Emma Sails Coaching

Emma Sails Coaching Providing support, reassurance and encouragement to parents of children with additional needs

Planning for the summer holidays can be really helpful, especially if you and/or your child are neurodivergent.For many ...
23/07/2025

Planning for the summer holidays can be really helpful, especially if you and/or your child are neurodivergent.

For many of us, not knowing what’s coming next can create a constant background stress.

So even a simple, loose plan can help everyone feel more settled and reduce that creeping sense of overwhelm.

➡️But here’s the important part: It doesn’t have to be perfect.

✅You’re allowed to change your mind.
✅You’re allowed to cancel things.
✅You’re allowed to do less.

The aim of the plan isn’t to build a rigid schedule where every moment has to be ‘productive’ or ‘magical’.

It’s to give your nervous system a little breathing room, to support your child with transitions, to help your whole family feel a little more grounded.

And if something unexpected happens, if plans fall apart, or someone gets overwhelmed, or everything just feels too much?

That’s okay too!

Some things will always be outside your control — and the sooner we let go of the idea that we have to get everything ‘right’, the easier it becomes to enjoy the moments that do work.

So yes, make a plan if it helps.

But be kind to yourself if it doesn’t all go the way you hoped.

It can still be worthwhile. 💚

✨ If you’d like a gentle way to start coming up with a plan for YOUR summer, I’ve created a free Trello planner to help.

Just comment PLANNER or pop me a message and I'll send you the link.

Summer holiday planning is officially underway! 🎉Colour coded by Mum’s and Dad’s days, and about to be filled in with ev...
22/07/2025

Summer holiday planning is officially underway! 🎉

Colour coded by Mum’s and Dad’s days, and about to be filled in with everything I know so far.

Having this planner on display in the front room really helps reduce the overwhelm that so often creeps in when we’re out of our usual routine.

It makes the whole family feel more connected and prepared for whatever the summer throws our way.

A couple of years ago, I realised just how much smoother summer can go when the whole family works together on planning, sharing the load, and setting clear expectations.

📨So, to help you with that, I’m soon giving away a FREE Trello planner designed to organise your summer days with ease and flexibility.

It’s perfect for keeping things visible and stress-free!

Keep an eye out — I’ll be sharing how to grab your copy very soon.

How’s your summer planning going so far? Feeling ready or still figuring it out?

For lots of you, today marks the beginning of the summer holidays - but we’ve got a few more days to go here!☀️This time...
21/07/2025

For lots of you, today marks the beginning of the summer holidays - but we’ve got a few more days to go here!☀️

This time of year has so much potential for fun and freedom... but it can also feel like a lot for neurodivergent children (and adults!):

😩The heat.
😩The noise.
😩The lack of structure.
😩The constant changes.

All of these things can quickly lead to overstimulation.

And when you add in social plans, family visits, or days out with lots of crowds... Things can get tricky.

If you’re parenting a neurodivergent child, I know you’ll be doing everything you can to help them feel safe and regulated.

Because you know their needs better than anyone else. 🥰

And you’re doing an amazing job.

Keep it up -and let me know how you're feeling about the holidays. 💚

Last call for my Live Exploring Neurodivergence Webinar which is happening at 12pm TOMORROW, Friday 18th July, at 12pm.I...
17/07/2025

Last call for my Live Exploring Neurodivergence Webinar which is happening at 12pm TOMORROW, Friday 18th July, at 12pm.

If you are in the process of figuring out whether or not you're neurodivergent, whether it would be beneficial to go for an assessment or how to start processing what's going on in your mind, my 'Exploring Neurodivergence: For Yourself' webinar will help you. We will:
- work through a lot of the things that stop people from accepting their own neurodivergence.
- dispel the "everyone is a little bit autistic/ADHD" rubbish
- walk through a process towards figuring out what your next steps are.

A recording (and some accountability to watch the recording!) will be available afterwards if you can't attend the event.

Visit the Facebook event to book your place at https://fb.me/e/9zeLMoE7b

The countdown to the summer holidays has nearly finished… ☀️And with it comes the pressure to say yes to everything... 😩...
16/07/2025

The countdown to the summer holidays has nearly finished… ☀️

And with it comes the pressure to say yes to everything... 😩

To show up, to keep the peace, to make everyone happy.

Whether it's the end-of-term chaos, the activities the kids want to do, or seeing loved ones while they're off school - the diaries soon fill up.

😞 Difficulty saying no.
😞 Fear of letting people down.
😞 Putting everyone else first, even when it’s hurting you.

Sound familiar? 🥺

People-pleasing is something so many of us struggle with, and it’s often linked to rejection sensitivity.

That deep, painful fear of being judged, left out, or misunderstood.

But please know this: It’s okay to follow your own intuition and do what feels right for you, even if your friends or family don’t understand. 💚

You are the one who knows what’s right for you.

And if you need to put things in place to help you feel more comfortable this summer, then do it.

Even if that means creating space from the people who cause you issues.

➡️Because you deserve to feel peaceful and safe... and bending over backwards for people who aren’t ready or able to accept neurodivergence is not your problem.

If you’re struggling with where or how to put boundaries in place over the holidays, especially over the summer holidays, please pop me a message.

I’d really love to help. 🌿

For most of us there’s just a few more days left until the end of term!Does the thought of that make you squeak with exc...
14/07/2025

For most of us there’s just a few more days left until the end of term!

Does the thought of that make you squeak with excitement?😍

Or is it making you want to scream out loud?😩

💚Whichever it is, please know you’re not alone.

The holidays can be a minefield for parents, especially those of us with neurodivergent children.

(And when you’ve add your own neurodivergence to that mix, it’s no wonder it can become so stressful.)

Balancing the joy and chaos while managing expectations isn’t easy, especially when it feels like everyone else is effortlessly on top of things.

➡️Here’s the truth: You don’t have to follow anyone else’s rules to make this summer special.

It’s okay to let go of the things that don’t work for you and your family and focus on what brings joy instead.

My tip for next week:

🌿Create a simple ‘holiday survival plan.’

🌿Write down the must-dos and the nice-to-dos for the summer.

🌿Prioritise the things that genuinely matter to your family, and let go of the rest without guilt.

Simplifying your timetable can make a huge difference for everyone!

🌿Did you see, I’m running my Exploring Neurodivergence webinars LIVE again?🌿There have been some changes in the diagnosi...
11/07/2025

🌿Did you see, I’m running my Exploring Neurodivergence webinars LIVE again?🌿

There have been some changes in the diagnosis process for children recently, and now that I’ve rebranded, it felt like the perfect time to re-record both sessions.

These webinars have been one of the most impactful things I’ve created to support people as they begin exploring potential neurodivergence — for themselves, their child, or both. 💚

Because starting to figure all of this out can be terrifying.

Whether it’s:

😔 Wondering how to approach your GP or school.

😔 Figuring out how (or if) to talk to friends or family.

😔 Or simply trying to make sense of what this could mean for you…

You might be asking:

🤔"Do I even need a diagnosis?"

🤔"What will it change?"

🤔"Where do I even start?"

The good news is, you’re not on your own. 💚

I’ve helped dozens of people through this process, and I’d love to help you too.

➡️Exploring Neurodivergence: For Your Child

12pm on 15th July | Just £15

We’ll explore:

✅ What neurodivergence is and the overlaps between conditions.

✅ How it could be impacting your child’s behaviour.

✅ How you can start supporting them and helping them regulate.

✅ What your next steps might look like.

➡️ Exploring Neurodivergence: For Yourself

12pm on 18th July | Just £15

We’ll explore:

✅ What neurodivergence means to you and your life.

✅ How to feel confident that things will be okay.

✅ How to challenge what’s been holding you back.

✅ Whether assessment might be helpful, and what your next steps could be.

You can book via my Linktree (the link is in my bio), comment below or send me a message to get booked on. 📧

Let’s make this feel less overwhelming, together 💚

If you're finding yourself being short with your kids right now, please - stop beating yourself up.💚We’re nearing the en...
10/07/2025

If you're finding yourself being short with your kids right now, please - stop beating yourself up.💚

We’re nearing the end of term, and everyone’s running on empty - especially our neurodivergent children.

➡️Something you really need to remember: They’re probably masking.

They’re holding it all in at school... Trying to keep up with the timetable changes and trying not to get in trouble.

They’re hiding their own needs and trying their best to carry on as if everything is ‘normal’ and fine.

On the outside, they look like they're coping - but on the inside, they're running on empty. (They’re not the only ones!)

And because they’re trying so hard to stay regulated at school, they often unravel when they get home.

Which means:

😔 More meltdowns

😔 More shutdowns

😔 More resistance

😔 More overwhelm

And we, as parents, are left trying to hold it all together - help! 😖

The good news is that the summer holidays are coming and, while they bring their own version of chaos, they also give our children space.

🌿 To unmask.

🌿 To do things their way.

🌿 To rest and reset.

Until then, give yourself some compassion and remember: your child’s behaviour is not a reflection of your parenting.

It’s a sign that you’re both holding in so much - and a well-deserved break is on its way. 😍

It's that time of year again... where everyone is exhausted and grouchy and too warm and all of the other things, so her...
08/07/2025

It's that time of year again... where everyone is exhausted and grouchy and too warm and all of the other things, so here is your reminder of why.

Parenting at this time of year is hard, and parenting neurodivergent children is harder. You are bound to be finding it harder… because it is harder.

We beat ourselves up so much when we're short with our children, when we don't react to them in the way we want to or give them the patience we want to be able to give. At this time of year especially, it's so important to also focus on being patient with yourself, and reminding yourself that there is a reason it's hard and that you are NOT a bad parent. Being more patient with yourself will make it a lot easier to be patient with your child, and then everyone is better off.

Self care is vital… try to take time for yourself around school runs and after bedtime rather than prioritising your to do list. You need processing time and recharge time as well, and the more energy you allow yourself to restore, the more you have to give to your children.

Please remember that you’re only human, and it’s ok to find it hard.

You can do this, I promise. We’re nearly there 💜.

I often say that finding out about ADHD was one of the best moments of my life - so, for Disability Pride Month, I want ...
02/07/2025

I often say that finding out about ADHD was one of the best moments of my life - so, for Disability Pride Month, I want to tell you why.

When I was growing up, hardly anyone recognised ADHD or Autism in girls.

Before I found out:
- I was bullied at school for being “weird,” and my sensitivity and eagerness to please made me an easy target.
- I spent most of my mid-teens burned out and hiding in my bedroom (autism).
- And when it came to GCSEs, I got through them by memorising a friend’s revision notes (ADHD).
- I dropped out of college four months in (ADHD), and was offered a work placement at the accountancy firm where I’d done my Year 11 work experience.
- Accountancy was like solving puzzles with clear answers (autism), and the dopamine hit from finishing each job (ADHD) made me a workaholic.
- But in 2018, everything changed, because pregnancy made my brain feel like mush. My hyperfocus vanished (AuDHD), and I became extremely anxious about parenting (autism).
- After my son was born, the depression hit hard, then COVID came. A pivotal moment was my son saying, “Mummy has to work” while I was sat staring at a pile of papers I couldn’t even start.

I knew something had to change.

I began working with a coach (the amazing ) who asked if I’d considered if I might have ADHD. At first, I laughed… but then I saw a traits list she sent me and something clicked.

All my life, I’d just assumed I “functioned differently.” And for a while, I made it work… until it really didn’t.

Finding out about ADHD gave me an answer, and then finding out about autism the following year gave me more... and those answers alone brought so much peace.

I had made almost every decision in my life based on where I could impress, rescue, or feel secure - Now I understood why.

If you’re undiagnosed neurodivergent, and something in your life changes so much that your coping strategies stop working, it is exceptionally challenging to move forward.

Coaching, and understanding my neurodivergence, gave me a life, job, and relationship that I love.

🌿 Drop me a message to chat more, or visit my website to learn about how I can support you.

Having ADHD, Autism, or any other form of neurodivergence, is a disability.And it is completely okay to be disabled.Once...
30/06/2025

Having ADHD, Autism, or any other form of neurodivergence, is a disability.

And it is completely okay to be disabled.

Once more for the people at the back...

➡️It is completely okay to be disabled.

So many of us spend our lives beating ourselves up because, in our minds, we’re “able-bodied.”

So we assume we should be able to do what everyone else does. 😔

But here’s the reality: A neurological condition is a disability.

And that means we deserve the same support, accommodations, and understanding as any other disabled person.

💚 It’s not a failure to need help.
💚 It’s not shameful to ask for support.

And if anyone makes you feel judged or ridiculed for that? That’s ableism. Full stop.

July is Disability Pride Month, and a time to honour the creativity, resilience, and brilliance of disabled people.

To uplift disabled voices.

To challenge the attitudes that hold people back.

It's our chance to say:

I am not broken. I am not less.

I am navigating a world that wasn’t built with me in mind, and that’s hard.

🌿 Want to chat about how neurodivergence might be affecting your day-to-day life?

Drop me a message or visit my website to learn more.

Remember: Asking for help doesn’t make you weak, it just makes you human.

One of the hardest parts about discovering you're neurodivergent is dealing with the feeling that something about you ha...
27/06/2025

One of the hardest parts about discovering you're neurodivergent is dealing with the feeling that something about you has been "broken" all along.

For most of your life, you’ve been criticised for the way you do things.

😔 You’ve been labelled lazy, careless, or even stupid.

What’s worse is that, over time, those voices have become your own, making you your harshest critic.

Reframing that mindset is tough, but it’s also one of the most transformative things you can do. 💡

And that’s exactly what I want to help you with. 💚

I’m here to guide you in understanding how your brain works, why you react the way you do, and how to harness your neurodivergence as a strength, not a setback.

Here are three powerful shifts I teach my clients:

🌿Lowering expectations and managing frustration.

🌿Accepting mistakes as part of the process.

🌿Redefining success.

Do any of these resonate with you?

Let me know in the comments or send me a message if you’d like to chat.

Address

Glossop

Telephone

+447809238566

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Emma Sails Coaching posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share