Please give me the strength

[CarrieK]

To be a good mom, because I don't think I'm able to be a very good mom right now to DS, 5, ASD. It's almost impossible to have a good time or a good moment or experience with him without things escalating to a bad situation. The constant disciplining, which I am not used to, or never thought I'd have to do with my kids. Just the constant back and forth with him, the struggle, and the fact that I have to follow-through with him on EVERYTHING, otherwise he'll just take advantage of the situation and things will be worse the next time. I just want to guide but he lacks some basic fundamental understanding and social skills to explain the reasons why we are doing things a certain way. And the constant stimming and running around - the nervousness is overwhelming me - I get so stressed out just looking at him. It really destroys a peaceful weekend. I know I'm rambling on but why does everything have to be so dang hard? I really can't remember the last time there was pure joy between the two of us for an extended period of time. Where he listened. Where he didn't pinch me or climb on top of my head. Where he ATE his food! Where he didn't climb over the fence outside. Where I didn't have to have an eye on him every single minute. I mean, every.single.thing is a fight. And I have help from home therapists. Sigh...I really want to go back to work but his schedule of schooling and therapy makes it impossible to do because somebody needs to drive him around.

Does this get better with age?

[DaughterOfKali]

My son is 7 and I'm right there with you. It's exhausting.

[Linda on the move]

My Dd is 13 and is high functioning. We go through GREAT phases, and then rough ones again. All of upper elementary was a piece of cake. Things went to h*ll again about the time she turned 12.

But we had several years in there that were really very easy and fun.

[beachbaby]

I feel much like what you've expressed. from someone who understands.

[HarperRose]

Just another voice of support and btdt.

[CarrieK]

Thanks for all of your understanding and support. I love him to pieces but all of the disciplining, structure, and energy is just tough all the time. Maybe I can put together some sort of sticker or reward system for good behavior and see if that works.

I was waiting on line at the post office waiting for it to open and I was with my 3 year old DD and the man behind me asked "Is she always so good waiting?" and I said "yes, she is - but you should meet my son! I have one easy well-behaved one and the other is a doozy!:

[Fay]

My DS1 is 9, and there are always new issues popping up. It's hard work and it never ends. I live for the little rays of sunshine that shine through the clouds. I'm in the trenches with you.

[Mama2Xander]

I totally hear you.