I can't be the mum she needs

I got diagnosed about a month ago. Part of the reason I went for the assessment was because I see my little girl (age 5) struggling like i did. She reminds me so much of myself. 

I desperately want to be the mum that I needed as a child but I genuinely dont think I can.

I get frustrated at her random noises.

I get annoyed when she complains about feeling the seams in her socks and then refuses to wear them.

I get annoyed when she will only eat beige foods.

Im exhausted from constantly getting up in the night with her because shes anxious. I try so, so hard to be patient and give her the reassurance that she needs but I need sleep too. 

I am trying so hard and I usually start the days off ok. But by 5pm when ive spent all day being overwhelmed, masking, being touched by my 3 year old etc, I just can't keep calm. And that's usually when she needs me the most when shes home from school and needs me. 

I dont know what to do. I know im a terrible mum. 

Parents
  • Hi (Kat?)

    I wish I could speak to you directly to tell you much of an amazing mum you are and how much you clearly care. I know, because I have really been where you are. Your daughter is 5 and the story you tell is so familiar to when my daughter was 5. She is now 12. There are so many things that will get better and other new challenges will appear. 

    You are just trying your best, and while you clearly feel guilty about flipping your lid, these emotions too come from a place of care and concern - probably with a bit of fear mixed in too. 

    Let me know if you to chat more directly on email/whatsApp - I find it so comforting talking to other mums who go through what we go through. I know you feel like a bad mum, but clearly you can't be because you care. No mum is perfect and none of this is easy.

    Sending you much love Two hearts 

Reply
  • Hi (Kat?)

    I wish I could speak to you directly to tell you much of an amazing mum you are and how much you clearly care. I know, because I have really been where you are. Your daughter is 5 and the story you tell is so familiar to when my daughter was 5. She is now 12. There are so many things that will get better and other new challenges will appear. 

    You are just trying your best, and while you clearly feel guilty about flipping your lid, these emotions too come from a place of care and concern - probably with a bit of fear mixed in too. 

    Let me know if you to chat more directly on email/whatsApp - I find it so comforting talking to other mums who go through what we go through. I know you feel like a bad mum, but clearly you can't be because you care. No mum is perfect and none of this is easy.

    Sending you much love Two hearts 

Children
  • Thank you so much for that. There is 100% fear involved! 

    Is your daughter diagnosed ASD? Im certain my daughter is autistic but I dont know whether to start the process now or wait a couple of years and just try and get it sorted before secondary school. It was starting secondary school that really messed with my head so I want support for her before that happens. 

    What sort of things did you find that help you daughter?

    Thank you so, so much for your reply.