It is so hard. I love giving advice but don't know how to use my own. You get so physically and emotionally worn out that it is tough. And it is just different/harder with autistic kids. And if you are like most moms you are doing the lion's share of the housekeeping and child care - whether you are a stay at home or not. Also, my sister-in-law is always telling me to not blame myself for everything that is wrong with or goes badly for my children. I think as mothers we tend to blame ourselves and then try to fix everything - I know I do and it is hard to stop. Ugh. Big hugs to everyone going through this journey.

PS - and on a very different subject have you all seen the web site socialthinking.com? I just started poking around in it. It has materials for children at all ages on the spectrum. Just thought I'd share that. My son's school counselor told me that is her favorite resource for autistic kids.

Happy, healthy mommy = happy, healthy home. Think of taking care of yourself as an investment in your family. My mom kept an immaculate house and I always felt the pressure to do so too. But times have changed and I work full time. And it is still tough to let it go but she said when all was said and done her house was still there but her kids were gone. She told me to take care of myself and enjoy my kids and that in about 15 years I could clean the house to my hearts content. PS - easy advice to give - tough to follow. But you will be much happier if you can. Wish you luck!

I completely understand. It's rough trying to juggle life. My husband and I have been talking about working a "couch to 5K" program into our lives. We are busy but I do know from personal experience that exercise will give you energy. You need those good endorphins from exercise. Its tough at first but you will feel so much better. You just have to make time for it.

I find myself lacking the time/energy to wash my hair let alone paint my toenails or read a book. It's true, you really do have to MAKE time for yourself, but autism parents know that that isn't easy. The best advice I can offer is to make a tiny change somewhere in your routine. Any little change! Baby steps ;) Hugs!

It's hard, yes, but you need to make it happen. I own a business and I drive for Lyft in my spare time (not a lot of that if you can imagine!) but I do those things, not because I have to but because I love doing them. Lyft lets me drive, driving makes me feel great, plus it's a great way to have an adult conversation with someone other than my kids. lol

My business, allows me to help people, something that has always been my dream to do. So when I work it, I enjoy every minute of it.

Outside of that I do meditation or listen to music when I can sneak in a little bit of time here and there. I also pick a show or two I like to watch and I watch it. Even if it means watching it when the kids are at school or asleep.

You have to find the time and make the time to take care of yourself. Think of the word "Airplane", on an airplane, they tell you when the oxygen masks fall to put yours on first before helping others. The reason for this is because you can't help someone else if you aren't getting enough oxygen. Same concept...take care of yourself, make time for yourself and just do it. You may have to force yourself to make the time, but when you do, you will feel so much better and the better you feel, the better everyone else will feel too.