Episode 03: School Runs & Unseen Struggles: Finding Connection in the Chaos

What happens when the school run becomes one of the hardest parts of your day and nobody seems to notice? In this episode of *Amplifying the Unseen*, Kirsty Reed explores the realities behind the daily school run: the stress, isolation and struggles that can sit beneath the surface. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience as a mum, Kirsty shares how her youngest child’s transition into school—and particularly from Reception to Year 1—became increasingly difficult. As a young, summer-born, neurodivergent child, the pressures of formal education led to escalating distress and school avoidance. Kirsty also opens up about the loneliness parents can experience when their child’s needs don’t fit the norm, sharing honest stories of tearful school runs, school gates and moments when even well-meaning staff didn’t know how to help. At the heart of the episode is a simple but powerful message: connection matters. Sometimes a smile, a check-in or an honest conversation can be the lifeline someone needs. **Highlights:** 00:00 Welcome to Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty Reed 00:28 When the school run becomes tough 01:00 Two decades of school runs and different “mum” identities 02:15 The impact of the pandemic on the working parent’s school run 03:20 Craving community with her fourth child and new lessons learned 04:04 Disruption in schooling and unique joys/difficulties of her youngest 04:38 The rare luxury of a swimming pool at her child’s school 05:23 Early challenges in nursery and reception 05:42 Joining a mum group chatand drifting away from it 06:07 Strong views on homework, seasoned by 19 years of parenting 07:30 Changes in routine: walking, biking, and meeting her child’s needs 11:41 The gap between her child’s experience and the world sees it 12:00 On emotional school avoidance: a topic for future episodes 13:43 Longing for support at the school gate 16:10 A call to small acts to open connection 18:35 Change starts with listening and not looking away. **About Amplifying the Unseen:** Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty is a podcast sharing honest social stories and elevating voices too often left unheard. Through conversations on social injustice, anti-racism, parenting, SEND, and inequality, Kirsty explores lived experience, advocacy, and the realities of pushing for change in systems not designed for everyone. This podcast is for those who believe listening is a radical act and that real change starts by amplifying what has been unseen. Amplifying the Unseen is also a storytelling, advocacy and leadership platform now proudly a Community Interest Company (CIC) for the people, experiences and truths that so often get overlooked, because everyone deserves to be seen, heard and included in the conversations that shape their lives. **About Kirsty Reed:** Kirsty is a voice amplifier, change catalyst, and system challenger with over 20 years’ experience driving social change rooted in advocacy, lived experience, and community leadership. She is both an expert by profession and an expert by experience, bringing these together to ensure that the voices and needs of local communities are embedded at the heart of decision-making. As a mum of four and a grandmother of four, Kirsty’s work is deeply grounded in real life. She partners with individuals, community leaders, and organisations to foster equity, inclusion, and collective action, working alongside people rather than implementing change to them. Kirsty is the Founder and Director of Amplifying the Unseen CIC and Director of Magpie Collaborative Ltd. Kirsty is highly experienced in working across all levels of organisations, providing insight, reflective space, and strategic support to develop joined-up approaches to change theory, strategic planning, and transformation. She is known for designing and delivering meaningful, engaging workshops tailored to each organisation, creating safe and courageous spaces for difficult conversations, collaboration, and innovation. Through her facilitation and advisory work, Kirsty enables teams to move beyond intention into action, driving purposeful, people-centred social impact and sustainable change. **Connect with Kirsty:** LinkedIn: Kirsty Reed Instagram: amplifying\_the\_unseen Website: www.amplifyingtheunseen.org