Neurodiverse Family Life - Reclaiming Self-Care For Moms | Self-Care, Autism, Sensory Overload

If you need a laugh, this episode is for you. I have found so much joy in the unique way my kids see the world.  And I have used it to help increase my joy, especially in those hard moments with them.   📖 Planner KIckstarter Launching Soon! https://christinamariepaperie.com/planner/ 💌  Sign Up for Email List  https://christinamariepaperie.kit.com/podcast   ❤️‍🩹  Self - Care Coaching Available h...

The more you hide yourself and your daily problems, the more hollow and discontent you will feel. Pretending all if fine, when each day feels a battle field is a recipe for sadness and burnout. We shouldn't sugar coat life nor ignore the challenges those with autism or ADHD in our family are experiencing.  But we can find a way to authentic on various levels in everday life so we no longer feel li...

If you are serious about your self-care and also need to manage a lengthy to-do list, this episode is especially for you.  After many iterations of this planner system, I will soon be launching my Kickstarter to bring it to life.  This planner is great for any woman in a neurodiveres family but also for any woman who is a caregiver, dealing with autoimmune issues or their spouse is strugging with...

Driving in the summer, your windshield can be filled with bugs.  So many it can be hard to see through your windshield unless you turn on your wipers.  The same can happen to our hearts, unintentional or intentional comments can leave marks on our heart and we can not see ourselves clearly anymore. Taking time to realize these comments are clouding our vision and removing them is how we can begin...

Do you start your day with a goal in mind and by lunchtime complete forget it? Or working on a mindset shift but keep slipping into negative habits? I share one easy method to help me remember my goals and dreams.   Little Words Project https://www.littlewordsproject.com Ring Spinner https://www.littlewordsproject.com/products/affirmation-spinner-ring Spinner Necklace https://www.littlewordsprojec...

I chat with Libby Clark, from the Cassandra Uncaged Podcast about her marriage and family life before and after the diagnosis, the difference the diagnosis made and how she does self-care in her life. I hope her story encourages you. Let me introduce you our guest. Libby has an intimate walk with Jesus, and has been married to Steve for 41 years, and they have 7 children. The first 32 years were c...

Summer is meant for day trips and spending time in the sun and on the water.  One way to make your time outdoors easier is creating a go-bag or mom bag.  Think of it as your arsenal of goodies ready to handle sensory challenges and normal daily needs. I share what is in my bag and along with items I bring for my own self-care.   Prefer video? YouTube     Some of the links in this description are a...

You enjoy dinner parties, family events, concerts or travel but your spouse prefers his friends, small events, his special interest events and solitude. Your friends are doing double dates or vacations together and it seems a far away possibility. Sometimes we put our interests and needs for community on hold because our spouse is unable or does not want to join us. With creativity, you can find a...

The dictionary defines mindset as a "fixed mental attitude or disposition that predetermines a person's responses to and interpretations of situations". So it is wise to examine our own mindset, especially since it can impact being a wife, mom and our follow through on self-care.   Resources: My Fav bluelight blocking glasses for better sleep: https://dreamwalkerz.ai  Use CHRISTINA10 for 10% off*...

Back in season 1, Episode 45 I shared being on the struggle bus with my sleep for YEARS. I began using night-time blue blocking glasses but it wasnt until I listend to Thaddeus Owens that I had an operating guide for my whole day for better sleep. My previous glasses, my husband said made me look like a Miami Vice Drug Queen so I went on the search for feminine, attractive glasses. When I saw Heid...

Support is a vital need for moms in neurodiverse families and for any woman. You have small and big dreams. A cheerleader to encourage your journey is a blessing, especially when others may try to discourage our dreams. If you are seeking cheerleaders in your life, here are three steps I've taken to bring encouragers and supporters into my life.   ❤️‍🩹  Self - Care Coaching Available Dr. Stephani...

Two opposing facts can be true. You can love the idosyncrancies of your spouse and kids, laugh at their corny jokes and appreciate the unique view of the world. Also you can be stressed from the verbal olympics on simple topics, unexpected emotional outbursts any time of the day that rattle you and lingering hurt over words or actions without empathy. By spotting these 3 signs, you can begin takin...

A common theme among mothers raising neurodivergent children is the impact to her career.  Many women quit their jobs or switch to part-time work to allow the time and flexibiility for their family needs.   Financial constraints or marriage challenges may propel you to look for a job.  But if you have been out of the workforce for many years, it feels impossible. Where do you begin?  By breaking d...

There are joyous moments in a neurodiverse family which we can laugh about but we can not ignore the hard moments. Sometimes the hardship is tackling simple communications for other couples, but it requires long conversations breaking down the nuance of word meaning and vocal tone. Every day trying to comprehend what your child is communicating in a meltdown over clothes or sound. Honestly, tasks...

Have you ever written down all the tasks you accomplish in a day? It is a long list from managing your home, feeding your family, researching sensory strategies, juggling therapies, working on your marriage and helping kids regulate. Sustaining a high level of activity does have its drawbacks and it is understandable when a ball is dropped.  How much do you berate yourself when you forgot an appoi...

Self-care is a needed luxury which is not easy to cultivate in a neurodiverse family. There is always a need to be met, a new challenge requiring deciphering and a constant pace which is difficult to maintain. Exercise is often the first important life-care (self-care) activity to be dropped. As time passes, the capacity and ability to be active again is daunting. My guest is Sarah Stein, a parent...

Ever scroll Pinterest for meal ideas, yet finding no recipes working for your families sensory profiles? Possibly you miss having adult meals because of the limited palate of your kids.  Here are three ideas for simple meal planning  with kids who have sensory challenges that allow you to have a real meal instead of chicken nuggets and mac & cheese. Episode 41 : Is Meal Planning Even Possible...

Emergencies can push anyone to the edge of their limits, but for neurodiverse kids massive thunderstorms and tornadoes can be super exciting or sensory traumatic, resulting in big emotions. And somehow you need to get your whole family into a safe location in a very short time frame. Which means unexpected interruptions, no foreshadowing and schedule changes which can cause cause a meltdown for so...

As stress of neurodiverse marriage and family life grows, one of the first self-care activities to disapear is your hobbies.  Time passes and we can forget what brought joy into your life. Enjoying life is a crucial component to live and thrive in a neurodiverse family.  Let's chat how you find a hobby that brings life to your soul but is also manageable with your limited time.    ❤️‍🩹  Self - Ca...

Marriage is two people living in community, learning to love each other and live together in harmony. When neurodiversity is a component, the challenges can lead to seeing only the negative, what your spouse is lacking. Continued focus on solely the negative while ignoring your husband's efforts and slow growth can lead to a dangerous cycle. When your heart is hurting and numb, how do you pivot to...

There are many sensory challenges we help our kids traverse when they are younger, haircuts is a major one.  Usually the hair salon or barber shop is loud, lots of new people, scratchy hair falling down the back of their shirt, uncomfortable cutting cape around their neck and having a stranger position their head.  This can add up to a major meltdown from the sensory overwhelm.  Not only does your...

Your energy to be engaged, invest in your children, and keep up with the appointments is continually decreasing. Maybe you are scared if you fast forward your current trajectory, where you will be physically and emotionally in 1 -3 years? But you can't think that far ahead, you are trying to figure out one single day at a time. I am sharing one of my self-care tools I have used in these exact mome...

In the beginning your focus is love, helping your family with the "gaps" between the expectations of life and the abilities of your husband or children.  Your goal is to support them, but this isn't a sprint, its an ultramarathon, living in a neurodiverse family.  Moments of rest breaks are seldom leading to burnout.  You realize you are over-functioning, meeting any need regardless of your capaci...

For some families, one of the hardest times of the day is in the morning.  So many tranistions along with changing out of soft pajamas into uncomfortable clothes. The struggle is real for kids with sensory challenges.  Understanding how kids' minds and body process these challenges can give us patience.  But what else can you do?  I have a few ideas to help with your morning routine and kepe your...

Parenting offers a unique opportunity to invest in your kids' lives—especially for neurodiverse children. This challenge intensifies if your neurodivergent husband isn't engaged in the process. On the flip side, his insights from growing up with autism, ADHD, and/or sensory issues can be incredibly helpful. I'm sharing my co-parenting tips, which you can use immediately, along with real examples o...