Parents of neurodivergent kids are often exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed on a whole new level. What is really important when we feel we cannot cope anymore?
Children generally require a lot of attention, support, and guidance. During their baby days, we expect that they will be completely dependent on us, and they surely are. But when our kids grow older and start school, we hope that they will be able to be independent with certain things.
However, we often come to the harsh realization that we cannot (for example) leave our children to play while we have a shower or expect them to eat whatever we cook for dinner. Of course, it varies from child to child, but every parent of a neurodivergent child faces daily challenges.
What makes this more difficult, is the fact that not many other parents will understand. They might give suggestions, comment on our parenting style, or just judge us for our decisions. Finding support for these times when we feel overwhelmed can be tricky, but is integral to our own well-being, and therefore, our child's.
When it all gets too much
Remember that you are not alone
Regardless of what other people think or say, parenting a neurodivergent child can be exhausting. Only other parents in the same boat can really understand, so it is important to remember that there are other people like you who struggle with similar issues. If you can find these parents and speak to them often, this can help relieve some of the stress.
Take care of yourself
It can be easy to feel disheartened when after all your efforts, nothing is going right. But sometimes you just have to hit "pause" and take some time for yourself to restore your own energy. Whether it means talking to a friend, going for a walk, or asking a family member to watch your child for a few hours, do it! Remember that you cannot pour from an empty cup. You deserve support too.
Make sure to check out the full video guide for more tips and how to implement these strategies.
Featured video guides
Get the Tracto app to access our growing library of weekly video guides
Our video guides are created by experts in the field of neurodiversity and include parent-led strategies that improve communication skills, coping skills, independence, challenging behaviors, and many more.
🔍 To find this week's full video guide, "When we (as parents) cannot cope anymore", you can use the following tags to search our library: autism, ADHD, neurodivergence, parent support, overwhelmed, exhausted, self-care
How to use the Tracto app
Tracto tools to support yourself when you feel overwhelmed
Collaborative sharing
Share the load by inviting select care partners into your journey, such as clinicians, family members, or close friends. They will be able to follow your child's progress, and be on the same page. You don't have to go through this alone.
Journaling
Add journal entries via text, voice recording, documents, or photos. Journaling frequently can help you deal with your emotions, and provides a platform where you can check in with yourself and reflect on difficult moments.
Sneak peek for next week... 👀
Tantrums and meltdowns
What to do when your child is having a meltdown, and how to manage your own emotions when things boil over.
Get the FREE Tracto app to access our expert-designed tools such as tracking, journaling, routine reminders, and more video guides.
