Hey friends, let me share a little story about our not-so-fun experience at a holiday gathering. So, yesterday was Canadian Thanksgiving. If you’re scratching your head, it’s because it’s celebrated in October up north. We ventured out to my sister’s place, but the car ride was a total nightmare—picture two wailing kids for a whole hour. Yeah, it was as bad as it sounds.
The kiddos couldn’t get their usual naps in, which turned them into little monsters. My son, Liam, was recovering from a throat infection, and my daughter, Mia, had suddenly developed a strong aversion to car rides. It was chaos. My stepson was doing his best to keep Mia calm, but she was having none of it.
When we finally arrived, I thought we’d be in the clear. The kids were itching to get out, and so were the adults. The moment we stepped out of the car, things seemed to improve. My sister-in-law handed me some rum, Mia dozed off in her car seat, and Liam went upstairs to play. For a brief moment, I felt like a normal adult.
But then, the guests started to arrive. Liam got bored, came down, and quickly became overwhelmed by the crowd. That’s when the real fun began—crying, flailing on the floor, and general toddler chaos. Meanwhile, the adults were mingling, sipping drinks, and discussing travel plans and universities for their kids. I was stuck chasing after Liam, trying to keep him entertained while everyone else seemed to have a great time.
Unique Challenges of Parenting a Child with Autism
Now, I know other parents of typical toddlers often face similar situations, but my son has autism, which adds a few unique challenges to the mix:
- TV Time is Temporary: One of the few ways I can get Liam to chill is by letting him watch TV. It worked for a while, but when it stopped, so did his calmness. If the TV’s off, it’s usually time to pack it up and head home.
- Nonverbal Communication: Liam doesn’t speak, which makes it super tough to understand what he needs. Unless you’ve spent a lot of time with him, you’re left guessing. Watching him flap his arms in frustration while I try to figure out how to help is exhausting.
- Change is Hard: He missed his nap and, unlike Mia, who can sleep anywhere, Liam will only sleep in his crib. With no crib in sight and a missed opportunity for a nap, we were left with an angry little boy.
- Endless Energy: Liam is hyperactive, and the only way to contain him for a meal is by strapping him into a high chair. Without one, family dinners are impossible.
- Need for Baby-Proofing: At nearly two, Liam still requires a baby-proofed environment. Most homes don’t have that, so I have to keep a constant eye on him to ensure he doesn’t get hurt.
So, we ended up leaving the Thanksgiving gathering early. Thankfully, my in-laws were super understanding and packed us some leftovers to take home. I felt a wave of relief the moment we left, even if the kids continued to fuss on the drive back. Autism can be a handful, but toddlers are just unpredictable by nature. Combine the two, and it can be a real challenge.
For anyone in a similar boat, my advice is to host at your own place when possible. If not, try to recreate your home environment as much as you can. Packing a portable crib for Liam next time is definitely on my to-do list.
In summary, navigating family gatherings with young kids—especially those with special needs—can be tricky. Being prepared and flexible can help make the experience smoother.
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