Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Parenting

For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

Both me and my child are ND and we drive each other mad...

20 replies

Jamonjamon456 · 03/05/2026 20:57

I am late diagnosed AuDHD. Classic tiktok presentation - Very high achiever academically, loved my interesting career, total people pleaser, introvert but enjoyed rationed social contact. I had no idea I was ND but had been labelled with anxiety at various points. I am the embodiment of the female manifestation - a relentlessly busy brain but with no external signs.

My oldest (6) is on course for a diagnosis of both autism and ADHD. He's very similar to me in many way, but his energy is totally externalised. He never stops moving, talking, singing, asking questions, bumping into things, falling off things and making an absolute mess. He gets bored so easily and when this happens makes entertainment by being relentlessly in my space (or his younger sibling) winding us up.

I love him dearly but his constant noise and movement is so so exhausting to me. I feel like we are the worst combination of energies. I also think I slightly resent that my career has taken a hit from being the default parent since his birth, and although I still work, I haven't been able to take the opportunities that I would have had I not been a parent. I absolutely hadn't anticipated how mentally underestimating I would find most of parenting and how much my brain needs the challenge and connection from work. I do listen to podcasts and read but it's like every hour of interaction with my 6 year old drains my battery.

I realise he is only 6 and things have already changed a lot from the hellish days of him being 3-4 when I had no idea either of us were neurodivergent.

I'm not sure what I'm looking for. Maybe someone with similar experience? Hope that it will get easier? A really good parenting book appropriate for both ND children and parent.

OP posts:
LowFlyingBacon · 03/05/2026 21:02

Massively identifying with what you’ve said here! I’m late diagnosed adhd and single parent. I have one with autism and adhd and one with adhd. My kids have opposite needs- one is loud and needs movement, noise and constant entertainment. The other needs calm, routine and quiet. I feel constantly overwhelmed. The noise is so over stimulating. They wind eachother up and then climb and cling on me. I’m exhausted by it all. I have no advice or solutions, but feel the sam way. Not sure if saying you’re not the only one helps you, but you’re definitely not alone!

EmmaOvary · 03/05/2026 21:02

Hi OP, possible ADHD mum of a 5 year old on the AuDHD pathway here. I can relate. I was recommended this book: https://www.heidimavir.com/i-wrote-a-book

I Wrote A Book!

https://www.heidimavir.com/i-wrote-a-book

Itiswhatitizz · 03/05/2026 21:07

You need to start having a dedicated quiet time. And teach him boundaries about being in people's space.

Me and my DD are both diagnosed AUHd and my son is awaiting an assessment. He's definetly more High energy than we are, especially my DD.

If any of us say we need some quiet time- the others are not allowed to disturb them, at all

Ear defenders for the people who want quiet

I can't stand it when DS fidgets next to me, the tapping / dancing ect, it makes me feel so anxious

Our house is up and down really, to others it probably looks like we have crazy rules about silly things 😅 but we all just try to respect each other's space and boundaries

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Jamonjamon456 · 03/05/2026 21:50

Itiswhatitizz · 03/05/2026 21:07

You need to start having a dedicated quiet time. And teach him boundaries about being in people's space.

Me and my DD are both diagnosed AUHd and my son is awaiting an assessment. He's definetly more High energy than we are, especially my DD.

If any of us say we need some quiet time- the others are not allowed to disturb them, at all

Ear defenders for the people who want quiet

I can't stand it when DS fidgets next to me, the tapping / dancing ect, it makes me feel so anxious

Our house is up and down really, to others it probably looks like we have crazy rules about silly things 😅 but we all just try to respect each other's space and boundaries

This is what I aspire to! A place where people respect each others' space and boundaries. If we achieve this I think everything will become so much easier.

My son is utterly relentless. I thought I was the most stubborn person in the world but I have met my match. So when I try to hold a boundary e.g. waiting 10 mins before helping him with his Lego he just pushes and pushes and pushes and it escalates. He uses every technique back against me. The power dynamics are exhausting. I'm constantly weighing up 'is this worth the drama' vs. 'I am the parent and you can't control everything '.

Thank you

OP posts:
mij66 · 03/05/2026 22:14

Just jumping on here as apart from being one year ahead with my 7yo and no sibling, this could be my life word for word. Obviously the sibling makes it trickier but I've found having consistent clear boundaries and consequences for breaking those has helped significantly, though the initial meltdown can be a lot they seem to pass relatively quickly.

We have also spent a lot of time with both of us working on emotional regulation, my DD now pretty much understands if I say "take five" she needs to step away and get through her feelings then come back once they've passed. ( usually for a cry and cuddle) Now we're working on her trying to recognise that the feelings may be getting a bit big. The hardest bit is I've had to model this, explaining when I need to take five and showing her its ok to feel a certain way, but not to take it out on someone else.

About the overstimulating bit I'm not sure, me telling her I need to take five seems to be working sometimes but her favourite seat is still on me, and shes basically chatting to me from 5:30 till she gets to school in the morning. I do like watching her play and dance though, and shes always making songs up which is lovely to hear.

Itiswhatitizz · 04/05/2026 10:06

Jamonjamon456 · 03/05/2026 21:50

This is what I aspire to! A place where people respect each others' space and boundaries. If we achieve this I think everything will become so much easier.

My son is utterly relentless. I thought I was the most stubborn person in the world but I have met my match. So when I try to hold a boundary e.g. waiting 10 mins before helping him with his Lego he just pushes and pushes and pushes and it escalates. He uses every technique back against me. The power dynamics are exhausting. I'm constantly weighing up 'is this worth the drama' vs. 'I am the parent and you can't control everything '.

Thank you

It's difficult all round isn't it - for them and us 😅

They have such poor impulsive control at this age, it does get better as they age. My DS is 9 now and so much better than he was a few years ago and my DD is 11 and is also so much better than a few years ago. The younger years are very hard

I found online ND support groups helpful.

Me and my DD were only diagnosed in 2024 ( within around 4 months of each other ) so we still learn things everyday

My DS loves loves loves deep pressure stimulation. Whether it's big bear hugs or piling all his plushies/bedding on him 😅....... My DD on the other hand, hates being touched but likes having her weighted plush on her

Warm baths help DS calm down a bit. If he's getting so hyped up it's getting to the point he's being ridiculous..... we do an exercise competition ( or if I'm tired I time him and he tries to beat his last score) running on the spot, star jumps, burpee's 😅 ds absolutely loves it and it gets a lot of energy out

DS struggles with boundaries somtimes 😅 he's just so impulsive and then he gets so giddy with it he literally cannot stop himself somtimes

I have somehow managed to train my entire household, kids, cats and dog, that if i raise my hand to a stop motion, everyone needs to stop 🤣 - This actually stemmed from my DD as although she isn't high energy, somtimes she comes to me and just talks at me. She isn't having a conversation, she's frantically talking at me and my nervous system can't cope with it. Even thinking about it makes me annoyed. So when I'm getting overwhelmed, if I put my hand up, everyone knows to just chill and stop the chaos

I get DS lots of fidgets, rubix cubes, those headband things where you punch a ball connected to it. Anything that he can put his energy into ( we also do lots of activities/ some clubs )

Recently my DS has gotten into colouring with me - I have adult colouring books with thick paper / alcohol pens and he absolutely loves them. I've been so surprised to see him sit down and colour for half an hour

I use lots of "we" instead of "you or i*

And I spend so much friggin time explaining each other's feelings to each other 😅 but this has been best help I think.

Have to swap the dopamine they get from having arguments or push and pull with people - into somthing else they enjoy.

Somtimes things like wanting help with lego and being told 10 minutes..... somtimes it's not about the lego and it's actually about wanting a connection and they will try to get that anyway they can whether it's negative or positive ( they don't understand their doing this)

Other times it's because they just want help and want it right now 😅

Mine have learnt that if they harrass me during a small waiting window, I just wont do it at all. The pressure gets to me and I just can't do it ( I suspect I have pda tbh 😅 )

It takes time and none of it happens overnight but I'm sure you'll find a nice balance for you all x

Noshadelamp · 04/05/2026 10:13

Loop earplugs might help with the constant noise. They do ones that filter out a lot of noise but you can still hear if called upon or spoken to.

Also develop a nervous system regulation practice that helps long term, not just in the moment, such as meditation, yoga, reading, mindfulness etc that helps to expand your capacity.

aquitodavia · 04/05/2026 10:32

Following as I feel exactly the same! I don't have much advice I'm afraid, but solidarity, it is tough.

SagathaChristie · 04/05/2026 11:36

Itiswhatitizz · 04/05/2026 10:06

It's difficult all round isn't it - for them and us 😅

They have such poor impulsive control at this age, it does get better as they age. My DS is 9 now and so much better than he was a few years ago and my DD is 11 and is also so much better than a few years ago. The younger years are very hard

I found online ND support groups helpful.

Me and my DD were only diagnosed in 2024 ( within around 4 months of each other ) so we still learn things everyday

My DS loves loves loves deep pressure stimulation. Whether it's big bear hugs or piling all his plushies/bedding on him 😅....... My DD on the other hand, hates being touched but likes having her weighted plush on her

Warm baths help DS calm down a bit. If he's getting so hyped up it's getting to the point he's being ridiculous..... we do an exercise competition ( or if I'm tired I time him and he tries to beat his last score) running on the spot, star jumps, burpee's 😅 ds absolutely loves it and it gets a lot of energy out

DS struggles with boundaries somtimes 😅 he's just so impulsive and then he gets so giddy with it he literally cannot stop himself somtimes

I have somehow managed to train my entire household, kids, cats and dog, that if i raise my hand to a stop motion, everyone needs to stop 🤣 - This actually stemmed from my DD as although she isn't high energy, somtimes she comes to me and just talks at me. She isn't having a conversation, she's frantically talking at me and my nervous system can't cope with it. Even thinking about it makes me annoyed. So when I'm getting overwhelmed, if I put my hand up, everyone knows to just chill and stop the chaos

I get DS lots of fidgets, rubix cubes, those headband things where you punch a ball connected to it. Anything that he can put his energy into ( we also do lots of activities/ some clubs )

Recently my DS has gotten into colouring with me - I have adult colouring books with thick paper / alcohol pens and he absolutely loves them. I've been so surprised to see him sit down and colour for half an hour

I use lots of "we" instead of "you or i*

And I spend so much friggin time explaining each other's feelings to each other 😅 but this has been best help I think.

Have to swap the dopamine they get from having arguments or push and pull with people - into somthing else they enjoy.

Somtimes things like wanting help with lego and being told 10 minutes..... somtimes it's not about the lego and it's actually about wanting a connection and they will try to get that anyway they can whether it's negative or positive ( they don't understand their doing this)

Other times it's because they just want help and want it right now 😅

Mine have learnt that if they harrass me during a small waiting window, I just wont do it at all. The pressure gets to me and I just can't do it ( I suspect I have pda tbh 😅 )

It takes time and none of it happens overnight but I'm sure you'll find a nice balance for you all x

I would love to be able to do constructive things like this but I just couldn’t. I think I have had to shut down part of my brain in order to cope (literally in fact I suppose because I’m on sedative ADs).
It is a struggle just to get through the days.
I have only one dc, but I think the lack of sleep and exhaustion from running around after her and dealing with frequent meltdowns in the first five years has left me with no resources left to tap into.
We were told to get her assessed for adhd by the school in the second year and she’s now on the waiting list. That was an emotional time and even once we felt better about accepting help, we realised there isn’t really much available.
My dd also talks at me and it makes my brain feel like it’s going to explode. The constant being pulled out of and sat on 😭
She actively tries to distract me from anything that isn’t paying attention to her and this is torture because I need to disappear inside my own head regularly or my stress levels sky rocket.
Any chance I get I lie in a dark room. Sometimes I hide in the toilet 🫣
My slightly younger sister was very similar to dd as a kid and so I had this throughout my childhood too.
My brain just wants to dig itself a cold, dark hole and lay in there whimpering.

Itiswhatitizz · 04/05/2026 11:46

SagathaChristie · 04/05/2026 11:36

I would love to be able to do constructive things like this but I just couldn’t. I think I have had to shut down part of my brain in order to cope (literally in fact I suppose because I’m on sedative ADs).
It is a struggle just to get through the days.
I have only one dc, but I think the lack of sleep and exhaustion from running around after her and dealing with frequent meltdowns in the first five years has left me with no resources left to tap into.
We were told to get her assessed for adhd by the school in the second year and she’s now on the waiting list. That was an emotional time and even once we felt better about accepting help, we realised there isn’t really much available.
My dd also talks at me and it makes my brain feel like it’s going to explode. The constant being pulled out of and sat on 😭
She actively tries to distract me from anything that isn’t paying attention to her and this is torture because I need to disappear inside my own head regularly or my stress levels sky rocket.
Any chance I get I lie in a dark room. Sometimes I hide in the toilet 🫣
My slightly younger sister was very similar to dd as a kid and so I had this throughout my childhood too.
My brain just wants to dig itself a cold, dark hole and lay in there whimpering.

I'm ngl, getting DD diagnosed didn't lead to us getting any proper support in how to help her regulate herself / learn about her brain ect. I had to go and learn that by myself 😅 - the only thing the diagnosis did is help school support her better plus lead to me knowing what type of brain she had really,

I have friends who are waiting for their children to be diagnosed and arnt doing any learning in the meantime. A diagnosis alone won't change anything, us as parents need to put in a lot of effort to change things

I get not having the energy, I've been a completely single mum since my youngest was 8 months old ( fled dv ) we havnt seen their dad in almost 9 years so it's always just been me ( no family support )

Your probably burnt out and likely ND yourself.

I can't cope when DD is non stop talking at me. She rarely does it anymore and now she's a little older if she does want to come and talk at me she asks first 😅 ( we have normal day to day conversations but if it's a special interest she wants to bombard me with she has learnt to ask first )

I spend a lot of time explaining feelings and perspectives 😅 it's exhausting

Things do get better but only if we put in the effort ourselves x

Winglessvulture · 04/05/2026 11:55

Similar situation here for me, although my child is a little younger. Have you considered getting a sensory profile completed for him by an OT? They might be able to identify activities that will help him regulate, and knowing those can be useful for keeping a certain level of calm at home, or for de-escalating.

Do you have a partner? If so, maybe try and arrange things so that you have a dedicated amount of you time to help you to decompress. It might be easiest to do this away from the house, or when your child isn't home, so that you are able to unwind properly.

I think boundaries are important, but they need to be consistent and not arbitrary. It jumped out to me that you were saying about making your child wait 10 minutes before playing Lego with them. What was the reason for that? Fair enough if it's because you are busy, but if it's just to try and have control of the situation you are probably fighting a losing battle. Decide what the absolute non negotiables are, and why the are non negotiable, put those boundaries in place and stick to them. Be prepared to be flexible with the stuff that is less important.

It is tough. I struggle to stay regulated when my child is dysregulated so my aim is to prevent the dysregulation in the first place which makes life calmer and happier for everyone in the house. It's not possible to avoid all dyregulation, but some is definitely avoidable, although it is trial and error to find the triggers and also the ways to work around it.

Jamonjamon456 · 04/05/2026 18:34

Itiswhatitizz · 04/05/2026 10:06

It's difficult all round isn't it - for them and us 😅

They have such poor impulsive control at this age, it does get better as they age. My DS is 9 now and so much better than he was a few years ago and my DD is 11 and is also so much better than a few years ago. The younger years are very hard

I found online ND support groups helpful.

Me and my DD were only diagnosed in 2024 ( within around 4 months of each other ) so we still learn things everyday

My DS loves loves loves deep pressure stimulation. Whether it's big bear hugs or piling all his plushies/bedding on him 😅....... My DD on the other hand, hates being touched but likes having her weighted plush on her

Warm baths help DS calm down a bit. If he's getting so hyped up it's getting to the point he's being ridiculous..... we do an exercise competition ( or if I'm tired I time him and he tries to beat his last score) running on the spot, star jumps, burpee's 😅 ds absolutely loves it and it gets a lot of energy out

DS struggles with boundaries somtimes 😅 he's just so impulsive and then he gets so giddy with it he literally cannot stop himself somtimes

I have somehow managed to train my entire household, kids, cats and dog, that if i raise my hand to a stop motion, everyone needs to stop 🤣 - This actually stemmed from my DD as although she isn't high energy, somtimes she comes to me and just talks at me. She isn't having a conversation, she's frantically talking at me and my nervous system can't cope with it. Even thinking about it makes me annoyed. So when I'm getting overwhelmed, if I put my hand up, everyone knows to just chill and stop the chaos

I get DS lots of fidgets, rubix cubes, those headband things where you punch a ball connected to it. Anything that he can put his energy into ( we also do lots of activities/ some clubs )

Recently my DS has gotten into colouring with me - I have adult colouring books with thick paper / alcohol pens and he absolutely loves them. I've been so surprised to see him sit down and colour for half an hour

I use lots of "we" instead of "you or i*

And I spend so much friggin time explaining each other's feelings to each other 😅 but this has been best help I think.

Have to swap the dopamine they get from having arguments or push and pull with people - into somthing else they enjoy.

Somtimes things like wanting help with lego and being told 10 minutes..... somtimes it's not about the lego and it's actually about wanting a connection and they will try to get that anyway they can whether it's negative or positive ( they don't understand their doing this)

Other times it's because they just want help and want it right now 😅

Mine have learnt that if they harrass me during a small waiting window, I just wont do it at all. The pressure gets to me and I just can't do it ( I suspect I have pda tbh 😅 )

It takes time and none of it happens overnight but I'm sure you'll find a nice balance for you all x

This is all so helpful and relevant thank you. I suspect both DS and I may have a PDA component too. I really struggle with the first 10 mins after we arrive home from the double childcare pickup (20-60 mins on foot depending on mood) and both DS and 2 year old brother start making multiple demands for snacks and drinks and help with various things at the same time. My brain is still processing the sensory overwhelm of a day at work (no WFH in my job) a commute across London and the journey home and it's a lot.

I'm sure it's mostly about the connection rather than the task but sometimes I just need 10 mins off. It's suddenly become harder to leave both children together as 2 year old is being a 2 year old and will (thankfully) give as good as he gets if his brother is in his space. But it means I'm now refereeing far more than I was 3 months ago.

I think the we statements are such a good call. I probably don't consciously do this enough.

Thank you so much for all these suggestions. So helpful.

OP posts:
Jamonjamon456 · 04/05/2026 18:40

Winglessvulture · 04/05/2026 11:55

Similar situation here for me, although my child is a little younger. Have you considered getting a sensory profile completed for him by an OT? They might be able to identify activities that will help him regulate, and knowing those can be useful for keeping a certain level of calm at home, or for de-escalating.

Do you have a partner? If so, maybe try and arrange things so that you have a dedicated amount of you time to help you to decompress. It might be easiest to do this away from the house, or when your child isn't home, so that you are able to unwind properly.

I think boundaries are important, but they need to be consistent and not arbitrary. It jumped out to me that you were saying about making your child wait 10 minutes before playing Lego with them. What was the reason for that? Fair enough if it's because you are busy, but if it's just to try and have control of the situation you are probably fighting a losing battle. Decide what the absolute non negotiables are, and why the are non negotiable, put those boundaries in place and stick to them. Be prepared to be flexible with the stuff that is less important.

It is tough. I struggle to stay regulated when my child is dysregulated so my aim is to prevent the dysregulation in the first place which makes life calmer and happier for everyone in the house. It's not possible to avoid all dyregulation, but some is definitely avoidable, although it is trial and error to find the triggers and also the ways to work around it.

Yes, the Lego was because I'd already spent all morning helping him with his train, his colouring, cooking etc and just needed to hang up some washing. I do have to remind myself re. arbitrary rules though, I was very much bought up with a lot of these so need to remind myself.

I think he's probably feeling anxious or slightly threatened that his younger brother is becoming more of a presence as dysregulation has definitely increased around his birthday. I'm hoping it might settle as we have always had phases where it is harder to deal with.

OP posts:
EmmaOvary · 04/05/2026 18:41

Jamonjamon456 · 04/05/2026 18:34

This is all so helpful and relevant thank you. I suspect both DS and I may have a PDA component too. I really struggle with the first 10 mins after we arrive home from the double childcare pickup (20-60 mins on foot depending on mood) and both DS and 2 year old brother start making multiple demands for snacks and drinks and help with various things at the same time. My brain is still processing the sensory overwhelm of a day at work (no WFH in my job) a commute across London and the journey home and it's a lot.

I'm sure it's mostly about the connection rather than the task but sometimes I just need 10 mins off. It's suddenly become harder to leave both children together as 2 year old is being a 2 year old and will (thankfully) give as good as he gets if his brother is in his space. But it means I'm now refereeing far more than I was 3 months ago.

I think the we statements are such a good call. I probably don't consciously do this enough.

Thank you so much for all these suggestions. So helpful.

God, are you me? I also have a nearly 6 year old with probably adhd plus a 2 year old, and pick up and getting inside are just such a pressure point. The volume starts going up instantly, demands on me non stop, etc. it’s a lot.

BertieBotts · 04/05/2026 20:22

Honestly the only thing that actually helped to a sustainable degree was medication for DS (age 7). I was already on it and it wasn't enough to help me. It helped me a bit, in that it massively raises my threshold to explode/overwhelm, it helps me actually think ahead because being 3-4 steps ahead of them is absolutely crucial, although I still find this exhausting, and it helps me sustain attention when playing with them, which always seems to "fill their tanks" (naff expression but it does seem to work a bit). It also helps prevent me from being an absolute hot mess which IME is incredibly unsettling for ND kids. I also have a DS1 who got the worst of our combined unmanaged ADHD when he was little and I couldn't even see how the chaos affected him because it was the water we were swimming in. I did not have that chaos with DS2, mainly because I was diagnosed, medicated and doing better, and massively because of DH's support too. However I was still drowning before he was medicated.

Some things that did help pre medication, even if not enough.

DH being heavily involved and giving me actual specific times off, including overnights. Me having an evening hobby which is outside of the house and NOTHING to do with parenting (choir - very regulating :D)

Big Baffling Behaviour book by Robyn Gobbel. Understanding the concept of dysregulation/stress behaviour in general (other good resources: Mona Delahooke, Conscious Discipline). IME most of the hyper/agitated behaviour is dysregulation related.

Having a set response to go to when DC dysregulated. The book above helped, and using the body language cues to communicate I am not a threat. But also just really understanding how to de-escalate and disengage. You must not engage with dysregulated behaviour as though it is literal. I find it almost impossible not to, because I take everything literally, I find it really hard not to answer a direct or indirect question, and I want to answer the insane requests or accusations. But everything calmed down a lot when I recognised this is dysregulation talking and not actually a request. ADHD Dude is good here, even though I don't agree with everything he says.

Figuring out what makes your child feel safe/unsafe and hence what is triggering the dysregulation. For example for DS, one of his big things that it took ages to figure out is that it makes him feel safe if he knows what to expect and how to predict what will happen. This is common with autism, although he is not diagnosed, only with ADHD. But when he is going into a new situation/environment, or when something in his familiar routine changes, it unsettles him massively. So things like social stories, visual timetables, now/next boards, telling him in advance what to expect help him a lot.

Some common areas for ND kids which can be involved in a feeling of safety (and most of them find more than one apply) are sensory input, whether demands/expectations are being made of them which they can manage or which are too much, proximity to a regulated, safe/known adult (so they can co-regulate), the general regulation level of others around them, time with a special interest, autonomy/control, routine - you might be aware of others. If you know what helps him feel safe, or what makes him feel unsafe, then sometimes it's possible to increase the safe thing as scaffolding, or reduce/avoid/shield him from some of the "unsafe" thing, which can reduce stress level across the board and help reduce dysregulated behaviour and/or make it easier for him to cope with other sources of stress e.g. school/sibling stuff.

Understanding own regulation, esp sensory stuff, and capacity to handle stress and trying to account for this in advance. I did not realise until DS was medicated (so is now unmedicated approx ~2 hrs a day) just how much capacity I need to spend time in his company unmedicated. He is an absolutely brilliant kid but he is so incredibly intense and it is a lot. Unfortunately DS1 was very similar, he is much older now, big age gap, but I didn't know half this stuff when he was little. He did calm down a lot by age 7, and then again during the first year of secondary, but I was so burnt out from trying to manage everything our relationship really suffered even so. We have reconnected now he is a teenager but I do honestly feel terrible about those years from 3-7 where I struggled to cope and then the few years after that too.

Also this is a weird one but unlearning a lot of things touted by the internet e.g. some "gentle parenting" doesn't work and just increases dysregulation because it's so unclear. DS does massively better with a very minor, temporary, unrelated sanction for specific, predetermined behaviours given consistently than he does with a million talks, connection, engaging with his feelings etc or me giving him endless chances, benefit of the doubt etc and then one of us getting pushed past our limit and then giving a related consequence in the moment because this seems utterly random to him. He also does much better with rigid rules rather than flexible ones. But OTOH it does not work at all to try and "show him who's boss" and I don't get into power struggles because it ends badly. I tell him I am stepping away to take a break because I am angry, or that we can talk when he is calmer, and I put a locked door between us if necessary (bring youngest with me) or sometimes I recognise that me wanting to get into a power struggle means we all need a reset and we either go outside or I just put the TV on. Which I know some people will be horrified by, but it is a survival technique really at times. Instead of "parents in charge" we just have house rules that everyone is supposed to stick to, although it is the parents' job to look after the children which includes sometimes preventing them from doing something that would break a rule. DH is a bit better at having inherent authority, I do better when the rule applies to everyone, and it sounds like the sanction just magically happens and I'm powerless to prevent it. He's not stupid and I'm sure he knows I'm the one deciding/enforcing it, but it helps a lot anyway.

For the sibling dynamics esp when they were 5 and 2 (I have three DC) I basically resigned myself to being sort of a combined bouncer and translator of intent and body language at all times. So I would literally sit next to DS2 and coach him through what I could see DS3 doing, what I thought it meant about his intentions, keep my voice very low and calm, explain somehow quickly in sentences DS2 could follow that DS3 was just looking and was not destroying and we could perhaps give him his own bricks, or OK you don't want him to touch that part, DS3, look, come over here build here instead. Often physically blocking. Janet Lansbury's "I won't let you" and "Sportscasting" was very helpful. Or modelling how I wanted him to talk to DS3, so he could try it out. And we set up a lot of separate play spaces which was often things like we had two rugs, so they would have one rug each and that was a clear border, and I encouraged the idea that sometimes you need space and that's really OK. I was very conscious never to make it a threat/punishment that I would have to separate them, I presented it as meeting a need, like you're hungry? OK let's have a snack. You need a wee? Let's take a toilet break. You need space? Let's make some separate play spaces. Totally neutral/positive meeting his needs. They get it now and will actively choose to take space if they need to and they have a really positive relationship.

BertieBotts · 04/05/2026 20:39

Can you drive, and is it an option to drive to pick up, maybe using a car share scheme (Cosatto On the Go for 2yo, Trunki for 6yo?) or perhaps cycle with a bike trailer? We also have a walk home after double pick up which is 25-60+ mins depending on how cooperative they are and honestly the bike trailer has been transformative. Albeit we are abroad where cycling is common, and I live in a village and encounter about 3 cars on average, so I have no worries at all about cycling (or letting my 7yo!) cycle near or on roads. But it makes such a difference for me not to have that stress point in my day.

TBH even using a two-child bike trailer as a double buggy could work if your 6yo is not giant. It gives them chance to decompress from the school day. I always turn up with snacks as well, just something like a cereal bar diffuses a lot of the strain, and I bite my tongue to avoid asking "How was your day?" because he is still allergic to questions directly after school. We did have fisticuffs a lot with them sharing the trailer but it's still much better than trying to walk home while having the argument with the dysregulated child because at least you can just speed along and avoid the judgemental looks Grin

Itiswhatitizz · 04/05/2026 21:51

Jamonjamon456 · 04/05/2026 18:34

This is all so helpful and relevant thank you. I suspect both DS and I may have a PDA component too. I really struggle with the first 10 mins after we arrive home from the double childcare pickup (20-60 mins on foot depending on mood) and both DS and 2 year old brother start making multiple demands for snacks and drinks and help with various things at the same time. My brain is still processing the sensory overwhelm of a day at work (no WFH in my job) a commute across London and the journey home and it's a lot.

I'm sure it's mostly about the connection rather than the task but sometimes I just need 10 mins off. It's suddenly become harder to leave both children together as 2 year old is being a 2 year old and will (thankfully) give as good as he gets if his brother is in his space. But it means I'm now refereeing far more than I was 3 months ago.

I think the we statements are such a good call. I probably don't consciously do this enough.

Thank you so much for all these suggestions. So helpful.

Oh God, I'd be so overwhelmed after 20-60 minutes walking home after the school run - their school is a 7 minute walk away & I need quiet time from that 😅

I have snacks/drinks ready before they get home so then whilst their eating them I can have 10/15 minutes to decompress after our hectic school pick up ( we have a nice group of school mum/children friends who we chat to on the way home, it's chaos )

It is okay to tell them that you need a few minutes to yourself. Harder with a toddler I know, but something will work to distract them for 10 minutes. Can you get some cheap pop up tents or make some sort of quiet / relax area for them each thats just there's? Both of mine really valued and respected having their own little cozy area ( this was when they were muxh younger too ) they really enjoyed having their own little place no one else was allowed in - you can explain it to the older one that you ALL get your own little space and if someone's in it then they need 10 minutes on their own ( a little timer for him might be helpful )

The time on your own to decompress is really needed. If we don't feel regulated we struggle to regulate our children. You don't need to feel guilty for it either, we are all only human and if our nervous system isn't coping then we are allowed to help it.

I still have to be conscious about the we and not you now 😅 but I have found that it massive helps when their getting dysregulated. Also - just acknowledging how their feeling and that I too would also feel that way or do feel that way ( depending what it is )

People with brains like ours can be really rigid thinkers too.... it took me having CBT in my 30's to realise we didn't have to believe everything our brains told us..... my DD really struggles with this, if she thinks it and feels it, in her mind, it must be true. It's difficult teaching them the difference between how their feeling and what's factually happening.

It really does sound like some time to yourself would massively help.

It's fine to be firm aswell, I am very loving and fair with my children but I'm also firm when needed. I am very firm when it comes to not winding each other up. Again, difficult with a 2 year old I know.

Painting/ coliuring and stickers kept mine entertained for ages but I knew that there would be q big mess to clean up after but it was a sacrifice I was prepared to make 😅

Jamonjamon456 · 04/05/2026 22:13

BertieBotts · 04/05/2026 20:22

Honestly the only thing that actually helped to a sustainable degree was medication for DS (age 7). I was already on it and it wasn't enough to help me. It helped me a bit, in that it massively raises my threshold to explode/overwhelm, it helps me actually think ahead because being 3-4 steps ahead of them is absolutely crucial, although I still find this exhausting, and it helps me sustain attention when playing with them, which always seems to "fill their tanks" (naff expression but it does seem to work a bit). It also helps prevent me from being an absolute hot mess which IME is incredibly unsettling for ND kids. I also have a DS1 who got the worst of our combined unmanaged ADHD when he was little and I couldn't even see how the chaos affected him because it was the water we were swimming in. I did not have that chaos with DS2, mainly because I was diagnosed, medicated and doing better, and massively because of DH's support too. However I was still drowning before he was medicated.

Some things that did help pre medication, even if not enough.

DH being heavily involved and giving me actual specific times off, including overnights. Me having an evening hobby which is outside of the house and NOTHING to do with parenting (choir - very regulating :D)

Big Baffling Behaviour book by Robyn Gobbel. Understanding the concept of dysregulation/stress behaviour in general (other good resources: Mona Delahooke, Conscious Discipline). IME most of the hyper/agitated behaviour is dysregulation related.

Having a set response to go to when DC dysregulated. The book above helped, and using the body language cues to communicate I am not a threat. But also just really understanding how to de-escalate and disengage. You must not engage with dysregulated behaviour as though it is literal. I find it almost impossible not to, because I take everything literally, I find it really hard not to answer a direct or indirect question, and I want to answer the insane requests or accusations. But everything calmed down a lot when I recognised this is dysregulation talking and not actually a request. ADHD Dude is good here, even though I don't agree with everything he says.

Figuring out what makes your child feel safe/unsafe and hence what is triggering the dysregulation. For example for DS, one of his big things that it took ages to figure out is that it makes him feel safe if he knows what to expect and how to predict what will happen. This is common with autism, although he is not diagnosed, only with ADHD. But when he is going into a new situation/environment, or when something in his familiar routine changes, it unsettles him massively. So things like social stories, visual timetables, now/next boards, telling him in advance what to expect help him a lot.

Some common areas for ND kids which can be involved in a feeling of safety (and most of them find more than one apply) are sensory input, whether demands/expectations are being made of them which they can manage or which are too much, proximity to a regulated, safe/known adult (so they can co-regulate), the general regulation level of others around them, time with a special interest, autonomy/control, routine - you might be aware of others. If you know what helps him feel safe, or what makes him feel unsafe, then sometimes it's possible to increase the safe thing as scaffolding, or reduce/avoid/shield him from some of the "unsafe" thing, which can reduce stress level across the board and help reduce dysregulated behaviour and/or make it easier for him to cope with other sources of stress e.g. school/sibling stuff.

Understanding own regulation, esp sensory stuff, and capacity to handle stress and trying to account for this in advance. I did not realise until DS was medicated (so is now unmedicated approx ~2 hrs a day) just how much capacity I need to spend time in his company unmedicated. He is an absolutely brilliant kid but he is so incredibly intense and it is a lot. Unfortunately DS1 was very similar, he is much older now, big age gap, but I didn't know half this stuff when he was little. He did calm down a lot by age 7, and then again during the first year of secondary, but I was so burnt out from trying to manage everything our relationship really suffered even so. We have reconnected now he is a teenager but I do honestly feel terrible about those years from 3-7 where I struggled to cope and then the few years after that too.

Also this is a weird one but unlearning a lot of things touted by the internet e.g. some "gentle parenting" doesn't work and just increases dysregulation because it's so unclear. DS does massively better with a very minor, temporary, unrelated sanction for specific, predetermined behaviours given consistently than he does with a million talks, connection, engaging with his feelings etc or me giving him endless chances, benefit of the doubt etc and then one of us getting pushed past our limit and then giving a related consequence in the moment because this seems utterly random to him. He also does much better with rigid rules rather than flexible ones. But OTOH it does not work at all to try and "show him who's boss" and I don't get into power struggles because it ends badly. I tell him I am stepping away to take a break because I am angry, or that we can talk when he is calmer, and I put a locked door between us if necessary (bring youngest with me) or sometimes I recognise that me wanting to get into a power struggle means we all need a reset and we either go outside or I just put the TV on. Which I know some people will be horrified by, but it is a survival technique really at times. Instead of "parents in charge" we just have house rules that everyone is supposed to stick to, although it is the parents' job to look after the children which includes sometimes preventing them from doing something that would break a rule. DH is a bit better at having inherent authority, I do better when the rule applies to everyone, and it sounds like the sanction just magically happens and I'm powerless to prevent it. He's not stupid and I'm sure he knows I'm the one deciding/enforcing it, but it helps a lot anyway.

For the sibling dynamics esp when they were 5 and 2 (I have three DC) I basically resigned myself to being sort of a combined bouncer and translator of intent and body language at all times. So I would literally sit next to DS2 and coach him through what I could see DS3 doing, what I thought it meant about his intentions, keep my voice very low and calm, explain somehow quickly in sentences DS2 could follow that DS3 was just looking and was not destroying and we could perhaps give him his own bricks, or OK you don't want him to touch that part, DS3, look, come over here build here instead. Often physically blocking. Janet Lansbury's "I won't let you" and "Sportscasting" was very helpful. Or modelling how I wanted him to talk to DS3, so he could try it out. And we set up a lot of separate play spaces which was often things like we had two rugs, so they would have one rug each and that was a clear border, and I encouraged the idea that sometimes you need space and that's really OK. I was very conscious never to make it a threat/punishment that I would have to separate them, I presented it as meeting a need, like you're hungry? OK let's have a snack. You need a wee? Let's take a toilet break. You need space? Let's make some separate play spaces. Totally neutral/positive meeting his needs. They get it now and will actively choose to take space if they need to and they have a really positive relationship.

This is so incredibly helpful and insightful, I can't thank you enough!

Actually thank you everyone for such helpful and empathetic messages. I wasn't really sure what to expect when I posted but have so many more ideas and resources now and it just feels so validating to know others are facing similar challenges. It's so hard to be left figuring out your own neurodivergence at a point in life where you have the least time and energy to devote to this, but I'm not sure I would have come to this realisation had I not had children and I'm sure my increased understanding of my own needs and mental health will help me navigate the rest of my life for the better.

I have some professional background in supporting children with ND from much earlier in my career though have had to do a lot of unlearning of all the things considered helpful previously that are now clearly terrible practice. But in some ways I feel more ashamed about finding it so difficult with my own child when I think I did a decent job as a professional. Ha.

I think we have a good idea of his sensory needs but need to work harder to consistently meet them, the mess is a bit of a trigger for me particularly when I am feeling overwhelmed, but being totally immersed in mud/sand/water/food etc is his happy place. We've discovered he loves cooking and can really focus in the kitchen and be genuinely helpful in preparing meals and he loves the responsibility of being allowed to do dangerous things (sharp knives etc) under close supervision. In fact he thrives on responsibility generally so perhaps we need to step that up again. He has so many amazing qualities and there are days when we are both well regulated that I couldn't imagine wanting to change anything about him.

My own combination of autism and ADHD means I fall more into the organised control freak category than impulsive hot mess 🤣 (no offense intended to anyone, I'd much rather be spontaneous and exciting!) but also find the monotony of always being organised and prepared deeply boring and energy sapping to sustain. DH is supportive, but definitely also undiagnosed ND, (so there's no way the 2 year old is going to escape our genes either). DH is brilliant at doing the physical rough play, movement etc and generally more emotionally regulated and certainly less hormonal than me, but is terrible at organisation.

I do need to prioritise a regular hobby. I have been going out occasional evenings but literally to sit in a coffee shop and stare mindlessly into space. I know exercise or perhaps a choir/book club would leave me feeling better.

Much solidarity to all of you also juggling all of this. It is a lot.

OP posts:
Jamonjamon456 · 04/05/2026 22:45

Itiswhatitizz · 04/05/2026 21:51

Oh God, I'd be so overwhelmed after 20-60 minutes walking home after the school run - their school is a 7 minute walk away & I need quiet time from that 😅

I have snacks/drinks ready before they get home so then whilst their eating them I can have 10/15 minutes to decompress after our hectic school pick up ( we have a nice group of school mum/children friends who we chat to on the way home, it's chaos )

It is okay to tell them that you need a few minutes to yourself. Harder with a toddler I know, but something will work to distract them for 10 minutes. Can you get some cheap pop up tents or make some sort of quiet / relax area for them each thats just there's? Both of mine really valued and respected having their own little cozy area ( this was when they were muxh younger too ) they really enjoyed having their own little place no one else was allowed in - you can explain it to the older one that you ALL get your own little space and if someone's in it then they need 10 minutes on their own ( a little timer for him might be helpful )

The time on your own to decompress is really needed. If we don't feel regulated we struggle to regulate our children. You don't need to feel guilty for it either, we are all only human and if our nervous system isn't coping then we are allowed to help it.

I still have to be conscious about the we and not you now 😅 but I have found that it massive helps when their getting dysregulated. Also - just acknowledging how their feeling and that I too would also feel that way or do feel that way ( depending what it is )

People with brains like ours can be really rigid thinkers too.... it took me having CBT in my 30's to realise we didn't have to believe everything our brains told us..... my DD really struggles with this, if she thinks it and feels it, in her mind, it must be true. It's difficult teaching them the difference between how their feeling and what's factually happening.

It really does sound like some time to yourself would massively help.

It's fine to be firm aswell, I am very loving and fair with my children but I'm also firm when needed. I am very firm when it comes to not winding each other up. Again, difficult with a 2 year old I know.

Painting/ coliuring and stickers kept mine entertained for ages but I knew that there would be q big mess to clean up after but it was a sacrifice I was prepared to make 😅

Also incredibly helpful, thank you. In some ways the walk can be good for 6 year old as he needs movement and I think can settle into school more easily in the morning as a result, but there are some days where the afternoon is utterly shocking. He was so hyped up last week he spent the entire walk very loudly pretending to be a chicken, clucking and pecking the ground (!) but also refusing to walk in a straight line so I ran in to him about 4 times with the buggy. The week he decided he needed to clear all the gravel from some poor family's drive way. The incredible stress of navigating some really poor visibility road crossings with a meandering chicken impersonator and a buggy overloaded with all the items of clothing he doesn't want to wear/scooter he doesn't want to ride. Sometimes he stops mid crossing because he's distracted by calling out the make/model of the car rapidly heading towards us 😬

I'm not always prepared with snacks as come from work (not at home) but actually it would help all of us. I probably need more energy at this point in the day too.

OP posts:
BertieBotts · 05/05/2026 11:16

Get some multipacks of cereal bars or whatever and stick them in your work bag or keep at work if you can. Easy wins like this are crucial and are part of what I mean by staying a few steps ahead. Doesn't come easily to me with ADHD. I frequently have the brilliant idea in the middle of the meltdown and by the time next time has come around, I've forgotten about it completely, but really really helps when I can be proactive and set myself up to win like this. I find it easier to replenish a stash than always remember to take one thing from home in the morning.

I also think it's entirely different working with DC professionally and parenting. Just a whole different kettle of fish. Everyone I know who has worked with children professionally has found this, even though obviously there are things they have been able to bring from their experience or training, but those are usually more practical things anyway. When you're parenting you can't step away, and the relationship is woven through it in a different way. Obviously relationship is also important for professionals working with children, but it's such a profoundly different kind of relationship. You're doing a totally different thing! Smile

Plus as you say I think understanding has changed a lot over the past few years. There are certain things taught to professionals about ND children which is very different to how ND families tend to see things. I notice it sometimes on TV programmes and in other contexts relating mainly to education - there's a sort of assumption that the ND is an impairment and DC needs to learn how to be more NT in order to fit into the world and that this will serve them, whereas I think ND families and adults who are ND tend to see it more like how can ND people carve out a place for themselves that suits them, even if the world at large is less suited? How can ND people advocate for themselves and communicate effectively with NT people not just in service of what NT people expect but in service also of expressing the ND person's needs, strengths and preferences or how to get the best out of them. How can NT people learn to understand ND people better, how can we raise awareness?

You have a mix of people who understand the newer perspective or who are still thinking along the older perspective and that can cause clashes. Both are well meaning, they just have different aims. Sometimes aspects of both can also be helpful.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread