Don’t let that defeatist bubble burst!

acknowledging- "the puzzling piece" for use of this pic. 

How often do we sit in the negativity of silly things?

Facing what others perceive as ‘simple’ day-to-day issues and situations, that to us can seem all-consuming and overwhelming due to the added burdens we sometimes have to deal with.

Don’t let that defeatist bubble burst!

                                                          

There are so many things we can do to stay afloat and see as positives of life.

Start by being organised.

Many can struggle with schedules, meetings, routines, time limits, running late, etc, with the outcome being panic/anxiety attacks, and meltdowns from everyone involved.

Simplify things; having a well set-out weekly timetable, with a roster chart or other format, something that suits ‘you’ best, and will help to stop things becoming overwhelming or consuming. This can be set up for the parent, and also a visual version for the child with a timeline to help with time limits for each task.

I find that breaking each day down into 3 sections is best-

Morning -- Daytime -- Evening

Then set out a section for each family member.

Eg        -morning: anything each person needs for getting ready for the day

            -daytime: work activity, or chores, etc (kids-school or weekend requirements)

            -evening: sporting sessions, meals, bath, time together, bedtime routine

(I suggest a separate roster for each child to personally use.)

Next is to work out the most important things that are required for/from each person and highlight it in each section.

Arranging in priority what is ‘needed’; and then separately what is ‘wanted’

This can be noted for the kids as “first” and “then” requirements, with chores etc ‘first’ and enjoyment request as ‘then’; this teaches the responsibility of what they need to do is first.

Encouragement rewards can also be used to help promote this (remembering to gradually introduce new things and changes to help with any anxiety issues).

Without putting too much pressure on yourself, arrange one task each day that is needed to be done, and remember that “there’s always tomorrow!!”

Next, always remember that the ‘priority of life’ is spending family-time together, interacting, talking/listening, sharing thoughts, dreams, ideas, telling the little things that have happened, spending one-on-one time with each child, reading, playing games, etc.

These are the most important things; you can’t get ‘Time’ back for that, so use it well.

If you still find things becoming overwhelming and you’re struggling to set things out, find someone to talk to, to take time out, a family member or friend, or someone in a support service area.

At Lithgow Nanna’s Touch ASD Support we have the coffee-chat monthly meetings for this exact reason, to join together with others that understand how things can become too consuming, and to take time out for YOU.

For support or more information don’t hesitate to contact us to help direct you with any of your needs.

Happiness and Calm to all xxxx