhausting vigilance involved in raising neurodivergent children
• Why running, hiding and an urgent need for autonomy can create unpredictable risks
• The impossible balance between protecting children and allowing them to live
• How hindsight creates the illusion that every tragedy could have been prevented
• Why parents are judged whether they are considered too protective or not protective enough
• The grace and humanity families need when the unthinkable happens

As Luisa puts it:

“A parent’s place is in the wrong, because no matter what you do, somebody’s going to decide that you are wrong.”

This episode is for every parent who has carried the responsibility, fear and loneliness of trying to keep a child safe in a world that does not always understand them.

Our thoughts remain with Noah’s family and everyone who loved him.

Content note: This episode discusses the death of a young child, accidental harm and parental grief.

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