If I had a dollar for every time I cooked a full meal only to have my kid refuse to even look at it, I would be retired on a beach somewhere right now. For parents of kids with sensory issues or ADHD, "picky eating" is often a lot more than just being stubborn. It is about textures that feel like slime, smells that feel like a punch in the nose, and the genuine fear of a new flavor.
It happened on a Tuesday. I was at the grocery store, and all I needed was a carton of eggs and some milk. My son was having a "loud" day, but I thought we could make it. I thought if I just moved fast enough, we would get out before the wheels fell off.
When your child has a different way of learning or moving through the world, sending them off to school can feel like sending them into a storm. You worry if the teacher will understand why they won't make eye contact. You worry if the playground supervisor will know that a loud whistle makes your child want to bolting for the fence.
When the world gets too loud or too bright, every kid needs a place to hide. For our kids who deal with autism, ADHD, or big anxiety, having a "safe spot" isn't just a nice idea. It is a tool that can stop a meltdown before it even starts.
If you are like most of the moms and dads I talk to, you probably go to bed every night with a mental list of all the things you did wrong. Maybe you lost your cool when the third shirt was rejected because of the "scratchy" tag. Maybe you felt a pang of jealousy when you saw a video of your neighbor’s kid hitting a milestone that your child is still struggling to reach. Or maybe you just feel guilty because you are tired. Not just "need a nap" tired, but "deep in your bones" tired.
If you have ever been in the middle of a grocery store aisle while your child is screaming on the floor, you know that burning feeling in your chest. You look around and see people staring. You might even hear someone whisper about "spoiled kids" or "bad parenting." It is enough to make you want to leave your cart right there and run for the car.
Hey there. If you’re reading this while drinking lukewarm coffee that you’ve reheated three times, while maybe hiding in the bathroom for two minutes of peace, then pull up a chair. You are my people.