Caregiver Burnout Archives - Page 293 of 319

Autism Parenting Struggles / My thoughts

I’m a frustrated #Autism Dad, and here are a few reasons why

I'm feeling frustrated because so far, the summer isn't going how I'd like it to. I wanted to keep the kids moving, and have fun, but that's not happening as much as I want it to. Emmett's is in a flare, for the second time since school has been out, and that tends to dictate what we can or cannot do. It involves a great deal of sleepless nights, screaming, and fighting to get him to eat anything. It's exhausting, and seems to last forever. When he's feeling good and wanting to do something, Elliott will be in a place where he doesn't want to do anything. Each of the three boys have very different special needs, and they are often in conflict with each other, making life especially difficult.…

10 Comments

June 8, 2017

Why I had a rough night

It was a rough night, because Elliott was never able to fall asleep. He had sort of a trying day, and was too wired to fall asleep. Mind you, this was on Melatonin, and his nightly Benadryl for allergies. As a result, I didn't get much sleep, because while the cameras monitor their movements, I don't like going to bed while the boys are awake. Anyway, this has me running short on both energy, and patience today. Mr. Emmett is in a foul mood today, and that doesn't come as too much of a surprise. I was hoping today would be better for him, but clearly that's not the case. We ended up having a last minute appointment this morning, and after which, I want to take the boys to…

0 Comments

June 8, 2017

Emmett John / Insights and Education / Inspirational Posts / Meltdowns / My thoughts

How Autism related meltdowns impact me as a parent, and how I cope

One of the hardest parts of being an Autism parent for me this week so far, is meltdowns. When it comes to Autism, I always tell people never make assumptions. Having said that, I feel pretty safe saying, if you're an Autism parent, you're probably intimately acquainted with meltdowns. Meltdowns are exhausting for everyone, not just the person having one. I mentioned earlier in the week that Emmett was coming into a new fever cycle. When he hits one of these things, he's generally quite miserable, and far more prone to meltdowns. The fever cycles don't cause the meltdowns directly. They seem to decrease his ability to cope with all the things around him, that would already lead to a meltdown. Things like light, sound, his clothes, and pretty much…

6 Comments

June 8, 2017

My thoughts

How to easily change your @VivintHome device names

In this brief tutorial, you will learn how to change the device names on your Vivint Smart Home system. The most common reason you would want to do this is that you've moved one or more of your Ping cameras. Most people will want the camera name to reflect the camera's location. This tutorial will show you how to change the device names, so you can accomplish this. https://youtu.be/yeFaIDjdS4g Changing you the device names on Vivint Smart Home system Load the Vivint app on your mobile device Tap the menu button on the top left of your screen Tap on Device Settings in the left panel Locate the device you want to rename from the list and tap on it Tap on the current name to edit and let it process…

0 Comments

June 7, 2017

My thoughts

It was a draining day, and we are doing it again tomorrow

I'm completely drained after today. I've been nonstop since this morning, and I'm fricking exhausted. We went from bed, to the dentist, to the Garden Center, to Dr. Pattie's, to Walgreens, and finally home again. For the most part, the boys did awesome today. Both Elliott and Emmett are physically, and emotionally drained after the dental excitement this morning. Keeping that in mind, the few meltdowns we had this afternoon were understandable. Once the boys were in bed, Lizze and I went to bed ourselves. We're both drained, and have to be ready to do it again in the morning. Gavin has to be at Dr. Reynolds first thing. With any luck, I'll get some sleep tonight.. ☺

0 Comments

June 6, 2017

Dentist / Elliott / Emmett John / My thoughts

Why my kids with #Autism hate the dentist

We survived another trip to the dentist, with two of our kids with Autism. Part of the problem with dentists, and at least my kids on the spectrum, is sensory in nature. There are so many strange smells, sounds, tastes, and even lighting at the dentist office. That alone can take a toll on a kid with sensory issues. Then you need to factor in anxiety, and someone shoving fingers in their mouth, with scary tools. In many ways, that's a perfect sensory nightmare, worthy of Stephen King. As far as today went, once we arrived in the waiting room, Elliott was really upset. He was scared, and it was made worse by the fact that he had to wait about twenty minutes before being called back. Anxiety is not…

0 Comments

June 6, 2017

Elliott / My thoughts / Proud Daddy Moments

Thank God for cooperation

We're getting ready to leave for the dentist, and I'm super grateful for the good mood the boys are in. Everything is easier with cooperation. ☺ I do want to mention Elliott, because I'm extremely proud of him this morning. Elliott seriously dislikes all things doctor related, and suffers from extreme levels of anxiety when he knows he has an appointment. This morning however, he's doing really well. He knows he has to get a filling, and he's not putting up a fuss about going. I'm super impressed, and very proud of him. ☺

0 Comments

June 6, 2017

Dentist / Elliott / Emmett John / Gavin / Lizze / My thoughts

I have bad news and good news – Which do you want first?

The boys are going to the dentist today. Originally, Lizze had class, and my Mom was going with me, but that's changed. Due to a temporary, but frustrating insurance issue, Lizze will not be in class today. Part of me is upset because I know how important it is for her to be there, but the other part of me is all like, thank God because both boys are having work done at the same time, on opposite ends of the office, and I'm only one person. My Mom was going to go, but since Lizze will be home, she doesn't have to anymore. I don't know how much experience any of you have with Autistic kids and the dentist, but it's not always a good combination to say the…

2 Comments

June 6, 2017