Now, I know that all children are naughty and believe me ours are no exception!! But there is naughty and special, isn't there? Our daughter is prone to screaming quite a lot, especially when we are out, and our son frequently shouts and often misreads the appropriateness of his actions. But that does not make them naughty - it is just part of them and what makes them unique. It really drives me mad when we get disapproving looks from ignorant people who you know are thinking that they would never let their children behave like that!

What makes me even madder though is the fact that I feel that I should behave differently to our two, to prove somehow that I am a good parent and that even though it does not look like it, I am in control. Why? I do not tell our daughter off for screaming at home (well not often!) and what does it matter if our son shouts and runs around in circles - he is having a good time and is not hurting anyone. Why then do I feel as though I should reign them in because other people disapprove? Why should I feel that I should be a different sort of parent just because Mr Anon does not like it? I am certainly not embarassed by my children and am infinitely proud of what they have achieved and how they enjoy life so much. Why, then, is there still this societal pressure for children to be seen but not heard? I recently saw a T shirt which said 'I am not naughty I am autistic'. I am thinking of getting one printed up saying 'My children are not naughty - they are special SO STOP STARING!"