Beyond the Meltdowns: How Your Energy Impacts Your Neurodiverse Child
You’re holding it all together. The schedules, the therapies, the diets, the emotional highs and lows. But when was the last time you asked yourself, “How do I feel?” If your answer is, “I don’t even have time to think about that,” this post is for you.
I understand this deeply because I’ve been there—so overwhelmed that I avoided my emotions entirely, afraid they would consume me if I let them in. I told myself, 'I don’t have time to cry,' and kept pushing forward, convinced I couldn't afford to break down. But the truth is, those emotions don’t just disappear. They sit in the body, building up, affecting our energy, and ultimately impacting the way we show up for our children.
As parents of neurodiverse children, we tend to put every ounce of our energy into supporting them, advocating for them, and helping them navigate a world that doesn’t always understand them. And while that’s an act of deep love, it can also leave us running on empty. The truth is, your energy matters. Your well-being isn’t just about you—it directly influences your child.
So let’s talk about why caring about the way you feel is not only important but essential, and how prioritizing your energy can create a ripple effect of healing for both you and your child.
Your Child Feels Your Energy More Than Your Words
You’ve seen it before—on a day when you’re feeling rushed, stressed, or overwhelmed, your child might have more meltdowns, heightened anxiety, or struggle with transitions. It’s not a coincidence. Neurodiverse children, especially those with heightened sensory awareness, pick up on their parents’ emotional states more than we realize.
Your calm is contagious. When you care for yourself, you create a peaceful space for your child to grow.
Think of your energy as an emotional climate. If the air around you is tense, stormy, and unpredictable, your child will feel it and respond accordingly. But when you prioritize your own peace, you create a stable and soothing environment where they can regulate their emotions more easily.
The Science Behind Stress and the Nervous System
When we’re constantly in a state of stress, our nervous system gets stuck in “fight or flight” mode, releasing stress hormones that keep us feeling on edge. Over time, this affects our ability to stay present, patient, and responsive to our child’s needs.
Neurodiverse children often have sensitive nervous systems themselves, meaning they may struggle to self-regulate when they sense dysregulation in those around them.
By shifting your nervous system into a state of calm, you’re showing your child, in real time, how to regulate their own emotions. It’s not about being a “perfectly peaceful” parent; it’s about modeling what it looks like to acknowledge, process, and release stress in healthy ways.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish—It’s Sacred
If you’ve ever felt guilty for taking time for yourself, you’re not alone. Many parents feel like they should always be “on,” but the truth is, when you care for yourself, you’re actually giving your child the best version of you.
Imagine if a friend came to you, exhausted and overwhelmed, saying they felt guilty about resting. What would you tell them? You’d probably remind them that they deserve care, too. Now, offer yourself that same compassion.
Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean neglecting your child. It means showing them what self-love looks like.
Self-care doesn’t have to mean a full spa day or a weekend retreat. It can be as simple as:
Taking five minutes to breathe deeply in the morning.
Drinking your coffee while sitting outside in the sunlight.
Journaling or writing down one thing you’re grateful for each day.
Saying no to things that drain you and yes to things that nourish you.
Small Shifts That Create Big Change
Caring for yourself doesn’t mean overhauling your entire life overnight. It’s about making small, intentional shifts that help you feel more balanced. Try incorporating these simple practices into your day:
Mindful Breathing: When stress starts to build, pause and take five deep breaths. Feel your body soften as you exhale.
Movement: Stretch, dance, go for a walk—anything to help move stagnant energy through your body.
Boundaries: Protect your time and energy. If you feel depleted, give yourself permission to say no.
Connection: Reach out to other parents who understand your journey. You don’t have to do this alone.
Harnessing the Power of Breathwork to Reset Your Energy
One of the most effective ways to shift your emotional state is through breathwork. Your breath is your most powerful tool—it can regulate your nervous system, release stress, and bring you back into a state of balance.
That’s why I offer group VibeFlow Breathwork sessions specifically designed to help parents of neurodiverse children reset, recharge, and reconnect with themselves. In a supportive group setting, you’ll be guided through a powerful breathing practice that helps release emotional tension, calm your nervous system, and bring a sense of deep peace.
Why group breathwork? Because healing in community is powerful. Being surrounded by others who understand your journey creates a sense of belonging, reminding you that you’re not alone. Plus, the collective energy of the group amplifies the benefits, helping you drop into a deeper state of relaxation and release.
“The breath is the bridge between the mind and body. When you breathe with intention, you reset your nervous system and come back home to yourself.” — Thích Nhất Hạnh
If you’re ready to experience the power of breathwork and give yourself the care you deserve, I invite you to join an upcoming session. Your child needs you whole, not just present.
You Deserve to Feel Good, Too
You do so much for your child. But today, I want you to remember that you are just as important. The way you feel matters. Your energy matters. And when you care for yourself, you’re not just helping yourself—you’re creating a more peaceful, nurturing space for your child, too.
So take a breath. Give yourself grace. And start small. Because a more balanced, centered, and energized you is the best gift you can give your child.
Are you ready to prioritize your own well-being? Join me for a group VibeFlow Breathwork session and experience the power of deep healing through breath.