Laura Johnstone

Taking care of yourself: the key to be in a better parent

As parents, we often feel the pressure to give everything we have to our children. Their needs, their milestones, and their challenges seem to take priority over everything else. But have you ever stopped to think about how much better we could show up for our children if we took the time to care forContinue reading “Taking care of yourself: the key to be in a better parent”

The bliss and guilt of silent moments in parenthood

As parents, we often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of activity—playing, feeding, cleaning, teaching, comforting, and repeating the cycle endlessly. In the midst of all this, moments of silence are rare and, when they do come, they can feel like pure bliss. I recently found myself in one of those moments. My child wasContinue reading “The bliss and guilt of silent moments in parenthood”

The Joys and Challenges of Teething: Navigating Sleep Deprivation and Mental Health

Teething is one of those milestones that every parent looks forward to—and dreads at the same time. While the arrival of your baby’s first tooth is an exciting sign of growth, the process itself can be filled with sleepless nights, cranky moments, and a lot of trial and error. For parents, watching their little oneContinue reading “The Joys and Challenges of Teething: Navigating Sleep Deprivation and Mental Health”

Finding Gratitude in Everyday Moments: Amelia’s Breakfast Milestone

This morning, as I sat in our lounge, I watched my daughter Amelia eating her breakfast while Ms. Rachel—the unofficial babysitter in many households—played on the screen. It was such a simple, quiet moment, but one that filled me with immense gratitude. Amelia was calm and content, eating happily, and for a parent like me,Continue reading “Finding Gratitude in Everyday Moments: Amelia’s Breakfast Milestone”

Why I’m Creating a Database of Charities for NICU/SCBU Parents

Parenthood is often described as a life-changing journey—a mix of joy, challenges, and endless love. But for parents with babies in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) or SCBU (Special Care Baby Unit), this journey takes a different turn. It’s one filled with medical uncertainties, emotional highs and lows, and a deep longing for supportContinue reading “Why I’m Creating a Database of Charities for NICU/SCBU Parents”

Returning to Work After Having a Baby: Finding Purpose Beyond Toxic Workplaces

Returning to work after having a baby is a journey that comes with a mix of emotions—excitement, anxiety, and a deep sense of transformation. Parenthood has a way of reshaping priorities, giving you clarity on what truly matters, and teaching you resilience in ways you never imagined. When I stepped back into the professional worldContinue reading “Returning to Work After Having a Baby: Finding Purpose Beyond Toxic Workplaces”

World Mental Health Day 2024: Navigating Mental Health as a Parent

Parenting is often described as one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. Yet, for many, it also brings a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges, particularly when it comes to mental health. As parents, we are expected to nurture, guide, and support our children—but what happens when we are the ones who need support? OnContinue reading “World Mental Health Day 2024: Navigating Mental Health as a Parent”

Understanding Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Language: A Glossary for Parents

When your baby is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the experience can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re navigating an entirely new language filled with medical jargon and unfamiliar terms. As parents, already feeling vulnerable and anxious about your baby’s health, the constant flow of medical terminology can add to the confusion. In the NICU,Continue reading “Understanding Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Language: A Glossary for Parents”

NICU Remembrance Day: Honoring the Babies We Couldn’t Bring Home

As parents who have journeyed through the NICU, there’s a bond that ties us to a shared experience of fear, hope, and resilience. NICU Remembrance Day holds a special place in our hearts, not only because we survived it, but also because it’s a time to reflect on the heartbreak of those who didn’t getContinue reading “NICU Remembrance Day: Honoring the Babies We Couldn’t Bring Home”

The Benefits of Using Makaton and British Sign Language (BSL) When Children Are Learning to Talk

Language development is an exciting and sometimes challenging milestone for both parents and children. For some children, particularly those who are neurodiverse, born prematurely, or have speech delays, learning to talk can present extra hurdles. In these cases, incorporating visual and manual communication systems like Makaton and British Sign Language (BSL) can be incredibly beneficial.Continue reading “The Benefits of Using Makaton and British Sign Language (BSL) When Children Are Learning to Talk”