Carol O’Donoghue
My Name is Carol. I have two grown up children, 2 years apart. My background is in psychology and care management. I was drawn to ParentSpace because I feel every child should be loved and valued and the way that we can help them all to feel that is to support parents, especially when they are struggling or trying to prepare for the nest stages of their child’s development. I have been a struggling, single mum with two very young children, one with a sleep problem and another with epilepsy, Attention Deficit Disorder and Autism with associated sensory issues. It was a challenging time and I wish I had had other parents to talk to who just ‘got it’. I have been a mum of these two young children and extended our family unit to include a partner and step-siblings to become more of a blended family, a deal with the challenges this can create. I am now a (step) granny to 9 grandchildren, with whom I love spending time and who remind me just how precious and vulnerable our children are. More recently I have been supporting my child who was designated female at birth and now experiences body dysmorphia. I am adapting my language around him and supporting him with the gender identification hurdles he faces every day. My hobbies include sewing, gardening, I attend a small art group …..I like to create. I also practice mindfulness and Tara Ropka meditations. |