Paperback
Normal Schmormal: My occasionally helpful guide to parenting kids with special needs
By Ashley Blaker
The heartwarming and hilarious part-memoir, part-guide from comedian and father-of-six Ashley Blaker, tackling parenting, adoption and raising children with special needs.
‘We had such a variety of experts visiting our home, we really needed a revolving door. All these professionals would watch our son playing while shaking their heads and making tutting sounds, like builders considering a bad job you wanted them to fix. “Tut tut tut. No speech, disordered social skills, sensory issues. This is going to cost you!!”’
Ashley Blaker has six children, three of whom have an SEN diagnosis. Between endless meetings, countless therapists, public humiliations, failed playdates, surreal monologues and occasional violence, it’s certainly not what anyone would call a ‘normal’ household – but would he want it any other way?
Normal Schmormal is part-memoir, part how-to guide, highlighting the many challenges, as well as the hugely rewarding elements, of parenting children with additional needs. Written with humour, compassion and a lot of love, it’s a must-read for parents, carers and teachers of children with SEN, either looking for a bit of support or in need of a very big laugh.
Advance criticism…
‘Utter rubbish’ – Adam Blaker
‘Just lies to make us look bad’ – Ollie Blaker
‘The words are too bright for my ears’ – Dylan Blaker
‘If it sells a million copies, how much LEGO will I get?’ – Edward Blaker
‘iPad not working’ – Zoe Blaker
‘Can I have a drink?’ – Bailey Blaker
PRAISE -
'Heartwarming and hilarious. Every page made me smile' - Your Autism Magazine -
”'A very funny and honest account of Ashley’s extraordinary ordinary life.” - - Alex Horne
”'Great insights and advice for any parent, from a unique and fascinating family and their brilliantly funny dad.” - - Katy Brand
”'This book is going to both entertain and bring comfort to so many people, giving them hope for the future.” - - Matt Lucas
”'There’s so much love and good energy in this book. It had me smiling from the very first words.” - - Adam Hills
”'Normal Schmormal is a laugh-out-loud, touching memoir. Every parent should have a copy.” - - Emma Kennedy
”'Hilarious, fascinating, and moving. A very special book about a very special family.” - - Elis James
”'A must read. Ashley's gift is in making the toughest life challenges seem relatable and even joyous.” - - Rob Rinder
”'Funny and warm hearted, this book is a godsend for neurodivergent parents like me.” - - Josie Long
”'Inspirational, moving and massively funny. A beautiful schmeautiful book.” - - David Schneider
”'Ashley is a superb comic writer and offers incredibly emotional memoir.” - - David Walliams
”'Full of love, this book is a unique and uplifting document of a remarkable everyday life.” - - Mark Watson
”'Funny, moving and incredibly useful. This book can teach us all something about parenting.” - - Lucy Porter
”'A vivid record of a father’s love for his children and a plea for others to follow suit, whatever their kids may be like.” - - Jeremy Dyson
”'Chipped away at my ignorance and made me laugh at the same time. A neat trick.” - - Mike Wozniak