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Burnt out

Meross

Hi all,

It's me and my two daughters at home - one 14 and one 17 - both diagnosed with autism.  I'm a full time Dad, cook, cleaner, and let's not forget the paid job that takes much of the day.

However on top of that I think I'm struggling generally in managing my two daughters.

The 14 year old needs regular chasing to do things such as get breakfast and get showers, tidy up etc as she's regularly getting distracted.

The 17 year old has finished school and is currently job hunting but really lacks in self-confidence, self esteem and general confidence in interacting with others.  She's also getting an op on Monday that put her off her feet for at least six weeks and then between six and 12 months for a full recovery so she can't work.  While she is job hunting we'll know more next week about how long realistically her recovery will take.

Is there any help that I can get at home to try and A) help with methods to manage the 14 year old and B) to try and build up confidence in my 17 year old?

They both have mental health issues too of varying degrees.

I'm in NE Scotland and am wondering if there are support groups that I could potentially attend and possibly for my 17 year old too once she's back on her feet that would help with her confidence etc?

In the meantime, the school holidays have hit so at least I'm not chasing the 14 year old out the door every day. Wink

Parents

  • I know for me, motivation like being able to do something I want to do after a task if I do the task helps my motivation. Also, you might want to get your 14 year old tested for ADHD cause that could explain why she gets distracted so often. As for the 17 year old, you could try encouragement and affirm her, maybe a little bit of therapy. I can't know for sure if these will work but hopefully they will. 

Reply

  • I know for me, motivation like being able to do something I want to do after a task if I do the task helps my motivation. Also, you might want to get your 14 year old tested for ADHD cause that could explain why she gets distracted so often. As for the 17 year old, you could try encouragement and affirm her, maybe a little bit of therapy. I can't know for sure if these will work but hopefully they will. 

Children
  • in reply to I_doodle_to_much_

    Thanks for the suggestions - the 14 year old has been tested however as she's fine at school the Dr couldn't make a formal diagnosis.

    The 17 year old has been to therapy for her anxiety which is linked to her state of mind.  It's helped slightly however I'm going to try and see if I can get her involved in some social groups as this will boost her confidence too as she's not got many friends.