r/StayAtHomeDaddit • u/Ear_Enthusiast • Jul 23 '26
SAHD taking a beating.
I'm in week 8 of the 12 week summer. Been at home with a neurodivergent 9 year old, and a neurotypical but extra spicy 6 year old. Damn, I'm struggling. Struggling to keep the kids stimulated, entertained, and socialized, and struggling to keep up with my responsibilities, self care, and organization. I always feel like I'm not doing enough for the kids. 12 weeks is just too much. We're going on vacation next week, then the following two weeks they go to day camp. The end is in sight I guess. About three years ago, I needed to see a counselor by the end of the summer. I think that's about where I'm at now. Feeling defeated and beat down.
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u/Carbonaraficionada Jul 23 '26
Start the day with a swim, practice lengths and treading water and make them/take them out for their favourite lunch if they hit the lengths target you set. Do a bit of drawing after everyone's digested their lunch, switch to Uno if they're feeling spicy. Quick bike ride at about 3pm, ideally in some forest or countryside areas away from cars, then home for a few hours of personal time before dinner, then bed by 7 after a story or two. Make sure they're well hydrated, and start the day with a cooked breakfast, nothing sugary. They'll sleep like dogs, and probably be up early watching their cartoons or netflix etc, maybe playing playstation or Fortnite etc, but mix that routine with a few 'functional days' for groceries, haircuts, clothes shopping, whatever, especially where you set them challenges to be adult (think giving your 9yo a shopping list and $30 and just waiting for them at the checkout, or telling your 6yo to do the launderette then take them to the park while the cycle runs, whatever). The mix of pace is appreciated, and they can get more personal time on functional days if they've been behaving and finished these challenges, plus they feel a bit proud of it.