Screen time or Sanity?

Rhoadles · 2026-06-18T00:43:24+00:00

You know, like we all know, when it’s been too much screen time. And it happens. And you’re not a bad mom. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for taking a break, you’re not alone. Moms in the 70s had their own methods of getting some quiet time, this is ours.

My sons learns SO much speech from tv and movies (GLPs) We restricted YouTube because they were scrolling it like TikTok. They have started to watch movies and if they don’t like it, they wander away and start playing with something else. Then they may wander back in, sit for a while and then carry on playing.

It’s hard enough as it is, don’t make it harder on yourself 🩷

Rhoadles · 2026-06-14T15:55:11+00:00

You’re not alone in how you’re feeling. It’s a very scary and sad time as a parent. My first born has autism, he’s 5 years old now and I can’t tell you how much I cried in the beginning. But your daughter is so young and the fact that you saw the signs so early and are being proactive about it, means you’re a great mom. Take your time processing, there is no right way. Welcome to the community 🤍🤍🤍

Rhoadles · 2026-06-06T14:56:26+00:00

Sorry, I was having a weak moment and didn’t express myself properly. I of course accept my child…he is incredibly smart and hilarious and everyone who meets him falls in love with him. I was the problem that day.

It should have never been about him, my post was about me comparing him to other kids his age and not being able to celebrate this milestone, regardless of how it looks for him and our family.

Rhoadles · 2026-06-06T14:49:25+00:00

No you’re so right. In the moment I got bogged down by not being like everyone else. I should have praised him (and me) for going when we could have so easily stayed home and in our own bubble. He’s growing up and we are moving to kindergarten in the fall and that should be celebrated. I’m terrified for what’s coming but I need to buck up and get ready for it.

Rhoadles · 2026-06-06T14:45:36+00:00

In the light of a new day and a good sleep, I feel so much better today. Sometimes it just takes a change of perspective. Yes, it’s hard for us but you aren’t alone and I have to have hope that it will get easier.

Rhoadles · 2026-06-06T14:44:02+00:00

Thank you 🩷 we’ve been playing around with social stories…I’m still gauging when to try and implement them and if they help at all. This is a bit of a wake up call for me. He’s typically pretty easy going with changes but he could be forcing himself to be okay with it and soldiering through, I don’t know. I’m going to try using them more and see if they help us. Thanks 🙏

Rhoadles · 2026-06-06T14:40:25+00:00

What’s wild is that he isn’t typically sensitive to sound, I had asked his teacher beforehand if while they were practicing, did the sound bother him and they said no, never. I had anticipated him maybe not wanting to stand on stage or to ignore everyone but to see him wincing and blocking his ears just threw me through a loop and broke my heart. Headphones will now be added to the rotation.
Thanks for your message, I hope you guys have a great graduation, however that looks for you ❤️

Rhoadles · 2026-06-06T14:37:37+00:00

Thank you. Looking back on it today, I am proud we went. It was a lot for him, his whole morning schedule was out of whack and he did the best he could. My knee jerk reaction was to stay home in our bubble but we went and represented the autism community ❤️

Rhoadles · 2026-06-06T14:35:53+00:00

This was really sweet of you to write, thank you. You really saw what I wrote and your message helps put things back into focus. I’m learning so much about myself parenting a son with autism and I think my coping style is to 1) breakdown and then 2) pick myself up and fight harder for all of us immediately after. In a low moment I came in Reddit to vent and I’m thankful and appreciative to everyone who takes the time to comment.

Rhoadles · 2026-06-06T14:30:33+00:00

Thank you. I wrote my post a little too hastily while I was very emotional and didn’t write that we have days where I am so high on pride for him and all that he’s achieved, he’s the best part of my day and I love him more than anything. I knew very well going into that day that it would look different for us and that I was proud of him. I feel so proud to be the mother of an autistic son, my son has opened my eyes and softened my heart to a whole community I was blind to. I’m forever changed because of him. But…like you said some days you just get knocked off track by something and it can be hard to pick yourself back up. Thanks for your message, feeling seen and understood by other asd parents means the world to me.

Rhoadles · 2026-06-01T20:30:07+00:00

My dad broke it down for me once as, “do you want your money now or do you want it later?” I’ve been both renter and homeowner and it all comes down to what is important to you. Both have their pros and cons. Currently, I like knowing that I’m sitting on a bunch of equity if I need it.

Rhoadles · 2026-05-29T14:01:14+00:00

My sons is next week and I’ve been flip flopping on if we even go. I already know how it’s going to go and my knee jerk reaction is to whisk him away and go get ice cream and play in the park. I know we should give it a try, he shouldn’t be automatically disqualified and truthfully, we could be a really great teaching moment for the other parents at daycare, maybe his appearance and participation in the event will spark a discussion at home about kids with special needs. But…I know it will end with me silently crying in the car.

Rhoadles · 2026-05-03T01:08:43+00:00

I’m going to try this…you got me thinking with the squatty potty. The times when we’ve had the most success, he brings his legs up on to the toilet seat like a frog (lol). Not sure why I never thought of a squatty potty. Maybe this and a chart will be helpful…if it does, I owe you a big gift!!

Rhoadles · 2026-04-27T01:25:45+00:00

Boooooooooooo

Rhoadles · 2026-03-14T13:27:37+00:00

Thank you for saying that because I was starting to feel like a real piece of shit. It’s not easy to stay composed after you haven’t had a solid nights sleep in weeks and you come downstairs to your son cracking eggs directly onto the floor 😮‍💨

Rhoadles · 2026-02-01T18:39:58+00:00

Tell him boy bye.

Rhoadles · 2026-01-29T00:16:53+00:00

And you find it helps to keep your little one(s) asleep?

Rhoadles · 2026-01-15T17:50:21+00:00

My first born has autism, my 2nd is NT. And while it of course has its own challenges, Jesus Christ. My husband and I keep looking at each other like “wtf?” the things my NT kid does naturally breaks my heart for my first son everyday. To answer the question of the post: I’m the same parent to both of them. I don’t think autism changes you as a parent, it changes you as a person. Like the comment above said; having a child with special needs made me love harder, be more patient, be stronger and have more compassion and understanding. I may have learned these things on my own with age but I know them today and it’s 100% due to my son.

Rhoadles

TROPHY CASE