Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, I'm the father of three kids, two are on the spectrum, the eldest is 14. My wife and I are struggling to find a way to support him in finding his way through increasing school pressure, adolescence and independance. Whilst he pushes for more freedom, he needs daily reminders to perform basic domestic tasks our ten year old picked up a long time ago. We swing from overseeing everything to putting it in his hands, neither approach sees much progress. He's hard on himself and we don't want to contribute to his lack of esteem, at the same time we know how important it is for him to stand on his own feet.
I'd welcome contact from anyone who recognises the dilema. We're tired and running out of new ideas.
Hi Yorkshirelass, many thanks for taking the time to talk. I think joining the forum is our first step toward us looking for outside support, we have all the details, but up till now it's felt like something else to find the time to do together. Can't leave the brood on their own, but can take a more proactive approach to getting those that should to step in long enough to enable councilling or group stuff 'cos I'm sure we'd find it helpful. As you may have encountered, it's hard to have to ask "close" family for an hour off if they seem at times willfully oblivious.
I wish you all the very best with the journey! Modal.