How are you feeling? Let’s do a quick pulse check. For us parents, this time of year can be… a lot.
Parent-teacher conferences? Check.
Thanksgiving just days away? Check.
Holiday lights already twinkling? Check.
What does all of the above equate to, energetically, for parents of neurodivergent kids? It can feel like a whirlwind of stress that throws us off our parenting game. But let’s reframe it: this is a chance to showcase our resilience. By knowing our own limits, respecting our children’s boundaries, and prioritizing self-care, we can navigate the season with greater ease.
For me, that looked like saying “no” to an impromptu family trip my husband suggested for the weekend before Thanksgiving. I knew it would throw off our family’s balance. You know your child best—lean into that intuition, and don’t hesitate to set boundaries when needed.
Now switching gears for a moment – if you’ve started holiday gift planning, I’d love to hear your ideas for your neurodivergent kids. For my 9-year-old, I’m looking at gifts that engage both his brain and body(1) —bonus points if they don’t leave your house in chaos!
Did you know research suggests that balance activities improve attention, emotional regulation, and behavior in kids with ADHD? One study even found that balance exercises paired with medication reduced symptoms and sometimes even the need for higher doses of medication. (2)
As moms of neurodivergent kids, we juggle a lot, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or get lost in the endless Google rabbit hole, searching for solutions when our kids are struggling. But here’s a gentle reminder: the best place to start is by tuning into your child—getting curious about their needs and what’s really going on beneath the surface. From there, leaning on evidence-based strategies can provide the clarity and confidence to move forward.
As a parent coach, my goal is to help you uncover the valuable insights you already hold about your child and ask the right questions to better understand their unique needs. I’m here to guide you through the overwhelming sea of information, helping you identify tools and strategies that truly work for your family.
Feeling stuck or unsure where to start? Let’s tackle it together—reach out, and let’s begin this journey to support your child and empower your parenting. Book a call here!
How are you simplifying your family’s agenda this holiday season? Share your thoughts in the comments, and I’ll send you a free, downloadable guide with tips to surviving the holidays with less stress and more joy for your family.
References:
- Portable Punching Bag – Amazon link ; GI Board
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33488411/
