“If You’re Exhausted, You’re Not Alone”

Parenting a Child with Executive Functioning Challenges – From My Heart to Yours

I have two boys who are brilliant, funny, creative and kind.

They also struggle with executive functioning — and that means we all live with it, every single day.

Some mornings feel like climbing a mountain before 8am.

I’m reminding them to get dressed, to eat, to pack their bags — and reminding myself to stay calm while doing it. And my goodness it is hard!

It’s not that they don’t want to do these things.

It’s that their brains are wired differently.

And sometimes, the smallest task can feel impossibly big for them.

I Have to Tell Myself This (Often):

• They’re not giving me a hard time — they’re having a hard time.

• It’s not defiance. It’s dysregulation.

• It’s not bad parenting. It’s parenting in a world that doesn’t always understand neurodiversity.

Because the truth is: it’s hard.

It’s heartbreaking to watch your child struggle and be misunderstood.

It’s exhausting being the reminder system, the advocate, the calm in the chaos.

But it’s also full of joy, humour, and strength — the kind of strength you don’t know you have until you’re in it.

What I Want Other Parents to Know

If you’re in this too — I see you.

You are not failing.

You are not alone.

We’re raising children who don’t fit the mould — and that’s not a flaw. That’s a gift. But they need support. And so do we.

So here’s what helps me (on the good days and the hard ones):

• Let go of perfect. Focus on connection.

• Find your people — the ones who get it. I am grateful for mine.

• Celebrate the little wins (because they are not little).

• Say yes to rest when you can.

• And remind yourself: you’re doing the best you can — and that is more than enough.

Quote I Keep Coming Back To:

“You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present.”

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Every time we speak up, we make it easier for another parent to say, “Me too.”

Let’s create a world where children are understood — and parents are supported.

If this resonates with you, share it. Tag someone who needs to hear it. Start the conversation.

#ExecutiveFunctioning #ADHDParenting #BrightFutureTraining #NeurodivergentKids #ParentingRealTalk #YouAreNotAlone #SENDSupport #SupportNotShame #ParentingTwoBoys #UnderstandingMatters #InvisibleStruggles