I often wonder if parents of children with out special needs, feel this pain, maybe they do.
Yesterday Owen refused to nap..I had all the berries picked to make strawberry jam, and really needed to get it done. So I did it, while he was awake and let him play alone for 2 hours. The whole time i just felt SO guilty! I should be working with him..interacting playing with him. I only do anything for myself when he is napping normally. the cleaning /laundry ect..
Then I think..I am entitled to do something for me right? I enjoy cooking, and need me time aswell..but that logic didn't help me any. We are wanting baby #2 ASAP, how will I feel dividing my time then..how can I get it all done in one day?
All children play alone some of the times, and we all need time to ourselves! Its not like you were totally ignoring him. I understand how you feel but relax, you sound like a loving parent and everyone needs alone time to themselves, us parents and our children.
WOW you make homemade jam???? You need to come to my house for a visit!!
Karrie
DAnielle Our kids need a break from us just as we need from them or they will never learn how to amuse themselves.
I have 3 kids... my middle child is on the spectrum.... I have gone through the same things with my NT kids when they haven't napped and wanting to have alone time and feeling so guilty. My son takes so much of my time. His little sister was 15 days old when he was diagnosed. I felt I never had time to give her the attention I gave my older two who are 7 years apart in age. When I wasnt so busy with him I needed to re group. The baby laid most of the time amusing herself. She was later then my older two walking and sitting up etc but still on schedule. She however is my earliest readier and so far advanced becasue now (at 7) she sits and watches intently everything I do with and try to teacher her brother.
How do you share your time and attention and still get things done?
YOU LEARN, you give up less important things, take quicker showers, learn to multi task more, and learn short cuts to other things. It happens and they are worth it.