[technigal]

I am having a 2 day break from my 10 year old son. I feel guilty about it. I don't work, I do homeschool him. But lately I just want to give up. My husband deals with him so much better then I do. I am feeling so stressed out. He is a good kid, he does have meltdowns at times as he is autistic but those I am learning to better deal with.

[barbella]

Oh technigal, you have a lot on your plate! Please don't give up and please don't feel bad about the break. btw, just because you do not work outside the home does not mean you don't work. I suspect you work very hard. Are there any other resources for parents on children on the spectrum? Your city's large so maybe there's something? I really hope so. I understand it can be a very isolating experience.
I was never a mom, only a stepmom (& she was a wonderful kid) but it was still really challenging.
I wish you all the best. (& I also like your name - very clever!)

[technigal]

Originally Posted by barbella

Oh technigal, you have a lot on your plate! Please don't give up and please don't feel bad about the break. btw, just because you do not work outside the home does not mean you don't work. I suspect you work very hard. Are there any other resources for parents on children on the spectrum? Your city's large so maybe there's something? I really hope so. I understand it can be a very isolating experience.
I was never a mom, only a stepmom (& she was a wonderful kid) but it was still really challenging.
I wish you all the best. (& I also like your name - very clever!)

technigal was my email address when I used to do computer tech support

I am not going to give up, cuddles from my son are precious. There are supports for kids on the spectrum but he is too high functioning for them to be helpful. Just feeling run down right now, not getting enough sleep and all that.

[barbella]

Ah ha! That's a great name!
I'm glad you're not giving up. Wow, I do wish there was something useful for your son and for you. I hope you can recharge on this break.
Take care.

[IrisBloom]

Please don't feel guilty for needing a break. We all need a break and to recharge sometimes.

[htoun]

Originally Posted by technigal

technigal was my email address when I used to do computer tech support

I am not going to give up, cuddles from my son are precious. There are supports for kids on the spectrum but he is too high functioning for them to be helpful. Just feeling run down right now, not getting enough sleep and all that.

Check to see if there are others in the same boat. You can't be the only one who has a high functioning autistic child in the area. Maybe you can talk them into letting you start a group for parents with high functioning children just for support and ideas. It is always nice to talk to someone who understands your life and has similar problems. Can't hurt to check the worst that can happen is they say no.

As to feeling guilty for getting a break don't worry about it. I stayed at home with mine and everyone needs a break. Kids are hard and autism adds another layer of hard to that. Home schooling in someways does too. Is there a home schooling group around you. I have a friend who home schooled and she was in a group that got together every few months. They helped each other and the kids got some time with others.

Once when mine were little my poor husband walked in the door hadn't even removed his boots when I was at the door telling him I was going to the basement and never coming back!! I don't even remember what all had happened that day but it was too much for me that day. Now that I'm a grandma and babysitting I have finally learned an important lesson. If the baby is napping and I'm tired I nap too. Dishes and laundry will still be waiting and we have more fun when we are not tired and cranky

[CRJSAHM]

Every parent needs a break from responsibilities at times. You still love your family, but every once in a while you just need to breathe.

[healingme4me]

Caregiver burnout is very real, nothing to feel ashamed about.

What did you wind up doing for yourself during those 2 days?

I agree with the others. Definitely cut yourself slack on this one! Parenting is hard period! We plan to be perfect at it, we convince ourself we can be, and then we give birth. Autism is hard, it definitely has its challenges and each kid is unique. My son has aspergers so while I don't know exactly what you go through, I can probably relate in some way. My son is doing well right now so he's not a matter of stress at current, but it's been so hard to watch him struggle in the past so I relate to needing that break. Take it and recharge.

[technigal]

Originally Posted by healingme4me

Caregiver burnout is very real, nothing to feel ashamed about.

What did you wind up doing for yourself during those 2 days?

I don't remember. I am now on spring break away from my son (he is at grandma's doing a camp). This break I am doing whatever I want too, if I feel like napping I do, I am getting some housework done but only when I feel like doing it. No pressures and lots of rest.

[Smileonmyface]

hugs to you. it is hard. you deserve a break. sometimes with my two i reach the breaking point, more often than i care to admit.