Strangers on a Bench EPISODE 78: We Forget How To Play
Mar 9, 2026
A candid park conversation about raising a child with autism and how childcare has shifted from play to paperwork. Nostalgic stories of youth, music and roaming London before phones. Reflections on parenting regrets, family dynamics and finding joy in small playful moments like supermarket trolley dancing. Thoughts on aging, friendships at work and dreaming of quiet solo reading retreats.
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Play Teaches Emotional Autonomy
- Play is essential because it lets children explore autonomy and emotions rather than just fitting into school expectations.
- The guest emphasizes acknowledging feelings at nursery: telling a child "I know you're sad, I know you're cross" to validate them and give autonomy.
Raising An Autistic Son Through School Challenges
- The guest describes raising an autistic son through a difficult primary school phase and later celebrating him reaching university in his early 20s.
- She recalls primary school dinners being adapted (pasta and a fish finger) and feeling they "appeared over a hill" once he progressed to higher education.
Acknowledge Feelings Before Correcting Behavior
- Acknowledge children's emotions explicitly instead of dismissing behavior as 'naughty' to understand underlying reasons.
- At work she coaches staff to say things like "I know you're sad" to validate and give autonomy.
