Season 2, Episode 16: Letting Go of Typical Parenting Standards Walk With Me Mom: From Burnout to Balance

In this powerful kickoff to our 2026 Graceful Parenting Series, Nicki confronts the crushing weight of “typical” parenting expectations—the unspoken rulebook that says kids must hit every milestone on time, eat everything, play “the right way,” and socialize like neurotypical peers.

If those standards have left you feeling like you’re failing your autistic child (or yourself), this episode is your permission slip to set them down.

Nicki shares raw reflections from her own journey—comparing her non-verbal son and high-functioning daughter to checklists and waiting-room kids, the guilt that followed, and the quiet relief that came when she finally stopped measuring her family against a mold that was never designed for them.

We flip the script on the most painful expectations:

• “Kids should eat a wide variety of foods” → Progress is one new texture in six months, not perfection
• “Play with toys the right way” → Lining up, spinning, scripting is play—and connection
• “Make friends easily” → Meaningful connection on their terms matters more than playdates
• “Milestones on schedule” → Your child is on their own timeline, not “behind”
• “Good moms are always patient” → Exhaustion doesn’t make you bad—it makes you human

Plus a gentle faith encouragement from 2 Corinthians 10:12: Comparison was never God’s standard for you or your child.

Today’s Grace Affirmation My child does not need to be typical to be thriving. Their way of learning, playing, and communicating is valid. I release comparison and trust our unique path.

Resources & Support Ready to parent with more clarity, confidence, and grace? → One-on-one coaching for autism moms: www.walkwithmemom.com → Join the private community where grace—not perfection—is the standard → Email Nicki directly: info@nickibradley.com (she reads every message)

You are a good mom. You’re doing this with intention and love—even on the heavy days. You don’t have to carry it alone.

Next week: Letting go of self-blame.

Share this episode with another autism mom who needs the reminder. You’ve got this. I’m walking with you.

Please email any questions, comments, to info@nickibradley.com

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Visit: www.walkwithmemom.com