End of Summer with Neurodivergent kiddos

Let’s talk about surviving the end of the summer. 

I’m not quite sure what a neurotypical child is. I do have neurodivergent children as well as neurotypical children.  I understand the premise of it but what child really is normal?  What is normal?  

I see on Pinterest and I see on TickTock, Instagram and all things internet, these fun ideas to do with your kids. For instance, there was an activity to make kinetic sand, flour and cornstarch or something.  But in reality they’re literally just making dirt to have their kids play dinosaurs. I get it, everybody wants the best experience for their kids, but really, homemade kinetic sand just when you can go out and throw some dinosaurs in the dirt?  

The point I am at in life is an interesting one. I do take care of little kids now and then.  I have a two-year-old and a newborn grandbaby.  I have a six-year-old who’s staying with us and then my youngest, twin 12-year-old boys.   My twins are neurodivergent. That means they’re just pretty quirky.  They’re different than normal 12 year old.  Their biological mom did not make the best choices when she was pregnant.  So, these boys are on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum.  What is a normal 12 year old?  Are normal 12-year-olds in gangs? Are normal 12-year-olds playing my little ponies?  Are normal 12-year-olds in at the library all day?  On a soccer field or playing video games?  I don't really know what a normal 12 year old acts like, but what I do know is we’re getting a little tired of summer. I thought I would never say that, because I always been a huge proponent of summer breaks. I love the sleeping in, the staying up late, the going to the library, the pool, and lunches at the park every day.  But now I find myself hardly going anywhere because it’s just so hard to go anywhere.  It’s the kids who are off the routine are miserable.  If you let them stay up late, the next day is miserable.  One of my 14-year-olds cannot physically stay asleep longer than about seven.  For her, staying up, watching a movie late is a nightmare.  She literally is going off of no sleep, she can't sleep in.  

So, when the school year starts, I am going to miss sleeping in. I will still manage to stay up later than I should and I will continue to keep my kiddos on the best routine as possible, and I have positive thoughts on how wonderful this next school year will be.  Life is short, feel all of your feelings and enjoy as many moments as you can.  Make the kinetic sand or use the dirt the earth gave us, what ever works for you. You are doing a great job, mama.