The Importance of Setting Healthy Boundaries in Neurodivergent Families

The Importance of Setting Healthy Boundaries in Neurodivergent Families

For years, I struggled with setting boundaries in my family. As a neurodivergent parent, I often felt like I had to manage everything—my own sensory needs, my children’s emotional needs, and the expectations of others—all without a clear line separating what I could handle from what I couldn’t. It wasn’t until I started actively setting boundaries that things began to change. I remember the first time I told my family that I needed 30 minutes of uninterrupted quiet time each day. It felt strange at first, but that small boundary made a world of difference. Not only did it improve my emotional regulation, but it also helped my children understand the importance of respecting each other’s needs. Setting boundaries is a form of self-care, especially…

Navigating Boundaries with Extended Family During the Holidays

Navigating Boundaries with Extended Family During the Holidays

The holidays can be a beautiful time filled with love, laughter, and connection. But for many neurodivergent families, they can also be overwhelming. I remember one holiday season when we were invited to my in-laws’ house for an all-day event. It started with excitement but quickly spiraled into sensory overload for my daughter and myself. Between the loud conversations, the constant hugs, and the expectation to stay for hours on end, it became clear that we needed to set boundaries. Setting boundaries during the holidays can feel daunting, especially when you’re trying to honor traditions and meet family expectations. But for neurodivergent families, boundaries are essential for emotional well-being and creating a peaceful environment. Why Boundaries Matter for Neurodivergent Families During the Holidays The sensory…

Healing Old Wounds: How to Mend Generational Trauma in Neurodiverse Families

Healing Old Wounds: How to Mend Generational Trauma in Neurodiverse Families

I remember the moment clearly—the day I realized I was repeating the emotional cycles passed down from my own family. Growing up, emotions were something to suppress or avoid. When I became a mother, particularly in a neurodiverse family, I caught myself echoing those patterns, unintentionally passing down similar emotional wounds to my own children. It was a wake-up call, forcing me to confront generational trauma in a way I hadn’t before. Generational trauma can be especially impactful in neurodiverse families, where the complexity of different neurological needs intersects with the emotional legacies we inherit. But the good news is, we can heal these old wounds, break those cycles, and foster emotional well-being for ourselves and our children. What Is Generational Trauma? Generational trauma refers…