u/Sweet-Taro310

I've been feeling down lately because I just can't seem to feel an emotional connection to my kid. She's 7yo and dx/rx. I know she loves me, and I believe she knows I love her. But it's like there's this wall there. I try out all the different love languages -- words, cuddles, quality time, etc. It all seems to overwhelm her or not move her at all. So I try to dole out little bite-sized, not over-stimulating bits of affection, which goes a little better. She's been like this for as long as I remember.

But I have another kid, and he's NT. And I feel so much closer to him. He is so open and responsive to all types of affection. And this just makes me sad for what I'm missing with my daughter. I want that same closeness.

I worry somehow I messed up her early attachment to me? We didn't always have perfect patience through the toddler years. Or I worry she feels the wall between us too, and thinks it means something. Or I worry she'll never be able to form close emotional attachments.

At this age, I'm not sure if it's ADHD, maybe a touch of autism, or something else. I'm on a waiting list for a child's counselor.

But yeah, just wishing I could connect more with her emotionally and sad that I feel like I can't.

Hi there,

We're doing one day in the park (San Diego) with two kids big enough to ride most rides. We don't need to get in all the rides, but we'd like to do several, including the big ones. Do we need a fast pass? It's an extra $264, so not cheap. Is it worth it? Can we do the park well without it?

For context, I'm coming with 2 kids who can probably give 6 hours to the zoo before they're melting down. I'm a little overwhelmed by the size of the zoo. Can we do it well enough? (I'm sure a lot depends on how fast/slow you walk.)

Anything we HAVE to hit? Anything we should skip?

Hi all,

Frustrated parent here. I live on the Eastside and we'd love to get our kid on a swim team. We can do before 9am or after 2pm practices. But, it's like Every. Single. Swim team put practice at 9 or 10am on weekdays. How does this work for dual-income families? Or for single parents?

Does anyone know of a team that practices before work or in the afternoon/evening? Or is my kid (and all kids with 2 working parents/single parents S.O.L.)?