A day in the life of: Myles Tucker
Myles, age 7
Growth condition: Small for Gestational Age (SGA)
Typical morning: Playing in his room whilst “mama” makes my/his breakfast, watching videos of himself on the iPad or posing for the camera whilst he enjoys his breakfast.
Typical afternoon: School, lots of therapies and fun times with my friends. Days outside on the field.
Typical evening: Shower in my new wet room (just moved house into adapted flat). Story time, lots of cuddles and massage therapy before bed.
My favourite thing to do is: See the outdoors. Crawl in meadows. Sensory play, bubbles & balloons. Hydrotherapy & he loves his standing frame.
My least favourite thing is: Beach/Sand he doesn’t like the texture of it. Loud noises / fireworks (he is deaf and this scares and startles him).
The best thing about having SGA is: Fitting into smaller clothes.
The most challenging thing about having SGA is: General public presuming he is a baby because of his height. Being smaller than class mates in school despite being the eldest in the classroom. Cannot walk, so growth condition alongside affects his ability to see things greatly.
One piece of advice I would give to someone who has this growth condition and/or is a parent carer of a child with this growth condition is: Make use of the Child Growth Foundation – they are a fantastic charity and very caring. It gives you the chance to meet parent carers living such similar lives. In turn feeling less isolated.
One thing I want to share with others about life with a growth condition is: Every day is a challenge (sadly child has a life limiting and progressive disease) but with his smile and strong determination I know he can take on anything that comes his way with courage and will.
