Christine McGuinness has revealed that her three autistic children have become ‘more physical’ with her and each other as she detailed how they have changed during lockdown.
The model, 32, shares twins Penelope and Leo, seven, and Felicity, four, with comedian husband Paddy McGuinness, 47.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Christine shared a reassuring text she sent to a fellow SEN (special educational needs) mum, detailing how she ‘barely recognises’ her children at times, before positively adding that the difficult time ‘will pass.’
Changes: Christine McGuinness has revealed that her three autistic children have become ‘more physical’ with her and each other as she detailed how they have changed during lockdown
Christine has always been open about her children’s highs and lows in living with autism, often sharing her experiences and giving advice and support to parents in the same boat.
And Christine once again gave an honest insight into raising children who are on the spectrum as she detailed how lockdown was going for family, adding that other SEN families are ‘not alone’.
Sharing a sympathetic text she sent to one mum, she said: ‘I totally understand, all three of mine have got more physical with me and each other recently it’s awful.
Her babies: The model, 32, shares twins Penelope and Leo, seven, and Felicity, four, with comedian husband Paddy McGuinness, 47
‘I barely recognise them sometimes and I just paint a smile on like everything is fine. Thinking of you lots, stay strong. This time will pass.’
Alongside the image she shared a lengthy caption in which she further detailed her kids’ changes, while also sharing a message of support to everyone affected by the pandemic.
She penned: ‘Day 1 : Lockdown 3. This may or may not help anyone but this is ‘real life’ I just want to let my SEN families know you are not alone, I hear you, I understand.
Message: Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Christine shared a reassuring text she sent to a fellow SEN (special educational needs) mum, detailing how she ‘barely recognises’ her children at times, before positively adding that the difficult time ‘will pass’
‘For me personally I feel good, I am very head strong and I love to stay positive but I can’t deny what these lockdowns are doing to my children. my children are not the same little people they were this time last year.’
She went on: ‘The pandemic is affecting everyone differently, wether it’s your business, your mental health, a loss of life.. Covid is hitting everyone hard in different ways it’s heartbreaking. I pray every day, I hope it passes soon.
‘Thinking of you all, sending love and light to each and every one of you ❤️⠀
(This is a message I sent to one of my SEN mummy friends this morning) In it together.’ [sic]
Honest: ”I totally understand, all three of mine have got more physical with me and each other recently it’s awful’
Her post garnered many positive message from fans, with many SEN parents sharing their own experiences of raising their children in lockdown.
It comes after Christine shared an insight into her family Christmas last month, explaining what her three autistic children eat for their festive lunch.
Foregoing turkey with all the trimmings, they opted for kid-friendly fish fingers and chips.
‘Not alone’: Alongside the image she shared a lengthy caption in which she further detailed her kids’ changes, while also sharing a message of support to everyone affected by the pandemic
Christine posted a snap of their meal on Instagram, captioning it: ‘Autism doesn’t stop for Christmas day! They like what they like and I want my children to eat so I choose my battles and I don’t want one today!
‘For anyone who may not understand this, food aversion can be quite common for those with autism. This isn’t lazy parenting or fussy children, this is sensory issues due to their condition that limits what our children eat. I am delighted they are very slowly exploring new textures.
‘I’m just happy they eat because there have been times they totally refuse.It may be basic and it’s still all beige but they’re happy and their tummies are full.
‘For anyone with autistic children this Christmas… I hope you had a calm day, I feel your exhaustion and I hear your sigh of relief that the Christmas period is almost over.’ [sic]
Choosing her battles: Christine shared an insight into her family Christmas last month, explaining what her three autistic children eat for their festive lunch
Alt Christmas: Foregoing turkey with all the trimmings, the kids opted for kid-friendly fish fingers and chips
Family time: ‘Autism doesn’t stop for Christmas day! They like what they like and I want my children to eat so I choose my battles and I don’t want one today!’