I'm not a parent, but I do vividly remember being a kid and from over the years of talking to people. One thing that's always stood out to me, is that being a parent is actually LESS about your child and MORE about YOU. Sounds strange I know, but what I mean is, kids will test you in ways you can't even imagine so you need to know yourself as best you can. Know your triggers as your child ages, know your breaking points, try to have some kind of coping skills or plans in place for when you feel on the edge. Also, don't hide it from your kids. A lot of kids are naturally empathic with their parents. Tell them, "I'm feeling sad/mad/etc." right now and see how they react. Sometimes it's enough to snap them into focus and they ask how they can help. Ask if they can cuddle with you, or draw you a picture, give them something to do that you tell them will help. Sometimes, seeing a parents mood shift and break down from being an authority to being vulnerable, can help. Good luck! xx

Did bp really just censored the abbreviation of autism?

My son is Autistic. There are times I feel so guilty. I don't smoke, drink, do drugs. Was fortunate to get good prenatal care. Now my son is nineteen, doesn't like people, can't handle crowds, change is beyond his capabilities. Due to my neighbors in my apartment complex bullying, harassing, and breaking my son's bedroom window (parents say it's their CHILDREN's job to 'toughen' up my son). We've lived in this apartment complex for 11 years. We have been asked to move, as my son's AUTISM, is causing problems. He doesn't receive SSI. He has no job. I don't have money to move. So yes, I feel beyond guilty. If my son didn't need me so much, I'm not sure what I'd do. Any suggestions???

I'm so sorry that happened to you. Denial can be ridiculously strong in some people, like it's a defense mechanism. If they open their eyes and acknowledge it, they feel it'll destroy the life they knew and they can't handle that. I won't pretend to fully understand that mind set, because I don't, and I wish psychologists/etc. would spend more time trying to figure that kind of thing out. Many have tried, I'm sure, I might have to Google. But in the end, denial or not, abuse is abuse and I'm so sorry. I hope you're doing better now. xx

I'm so sorry, I hope things improve for you and your sister in the future. I'm not a parent, I don't have any siblings so my opinion might be extreme or "out there", but it's always seemed to me in situations like this, that siblings should really try hard to band together. Try to create as strong and supportive of a bond as you both can, and definitely keep talking honestly with your Dad. I've also found that KNOWING your parent helps a lot. For example some parents, if you come to them while you're upset/emotional, it'll get a reaction at first but then they don't take you as seriously. Other times if you approach them calmly and clear headed, they can think you're being manipulative. The most important thing I've found, growing up, is to be honest, and consistent. Good luck! xx

I'm so sorry, I know telling you not to feel guilty is like telling the sun not to rise, but I'd be willing to bet that they didn't tell you because you were sick and they didn't want to burden you. They thought they were protecting you, while also trying to show that they were strong. That, to me, says you raised AMAZING kids. I hope you're all doing much better now, and I hope you all have a really close relationship. xx