You know those times when you think you have it all under control as a mum and then your kids yell “plot twist!"

That’s exactly what happened for me on Sunday when visiting Nambour Aquatic Centre.
I was prepared, I have two ASD kids so we have used the Cérge app before and it’s fantastic. I have one child who has big emotions and doesn’t like too much stimulation and one who runs
off….. a lot.

Going out gives me anxiety. Huge anxiety. Because not only do I have to manage the “mum load” of making sure they are fed and watered and happy. I also have to account for any change, any situation and pre empt as much as I humanly can.

It’s hard. Very hard.

I showed both children the Visual Story, Photos and Sensory Guide, so we were all prepared with how everything looks and feels. I notified through the Cérge app and let the staff know when we would be arriving and that I have a child that runs and a child that may need space.

We were rocking.

Swimmers, towels, snacks and Cérge and we are set! I actually felt ahead of the game for once. We arrive at the pool and check in seamlessly, the staff are amazing, helpful, inclusive and friendly. We are excited! We head for our swim. Well, whatever could go wrong for me did.

One child ran, the other was over stimulated and the emotions were at an all time high. I want eyes on my son near a pool at all moments and I couldn’t find him. Panic mode.

Now, I’m not going to lie and say this never happens. It does. A large part of my life is trying to be the best mum I can possibly be and meet my children’s needs. But sometimes that can’t be met by one person.

We have left places feeling humiliated, shamed, unwelcome and upset and none of these feelings are any I want my children to feel.

Today was different though, the staff knew who I was and our needs through Cérge they were able to assist calmly, navigate what we needed quickly and quietly and lead with pure
professionalism. What I noticed was because the staff were exceptional and inclusive the patrons followed suit.

Never, ever, have I experienced this before. They offered a quiet room for my daughter and the facility has a latched gate at the entrance which has supervision also so I knew my son was safer. They loved the slides and my son probably went down a thousand times! Lucky they don’t charge per ride! Wow.

In the past we would leave with hysterical kids and I would cry in the car wondering if I will ever leave the house again. Not today though, today I had a team, today I was part of a village. I was a person trying to get through something hard with extra help and support. Today I didn’t feel like a loser being judged as a failure. That’s a first.

Nambour Aquatic Centre, you are amazing. Thank you.

……..And of course thank you Cérge.

Life changing! Literally