Laura Johnstone

Have You Ever Had Surgery? Here’s My Journey.

The short answer? Yes. The long answer? I’ve had lots. When people ask me if I’ve ever had surgery, I sometimes laugh – not because it’s funny, but because it’s such a big question for someone like me. Being born prematurely meant that surgery wasn’t just a one-off event – it became part of myContinue reading “Have You Ever Had Surgery? Here’s My Journey.”

The Daily Habits That Keep Me Grounded – Even with a Suspected Autistic Toddler

When you’re parenting a child who is possibly autistic, one of the biggest pieces of advice you’re given is stick to a routine. But what they don’t always tell you is how tricky that is when you have a toddler—autistic or not. Toddlers can be delightfully unpredictable, strong-willed, and let’s be honest—chaotic. So while IContinue reading “The Daily Habits That Keep Me Grounded – Even with a Suspected Autistic Toddler”

Mum Guilt as a Disabled Parent: When Looking After Yourself Feels Like Letting Them Down

There’s something that no one quite prepares you for when you become a mum—the weight of guilt that creeps in, especially on the days when you’re not at your best. For me, that guilt shows up in so many ways. It’s not just about screen time or what meals look like that day. It runsContinue reading “Mum Guilt as a Disabled Parent: When Looking After Yourself Feels Like Letting Them Down”

Creating a Better World for Our Children: Simple Steps to Be More Sustainable

(This post contains an ad for Gousto via a referral link) When I became a parent, I suddenly saw the world differently. It wasn’t just about my choices anymore—it was about the kind of planet I was leaving behind for my daughter. That thought still stops me in my tracks. It’s easy to feel overwhelmedContinue reading “Creating a Better World for Our Children: Simple Steps to Be More Sustainable”

The Most Memorable Meal I’ve Ever Had — Our Wedding Day at Field Place

When someone asks, “What’s the most delicious thing you’ve ever eaten?” my mind doesn’t go to an exotic holiday or a swanky restaurant. Instead, I think about the most memorable and safest meal I’ve ever eaten — and that was our wedding day. We got married at Field Place in Worthing, and I still feelContinue reading “The Most Memorable Meal I’ve Ever Had — Our Wedding Day at Field Place”

If I Were Forced to Wear a Uniform Every Day – What Would It Be?

From the age of 18 right up until my last “proper” job, I’ve worn a uniform. Every single day. I didn’t have to think too much — just get dressed and get on with it. It sounds simple, and in many ways it was. But it also meant that for years, I had no ideaContinue reading ” If I Were Forced to Wear a Uniform Every Day – What Would It Be?”

✨ Visiting a Playschool for My Neurodivergent Toddler: What I Asked the SENCO

(Updated to include questions for all parents) Today felt like a big day for us. I visited a potential playschool for Amelia to attend in September – just three days a week to begin with, but it’s still a huge milestone. For any parent, choosing the right setting can be nerve-wracking. But as a parentContinue reading “✨ Visiting a Playschool for My Neurodivergent Toddler: What I Asked the SENCO”

Daily Blog: Am I Spiritual? A NICU Mother’s Reflection

When people ask if I’m spiritual, I usually take a deep breath. Because my answer isn’t simple. I didn’t grow up in a strictly religious household, but faith was always present in the background. As a child, I went to church every Sunday. It was just part of life. I also went to a RomanContinue reading “Daily Blog: Am I Spiritual? A NICU Mother’s Reflection”

Hearing Tests, People Pleasing, and the Power of Unmasking

Today, I’m on my way to the hospital for what feels like my first proper hearing test. Not because I haven’t done it before — I’ve had so many hearing tests over the years that I’ve lost count. But this is the first time I’ll be walking into that soundproof booth without feeling like IContinue reading “Hearing Tests, People Pleasing, and the Power of Unmasking”

Why I Nodded at an NHS Motorbike – The Hidden Heroes Behind Donor Milk

This afternoon, I popped out to get some milk for Amelia. Nothing particularly special about that. It’s part of everyday life. But something powerful happened on the way home. I spotted an NHS motorbike. Now, I know to most people, it just looks like another emergency services bike zipping around town – but I knewContinue reading “Why I Nodded at an NHS Motorbike – The Hidden Heroes Behind Donor Milk”