Unmasking and preventing burnout as a parent
So, I'm still new to this autistic journey of self discovery. I was diagnosed about a year ago.
And I've been reading books and trying to educate myself on autism and masking and unmasking, and something I keep coming against is all this, in theory. Sounds wonderful. Just be yourself around those you love, but I'm a parent of 2 kids under 6.
Background: I'm in charge of all the meals. All the school drop-offs, of the entertainment before and after school, dishes and cleaning. While my wife handles meal (dinners only) planning, grocery shopping, coordinating schedules, play dates, activities, and parties.
So I guess my question is this. How do I not burn out every single day? Have time for my kids. My hobbies, things that distress me. And help me recover and have time in energy to be a good husband to my wife, like planning date nights and activities and not feel like she's dragging me along to everything. Like im at a point where I Wana curl up in a ball in a dark room for several days, build Lego and have no one need me to wipe their butt or make their lunch or get dressed, meanwhile my love, my wife, needs and wants love and attention too, but my cup has been empty, for years.