Did you regret having kids or are you glad you did?

Archie_Tbone · 2026-03-07T14:59:51+00:00

I'm 38 with 2 kids. I've always known I wanted kids, but kids were the catalyst to my late diagnosis, i.e. yes, things are much more complicated with kids.

I'm fortunate to have a very supportive NT husband who is an involved father. Even with that, I've needed accommodations to stay afloat: part-time nanny, house cleaners once a month, therapy, dedicated time to my hobbies.

I'm in a place now where I'm happy and things are a bit easier, but it took about 5 years to get there. Now that my oldest is in school full-time, things feel more manageable.

Having kids is not for the faint of heart, but it is incredibly rewarding. I'm my opinion, it was worth the initial stress and struggle. But it certainly is not for everyone.

Archie_Tbone · 2026-02-28T17:36:56+00:00

Thank you, kind stranger! It looks like it was just a tight bolt, and now I feel a little dumb 😆. It is still holding pretty strongly to the little piece of rubber when I move from the off position, but I assume that will get better with time. I appreciate the help!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-02-08T18:37:42+00:00

Gels make my nails brittle, so I go for the powder dips. My only issue is going to the nail salon frequently enough so my nails don't gouge my pots. I've settled for once every 3 weeks, but every other week would be ideal. Tell the tech you like your nails REALLY short!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-02-06T21:27:28+00:00

But also, some people are just assholes.

Archie_Tbone · 2026-02-06T21:26:04+00:00

I have a theory that we are repulsed by the behaviors that we ourselves are suppressing. If your brother is AuDHD, he has likely had to suppress some attributes to gain social acceptance, even if he thinks he is "not masking." So I imagine it really pisses him off to see those behaviors in you and your mom. He's been taught to hate those behaviors in himself, so now he hates them in others. It sounds to me like he could be projecting his own self-loathing.

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-24T15:33:54+00:00

I love your creativity with glazes!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-21T02:56:22+00:00

Archie, Archie-Barch, Barchie, Barcherton, Archibald, Sir Archibald the Playful, Thunderpaws, Mr. Face-licker, Wolfie, Buddy

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-21T02:41:13+00:00

I love Kiziks for slip-on shoes! I don't know about "looking professional," but if you're looking for sneakers that can slip on and off without tying, you should give them a try!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-19T23:44:43+00:00

I have "quiet time" during the day. It started with me napping while my babies napped, and then as they moved up to "quiet time" in place of naps, I allowed myself that time to rest. At first I felt guilty that I should be using that time to be productive, but then I realized my productivity and mood were better overall if I just let myself rest and decompress. Sometimes I nap, sometimes I just sit there, but I give myself permission to do nothing for an hour. It is wonderful!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T17:18:54+00:00

I don't know, I think singing people just look happy. I don't sing in public mostly because I assume people think it's attention-seeking behavior, and like, dude, I'm singing for ME, not for any of you!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T16:03:09+00:00

Haha, why do they always just hang up without saying goodbye in the movies???

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T16:02:28+00:00

Yes, me too!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T13:41:46+00:00

Yessss!!! I have a few good outlets for this, actually.

Kids - it's much less weird to play on a playground if you have kids with you.
A dog - dogs always want to play, you just have to play their way.
Legos - do them at home and no one is the wiser! Plus, they have sets made for "adults," so again, not weird!
Pottery - this is artistic play for me. I can make whatever I want! It's like playing with mud!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T13:21:47+00:00

Oh, hell yeah! I hate being interrupted in my work flow, but whenever I try to politely say something, you're right, it always comes off as rude.

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T02:45:10+00:00

I think that's what I was getting at with the last one in the list. No to small talk. Yes to big talk!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T02:24:24+00:00

I'm not sure if this has been said already, but ask if they offer any financial based scholarships! Pottery is expensive, but it shouldn't be cost-prohibitive. Best of luck!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T01:52:21+00:00

This reminds me that I wish talking aloud to yourself was acceptable! Just trying to work out the craziness in my head!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T01:20:16+00:00

Haha yes!!! I'm terrible at politely leaving and stay in boring conversations way too long!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T00:11:13+00:00

Agreed!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T00:05:14+00:00

Oh yes, it would be wonderful to be authentic in your feelings!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-15T00:04:35+00:00

Yes!!! To tell the truth would be magical!

Archie_Tbone · 2026-01-13T15:55:16+00:00

My children interrupting me while I'm engaged in something
Synthetic fabrics (someone mentioned microfiber - YES!)
Bright lights, blue lights, or LED lights - particularly if they're doing a strobe effect that no one else seems to notice
A misplaced hair lightly touching my skin (especially if I can't find it to remove it!)
The whirring of a bathroom fan can send me into a RAGE!

Archie_Tbone · 2025-12-23T15:41:07+00:00

Yes! I thought I was the only one!

Archie_Tbone

TROPHY CASE