I remember so many summers where I had a plan. I worked hard to execute it. There were weeks that our whole family attended VBS. Each of my children spent a week at an overnight Bible Camp. We went on a summer vacation but that meant that we hung out at home on a daily basis for about 6 weeks every summer. I had academic goals. Reading and math were a part of our days. Playing with the neighbors was what we did.
After my son's diagnosis on the autism spectrum, I figured out that he had to be guided in his play. He needed adult supervision to stay in the "real world." It was hard work for me as a mom. There was a schedule everyday to work on academics, play outside, trying new activities, field trips and sensory input. I also had other children that needed me during the summer months. Can anyone else relate? By the time August 1 rolled around, I was exhausted.
Running a therapy program in the summer is a full time job. The problem is that as a mom, I already had a full time job with everything it takes to manage a household. I was DONE with the therapy lifestyle. I felt guilty because my son needed it but I couldn't deliver any more. What happened? My son spent. the next couple of weeks doing "screens." What is the answer? I don't know! Maybe hiring some childcare to keep the therapeutic lifestyle going a few hours a week when You are burnt out. Recognize that no one is perfect. That includes each mom. Sometimes our child is going to do more screens than is best. We all need a vacation and some down time. This may be your child's vacation from all the demands he has most of the time.
Life,raising a family, is never easy. Add a child with learning differences. This equals one exhausted mom from time to time. Give your self a break for a couple of weeks. It's ok!
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