Top 5 Tips for Overwhelmed Parents

Feeling a bit overwhelmed lately?

You're not alone. Many of the parents I speak to say they are overwhelmed and exhausted and yet here we all are, still committed to helping our teens to be happier and our households more harmonious.

How do we do it all?

Parenting a teenager with autism, ADHD or social anxiety brings unique joys and challenges. Today I am sharing with you my practical tips - I hope they help you navigate this transformative stage.

My Top 5 Tips for Overwhelmed Parents:

1. Focus on the Positive:

It can be easy to focus on what's going wrong - but I encourage you to celebrate your teenager's achievements, both big and small, and their unique strengths and abilities. I've asked my son's teachers to send me a quick one-liner email when they see him doing something positive at school. As parents like us know, so often, the only communication from the school (and from us to our teens) is about the bad stuff. It can be unavoidable, but it's great to balance that with positive things as well.

2. Encourage Independence:

Gradually promote independence by assigning age-appropriate responsibilities and providing clear routines and boundaries that empower decision-making - and then give them the space to work within those guidelines. Sometimes the best thing we can do as parents is step back.

3. Foster Social Skills:

The teenage years are pivotal for social development. Encourage your adolescent to engage in social activities aligned with their interests, such as clubs, groups, or specialised programs. Collaborate with social skills specialists to incorporate social skills training into their daily routine using a program that supports you and your teen working together on solutions that are empowering for both of you.

4. Support Emotional Well-being:

Navigating emotions can be challenging for teenagers, but especially those with autism, anxiety or ADHD. Self-regulation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises can help a lot, as can encouraging regular exercise. It's also important to create a safe space for your teenager to express their feelings - and that means that we parents need to be in the right head space as well. Intentionally creating time each week just to talk with no big decisions or outcomes needed can be a game-changer.

5. Prioritise Self-Care:

Remember, taking care of yourself is essential. Engage in activities that bring you joy, practice self-care rituals, and seek respite when needed. Cultivating your own well-being ensures you have the energy and resilience to support your teenager effectively.

Parenting a neurodivergent teenager requires dedication, flexibility, and unwavering love. As challenging as it can be at times, it's actually a huge opportunity for growth, both for your teen and yourself. Remember, you are not alone. Together, let's nurture the potential of your young person and celebrate their unique journey towards a fulfilling future.

If these words resonate with you, I invite you to continue to support your teen or young adult with our PEERS Social Skills Program. Enrolments for our next intake are open now but spaces are limited and filling fast.