When Matilda’s mum got in touch before our Family Fun Day event, she had a very understandable concern: the event was being held in an Indian restaurant, and Matilda is sensitive to strong smells. She wasn’t sure if it would be the right environment for her daughter.

We had a chat and talked through the options. We explained that we’d set up a quiet area in the restaurant’s waiting space, with LEGO, sensory toys, and a calm atmosphere—just in case Matilda needed a break.

And we’re so glad they decided to come.

From the moment she arrived, Matilda was full of curiosity and creativity. She made a beeline for the face painting station, where the artist remembered her from a previous event. Back then, Matilda had spent time painting her parents and even the face painter herself!

This time, she chose a small design for her face, then joyfully coloured her palms—her favourite shade being indigo. She was completely in her element.

“She just oozes creativity,” the face painter told us. “It’s these little moments that really make me smile.”

And the best part? The smells didn’t seem to bother her at all. She spent nearly the whole session exploring, playing, and enjoying herself.