a kid's view - parenting

I don't think anyone has ever agreed with every decision their parents made, but, speaking for myself, I don't remember my thoughts going beyond "unfair!"

Miles is 12, neurodivergent, and has definitely given the parenting of a neurodivergent kid some thought! I know I learned something.

Things Parents of Neurodivergent kids should know:

1. Don't ask me to multitask. Sure, you think you can do four things at once (I know you don't do any of them well or completely).

I can't multitask so when you ask me to get my shoes on, AND tie them, AND pack up my backpack, AND take my pills - I am overwhelmed. I can't start any of those things because I have to decide what to do first and Oh My God. . . . You can ask me to do all these things to get ready in the morning, just not at the same time.

2. I don't know if I'm being offensive when I am talking about stuff. You have to tell me each and every time, without getting upset.

I need to when this or that is probably not OK to discuss in any way because it can be easily misunderstood. Like Hitler - I am not supposed to talk about Hitler - ever. Except at home with my mom. I know Hitler was horrible. I get that.

I don't want to miscommunicate and offend anyone when I talk about submarines and air battles - but these are real interests for me.

There are other things I just don't get about race and gender that I have to be told. You have to explain it to me.

3. I am exhausted when I get home from school. I need to rest. I don't have the stamina you have. I need to take time and process all that happened today before I can do homework.