Do you ever feel like you're failing as a parent, even when you're giving everything you have?

Toni and Kate talk about parenting guilt, comparison, exhaustion, siblings, therapy, advocacy, and the constant feeling that you should somehow be doing more.

They get into what happens when one child needs more of your time and attention, the guilt that can come with taking a break, comparing your family to other families, worrying that your child should be progressing faster, and feeling responsible for things that were never fully in your control. They also talk about the importance of rest, acknowledging what siblings may be experiencing, celebrating small wins, apologizing when you get it wrong, and learning to give yourself more grace.

WATCH, LISTEN AND FOLLOW SIP & STIM
https://links.sipandstim.com

CHAPTERS
00:00 On This Episode & Stim
03:58 Am I Parenting Badly?
05:00 The Parenting Guilt Spiral
05:16 Doing Your Best Can Still Feel Like Not Enough
07:07 When Exhaustion Affects Your Parenting
10:33 Being the Parent, Not Always the Therapist
12:02 You Can't Give Everyone Everything at Once
13:54 Your Other Children Need to Feel Seen, Too
17:07 Watching Other Families Become More Independent
19:37 Am I Doing Enough for My Child's Services?
21:51 Rest Is Not Giving Up
24:37 Feeling Guilty About How You Spend Your Time
30:12 Comparing Your Parenting to Other Families
36:59 Not Every Struggle Is Your Fault
44:02 How Much Should We Tell Our Kids?
45:27 Your Child Doesn't Need a Perfect Parent
47:14 Celebrating the Small Wins
48:58 What's Next on Sip & Stim

ABOUT SIP & STIM
Welcome to where parenting on the spectrum pairs best with caffeine, coping skills, and stims.

Subscribe for more honest conversations from Sip & Stim.

CREDITS

Hosts:
Toni Toole: LinkedIn
Kate Martin: LinkedIn

Producer:
Mike Axe: LinkedIn

Editor:
Derek Kedell: LinkedIn

Theme Song From:
Derek Martin: LinkedIn

How do you set boundaries when you're raising a child with autism without feeling guilty every time you say no? Toni and Kate talk family boundaries, sensory needs, parenting decisions, transitions, physical affection, and protecting what your child needs even when other people don't understand.

They get into the pressure to explain your choices, missing family events, parenting differently from the people around you, recognizing your child's limits, and why preparing for difficult transitions can make such a difference. They also talk about helping children understand their own boundaries, navigate friendships, and learn that it's okay to step away from people or situations that don't feel right.

WATCH, LISTEN AND FOLLOW SIP & STIM
https://links.sipandstim.com

CHAPTERS
00:00 On This Episode...
02:41 Learning to Say No
05:05 Saying No Can Be Part of Caring for Your Family
05:57 Do You Owe People an Explanation?
07:53 The Guilt of Disappointing People
10:04 Setting Boundaries for Your Family
10:38 Affection Should Never Have to Be Forced
14:00 Parenting Differently Without Apologizing
15:42 Your Child's Limits Matter
19:34 When Your Child Needs You to Set the Limit
20:51 Set Expectations Before the Hard Moment
23:23 Setting Boundaries With Family
28:17 Teach Them It's Okay to Walk Away
31:44 Letting Go of Other People's Opinions
33:51 What Parents Should Remember About Boundaries

ABOUT SIP & STIM
Welcome to where parenting on the spectrum pairs best with caffeine, coping skills, and stims.

Subscribe for more honest conversations from Sip & Stim.

CREDITS

Hosts:
Toni Toole: LinkedIn
Kate Martin: LinkedIn

Producer:
Mike Axe: LinkedIn

Editor:
Derek Kedell: LinkedIn

Theme Song From:
Derek Martin: LinkedIn