Support for Parents
Support for Parents & Families
Navigating the early years can feel overwhelming — especially when you have questions about your child's development, need help with paperwork, or aren't sure where to turn. This is a space for parents and families to find guidance, reassurance, and practical support from someone who genuinely understands.
Marlis combines the knowledge of a qualified Early Years Teacher and former SENCO with over 21 years of hands-on experience — and as a parent of a neurodivergent child herself, she brings something no amount of training can teach: she knows what it actually feels like to be in your shoes.
She is also deeply committed to trauma-informed practice and believes that love and nurture are not extras in a child's early years — they are the foundation. Every family she works with is met with warmth, patience, and zero judgement.
Free Guidance & Resources
Understanding Your Child's Development
Every child develops at their own pace, but knowing what to look for — and when to ask for support — can make a real difference. Our free resources cover key milestones in speech, language, social development, and play, helping you understand where your child is and what you can do at home to help them flourish.
Neurodivergent Children: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, or another neurodivergent condition — or if you're in the early stages of seeking answers — it can feel like an isolating journey. Marlis speaks from both professional expertise and personal experience. Her guidance helps parents understand their child's needs, communicate with settings and professionals, and most importantly, celebrate who their child is.
Trauma-Informed Parenting
Children's behaviour always makes sense when you understand what's underneath it. Whether your child has experienced trauma, finds transitions difficult, struggles to regulate their emotions, or simply needs more than a standard approach, Marlis can help you understand what your child is communicating and how to respond in a way that helps them feel safe and understood.
The Power of Storytelling at Home
You don't need to be a trained teacher to give your child the gift of language. Our bedtime story videos and reading guides show you how sharing books and stories together — even for just 10 minutes a day — builds vocabulary, emotional connection, and a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.
Browse our free bedtime story videos →
Starting Nursery or Preschool
Settling into a new setting can be as nerve-wracking for parents as it is for children. Find out what to expect, how to support your child through the transition, and what questions to ask when choosing and starting a setting.
SEND: Where to Start
If you're concerned about your child's development or have been told they may have additional needs, it can feel like a lot to take in. Our guides explain the SEND process in plain English — from early identification and EHCP applications to working with your child's setting and understanding your rights.
1:1 Parent Support Sessions
Sometimes you need more than a guide — you need someone in your corner. Marlis offers personal 1:1 support sessions for parents who need:
- Help understanding or completing SEND paperwork, EHCP applications, or annual review documentation
- Guidance and support around neurodivergent diagnosis, next steps, and advocating for your child
- Advice on how to communicate effectively with your child's setting
- Support preparing for meetings with nurseries, schools, or outside agencies
- A trauma-informed perspective on your child's behaviour and what they might be telling you
- Guidance on speech, language, or communication concerns
- A knowledgeable, compassionate sounding board when you're not sure what to do next
Sessions are available remotely and are tailored entirely to your situation and needs. There is no script — just an honest, experienced conversation with someone who cares.