4 days to go ....

      Adult time....

• It's near enough impossible to get adult company at the best of times when you have kids, and at this time of year the pressure is really on us to be sociable. But often we’re just too shattered to join in.
• So don’t feel guilty about this, you have a hectic demanding home life, and even more so at this time of year keeping your child calm and happy.
• So if you can get a sitter and you want to go out.. then great, but if you just can't face it don’t be pressured by anyone. You and your family are the most important thing.
• If you wanna stay tucked up indoors in your PJ'S watching TV then remember that’s fine-there's some fab Christmas movies on this year anyway.
• People can always come to you, and this can make life easier sometimes, but again if you're too exhausted don’t worry people who know you and love you will understand you situation.
• And don’t stress about how clean your house is, that not your priority…people who enter your home need to accept that it's a loving home, and cleaning isn't top priority -the cleaning can wait until the kids are back at school!

 support networks...

Samaritans at Christmas

National Autistic Society Christmas

Slice of Autism Facebook Page

Young Minds

Rethink

GETTING THROUGH THE BIG DAY....

• Do what works for your family, no one else's.
• Take it at your child's pace and dont feel pressure from others.
• Spread opening up the presents throughout the day if that helps.
• Let your kids watch what they want on the TV, that’s what pause and record was invented for husband ;-)
• Cheat and take shortcuts, I certainly will be where needed (there's nothing wrong with that.)
• Have realistic expectations of the day and dont beat yourself up if things go a little off plan.
• Be prepared in advance as far as possible, but remember even best laid plans can go pear shaped sometimes.
• Meltdowns aren’t always avoidable despite all the preparation in the world (that goes for us too ha ha- I have been known to have the occasional 'mummy meltdown.' )
• When all is done and the kids are asleep, pour yourself a nice glass of your favourite tipple, collapse on the sofa
•   You did it ....Well done x 

Watch another FAMILY'S

 story here...

Autism and keeping Christmas fun- (Part 1)

                                          

                                           Christmas- school presents and shopping -(Part 2)

                                                 Friends , family, and growing up -( Part 3)

                                                        The National Autistic Society