Hi, I'm admitting defeat. I'm a single mum of an ASD teen and a NT 10 year old. I've been single 10 years, No support. They have the same dad but they are like chalk and cheese.
I'm fortunate to work and we are able to have a good lifestyle. But, I can't parent them together they are so different. Both children want to go on holidays and we do, but it's a struggle from the lead up, ASD teen is full of so much woe and anxiety it ruins the holiday for my youngest who is adventurous. If I don't take my NT boy out to burn off energy he's like a caged animal. But my ASD teen won't do anything.
I don't know what to do. I feel I'm forcing one kid to do something they hate or can't cope with. I end up leaving my teenager alone in hotel rooms. It's an absolute waste of money and not good for him to be alone in a strange place - Then he's so upset when we come home as he wishes we were on holiday. He gets in such a state he's being sick and shaking!!
As a result my children hate each other and resent each other - they blame each other for ruined holidays.
This is now extended to weekends at home! I can't fulfill each of their needs together, and have no help so cannot do things separately.
I can't cope anymore :( how do I do this?
FYI. I'm NT