Get your helmet ready.
My husband and I joke.
Except it’s not only a joke.
It’s half serious.
When our son gets home from school,
We never know his state.
Sometimes he’s fine.
Sometimes he’s not.
Like most kids, right?
We know we’re lucky.
He attends a specialist school for autism.
The school understands him,
And adjusts to his needs.
But still…
After a long day,
He’s often tired,
Overwhelmed,
Masking at school.
Masking means
He’s pretending to blend in,
Suppressing his natural behaviour,
Trying to be socially acceptable.
It’s exhausting.
So when he gets home,
He’s in a safe space.
He lets loose.
This can mean sadness and tears,
Anger and wanting to throw or kick things,
Or just not knowing what he wants.
As his parents,
It’s our job to help him.
Often through trial and error.
We’ve found things that work for us:
???? Getting him to identify his emotional zone
And say it out loud.
???? Taking him to a playpark to swing,
Helping him regulate.
???? Bouncing on the trampoline,
Burning off excess energy.
???? Giving him a snack,
Because he’s hangry.
???? Counting from 1 to 10,
Bringing him back to the present.
???? Letting him play on his computer,
Winding down.
We’re always learning.
Most days are fine.
Some days, they’re not.
The biggest lesson?
Stay calm.
Matching his anger or energy
Escalates things.
It doesn’t help.
He can’t help himself,
So we help him
Process his emotions.
Do you need a helmet
When your little one gets home?
If so, what do you do to support them?
You are not alone
My clients tend to be mums that are feeling overwhelmed and stressed out.
Some are juggling a career, partner, child(ren) on the spectrum, household, aging parents, mental wellbeing, todo lists that never end and more.
I want you to know that you’re not alone!
If there’s something on your mind that you would like to discuss, book a complimentary discovery call with me.