Singer and television personality Frankie Bridge has emotionally revealed the daily challenges her family faces after her youngest son received a life-changing dyslexia diagnosis.
The Heartbreaking Daily Battle
In a candid YouTube video, a visibly worn-down Frankie described the distressing scene of her 11-year-old son, Carter, having an "hour-long tearful meltdown" about attending school. The former The Saturdays star confessed these emotional outbursts are becoming a frequent occurrence, leaving her feeling powerless.
"I find it really difficult to keep sending him in every day," Frankie admitted to the camera, fighting back tears. She explained Carter repeatedly asks to be homeschooled, citing difficulties with subjects like food technology and science, which involve a lot of writing. "It just really breaks my heart," she said.
Navigating Feelings of Helplessness
Frankie, who shares Carter and his 12-year-old brother Parker with former footballer Wayne Bridge, expressed her deep sense of helplessness. While she acknowledges Carter usually settles after arriving, the morning struggle takes a significant toll.
"I feel really helpless, and I don't know what else I can do for him really," she stated. The Loose Women panellist is caught between her son's pleas and her belief in the importance of socialisation and routine. "I don't want him to hate the next eight years of his education," she revealed, highlighting her fear of forcing him into a daily environment where he struggles.
A Positive Step Forward with School Support
The situation has prompted Frankie to take action. In a follow-up video, she shared that she has spoken to Carter's teachers about implementing more support to help him manage his dyslexia.
Thankfully, the response from his current school has been positive and proactive. "They just couldn't be nicer," Frankie said, contrasting it with previous battles at a different school. "At this school they're like 'right let's do this'." This collaborative approach offers a beacon of hope for the family.
Frankie's openness sheds light on the complex emotional landscape for parents of children with additional educational needs, balancing advocacy, empathy, and the practical realities of family life.
