Unregulated Mom

Unregulated Mom Not your typical mommy blog. Raising neurodiverse preteens is messy, emotional and beautifully unregulated.

Some days we thrive, some days we survive — all of it is a blessing.

Sometimes kids are WAY more resilient than we give them credit for.So… my son had a cricket match one afternoon.I had hi...
03/09/2026

Sometimes kids are WAY more resilient than we give them credit for.

So… my son had a cricket match one afternoon.

I had his kit in the car and had planned my afternoon around getting back in time. The game was scheduled for 14:00, and according to my carefully calculated mom-maths, I would be back around 13:40.

Perfect.

Except… nothing went according to plan.

I was busy with my afternoon errands when suddenly I got a message in the group:

“The game has started. 13:15.”

😳

Excuse me?!

Immediately my brain went into emergency mode.

Because if you know me, you know I like schedules.

If something is scheduled for 14:00, I expect it to happen at 14:00. Revolutionary concept, I know. 😂

But now I’m looking at the cricket score, wickets are falling, and I’m frantically trying to get to the school with his kit.

And then my therapist brain kicks in…

My son doesn’t love change.

If he was told he was batting 4th and suddenly they reshuffle him because his mom arrived late with his kit, I was already imagining the emotional turmoil.

The triggers.

The disappointment.

The meltdown.

My anxiety started climbing.

I was mentally preparing for a disaster that hadn’t even happened yet.

And then I remembered something…

I forgot God.

Because when I finally arrived, my son was completely chilled.

He took his kit from me and basically said:

“Oh, no worries. I’m only going in at 8.”

😐

……..

All that anxiety.

All that rushing.

All that mental preparation for World War III.

And this child was FINE.

😂

And honestly, it reminded me of something important.

Sometimes our nervous energy becomes the bigger trigger.

Our children pick up on us.

If I had arrived flustered, anxious and already expecting him to lose it, he might have picked up on that energy too.

But by the time I got there, I had breathed.

I had calmed myself down.

And I reminded myself:

I don't actually know what is going to happen yet.

And nothing happened.

He was fine.

He was resilient.

And once again, my child taught me something.

Sometimes we need to stop predicting the disaster and give our kids the opportunity to show us that they can handle more than we think.

Because apparently…
the meltdown was mostly happening in Mom’s head. 😂

It’s okay to be unregulated. 🤍

Yesterday was kinda a win. 🤍Not a “everyone behaved perfectly and we had a peaceful family day” kind of win…Nope.The kid...
21/08/2026

Yesterday was kinda a win. 🤍

Not a “everyone behaved perfectly and we had a peaceful family day” kind of win…

Nope.

The kids were still fighting — because siblings gonna sibling. 😂

Our daughter has the flu, so naturally she has been approximately 47% more sensitive and 83% more dramatic than usual this week. And after hockey practice yesterday, the drama was very much in attendance. 😅

Eventually, she calmed down and reached that point where she knew:

“Okay… I’ve done enough for today. No more effort required from this body.” 😂

Usually, when she’s this sensitive, if Dad or her brother touches or teases her, we can expect some serious shouting.

But yesterday?

Dad reached for her hand in the car and she calmly said:

“Dad, please don’t touch me. I’m super sensitive today.”

And my husband actually stopped.

You could see the impressed-parent moment on his face.

Because instead of shouting, she communicated exactly what she needed.

He simply replied:

“That was very nicely communicated. Thank you.”

And honestly?

That felt like a little victory.

Because sometimes we wonder if all the talking, modelling, reminding, practising coping skills and teaching emotional regulation is actually sinking in.

Then they surprise you.

Some days the tools stick.

Some days they remember what they've learned and actually use it.

And other days?

Well…

We breathe.

We remind.

We repeat ourselves for approximately the 900th time. 😂

And we try again tomorrow.

Because progress doesn't always look like fewer meltdowns.

Sometimes progress looks like the meltdown not happening because they finally found the words to say:

“I’m struggling. Please give me some space.”

And those little moments?

Those are the wins we hold onto. 🤍

It’s okay to be unregulated.

Okay… TRUTH.I’ve really been trying to do this.Like, really trying.Trying to keep this page going. Trying to entertain y...
21/08/2026

Okay… TRUTH.

I’ve really been trying to do this.

Like, really trying.

Trying to keep this page going. Trying to entertain you guys. Trying to find the humour in parenting two neurodiverse children and turn the chaos into something relatable.

And honestly?

I couldn’t.

I needed time.

Because adulting is already hard.

Now add two neurodiverse children, building a practice from the ground up, trying to get clients, running a volunteer group at church, being at church early every Sunday, spending Saturdays next to a sports field, getting up at 4:30am, working, managing school, sport, appointments, cooking, cleaning, bedtime routines…

And somehow still being expected to function like a normal human being. 😂

It was demanding.
Time-consuming.
Energy-draining.

And then I’d open social media and think:

“Okay, now let me sit down and make parenting funny.”

Guys… I was too tired to find the funny.

Sometimes even thinking about reliving the day was exhausting.

And then there was the stress of trying to get my practice running, finding clients, building a business and wondering if I was actually getting anywhere.

TRUTH: I was tired.

Not “I need a nap” tired.

I mean mentally, emotionally and physically tired.

So I stopped.

And maybe that’s okay.

Because this page was never supposed to be about pretending everything is funny and perfectly managed.

It’s supposed to be about being REAL.

So I’m going to try again.

Some days we’ll have hilarious stories.
Some days we’ll have absolute chaos.
And some days… honestly, not much will happen.

But maybe I’ll post those days too.

Because perhaps the best time to write UnRegulated Mom is when I’m actually feeling a little unregulated.

No polished version.
No pretending.
No trying to make everything look okay.

Just me.

A tired mom, trying her best, figuring it out as she goes.

And maybe that’s exactly where the real stories begin. 🤍

It’s okay to be unregulated.

Okay… let’s get real for a moment.It’s been a few weeks.Not because life was quiet… but because life was LOUD.I started ...
14/06/2026

Okay… let’s get real for a moment.

It’s been a few weeks.

Not because life was quiet… but because life was LOUD.

I started this blog to be real. Not the perfect mom who has everything figured out — because let’s be honest, she doesn’t exist. I’m the mom who tries her best, sometimes overcommits, sometimes laughs at the chaos, and sometimes realises she has way too many tabs open in her brain. 😅

Mental health is real.

And if you’re someone who tries to give 110% in everything you do… eventually your brain says:
“Sorry, we are closed for maintenance.” 😂

Because let’s recap:

I chose homeschooling for my son.
I was renovating a practice.
Starting a new business.
Running errands.
Keeping track of two children’s activities.
Running a household.

And let’s not forget my little OCD side that believes dirty floors are a personal attack. 🙃

And then…

I crashed.

Not dramatically. Just slowly.

I was exhausted. Overwhelmed. And I started feeling like my kids were getting the tired, frustrated version of me instead of the mom they deserved.

My son unfortunately drew the short straw because homeschooling requires time, patience, and attention — and I was struggling to give enough of myself.

So yes… I went through something.

But here’s the thing:

A mental block is not the end.

You have to admit it.
Accept it.
And seek help.

Which is exactly what I did.

I reassessed, changed my approach, managed my time better, and started taking control again.

Am I better now? Yes.
Do I have everything figured out? Absolutely not. 😂

And homeschooling?

I’m not convinced it’s our long-term solution.

My son needs social interaction and stimulation, so we will reassess after his half-year marks and make the best decision for HIM.

Because parenting isn’t about proving we are right.

It’s about being willing to change when something isn’t working.

So here I am…

Still chaotic.
Still learning.
Still probably taking on too much. 😅

But I’m back.

With a calmer approach, a new game plan, and a little more grace for myself.

It’s okay to be unregulated 🤍

The last few weeks?Pure survival mode.New routines.New structure.Homeschooling.Life… just doing the most.And somewhere i...
20/04/2026

The last few weeks?
Pure survival mode.

New routines.
New structure.
Homeschooling.
Life… just doing the most.

And somewhere in all of that, I had this moment:

When did my kids grow up so fast?

New attitudes.
New phrases.
Things they say that make you pause like
“Excuse me… who are you and where is my little child?” 😅

But here’s the part I didn’t expect…

They’ve adapted.

Both of them.

And our home?
It feels… calmer.

Now let me be clear
calm does not mean perfect.

There are still meltdowns.
Still triggers.
Still moments where everyone is a little… unregulated.

But the difference?

We have space now.

Space to breathe.
Space to step away.
Space for them to regulate.
Space for us to regulate.

We’re still figuring things out.

Homeschooling is a whole new world
and trying to balance that while building a business and managing life?

Let’s just say… we are strongly considering outsourcing the early mornings 😅

(Tutor, nanny… someone with more energy than me before coffee.)

But overall?

We’re okay.

We’re surviving.
We’re learning.
We’re growing — even if it feels like it’s happening way too fast.

And for the first time in a while…

We’re actually excited about the term ahead 🤍

It’s okay to be unregulated

This Easter weekend…was nothing short of blessed.And I don’t use that word lightly.We finished moving. Unpacked.Tried to...
07/04/2026

This Easter weekend…
was nothing short of blessed.

And I don’t use that word lightly.

We finished moving. Unpacked.
Tried to catch our breath.

Friday was church…then just being at home, soaking in the fact that we finally have our own space.

And then Saturday came. We joined an outreach, serving people on the streets, handing out mieliemeel.

Now let me paint the picture…

My son, usually shy, reserved,
was standing next to the road, calling out to cars and people:

“Free pap! Come get!” Bold. Confident. Smiling.

My daughter, who doesn’t mind getting dirty but definitely not all day and sweating is usually a hard no, was in the back of a very hot truck, filling containers non-stop.

No complaints. No drama.Just serving.

If I say Holy Spirit filled, I mean miracle.

An entire day surrounded by prayer, giving and pouring into others.

And somewhere in all of that…They made their own decision.

To get baptized.

Not because we told them to.
Not because we forced it.

But because they were ready.

Saturday night we got home exhausted,but there were no meltdowns.No triggers.

Just baths, bed and full hearts.

And then Sunday!

They were baptized 🙏

I don’t even have the words.

The last few days felt different.
Calm.
Peaceful.
Covered.

And yes, I’m praying it lasts! At least a little longer 😅

Because Wednesday school starts again.

Our daughter goes back to school.
Our son starts his first homeschooling term.

And we step back into sessions, work and everything this new term is bringing.

But for now….I’m holding onto this moment.

This peace.
This reminder.

That even in the chaos… there are days like this.

It’s okay to be unregulated 🤗

And just like that… it’s done.We’re in our new house! 🙌Unpacked...Cleaned...Organised (for now 😅).And I am loving it.But...
02/04/2026

And just like that… it’s done.
We’re in our new house! 🙌

Unpacked...Cleaned...Organised (for now 😅).

And I am loving it.

But let’s talk about something important:
Battles!!!

Because I’ve learned (again)…some battles are just not worth fighting.

Now... kids?
They are strategically lazy.

My daughter will look me dead in the eyes and say: “I’m not doing that today. I’m having a lazy day.”

A lazy day.

I wish moms got those.

Today she also informed me she needs a massage because she “worked hard”…
after helping a little.

The audacity.

And when I suggested she return the favour? “Oh no… you chose to clean the whole day.”

Ma’am. Excuse me??
Now here’s the thing about my two:

They will help.
But only when it’s their idea.

So yes... I might be overreacting slightly…because:

My son swept, mopped and cleaned his room all on his own...
My daughter helped with washing, dishes, dinner and setting the table.

BUT....After 5pm?

They clock out.
Mentally. Physically. Spiritually.

You can ask for something small, like cleaning the bathroom after a bath, fine.

But anything that requires effort?
Like picking up toys?

Suddenly it’s:
• complaining
• half-done jobs
• and me redoing everything anyway

So I’ve decided:

Their rooms? Not my battle.
If they don’t clean it, don’t ask me where your stuff is

Natural consequences 😌

The only non-negotiable?
Once a week, we deep clean. No debates. No negotiations. No “lazy days.”

And honestly?

Even with the chaos, the sass, the selective productivity… I think we’re going to be really happy in this home 🤍

Now we rest…before the new school term slowly (but aggressively) creeps in.

It’s okay to be unregulated.

Everything went well today…well, with the kids at least 😅They took turns helping me move things to the new house.No melt...
31/03/2026

Everything went well today…
well, with the kids at least 😅

They took turns helping me move things to the new house.
No meltdowns.
No drama.
Peaceful. Cooperative. Almost suspicious.

It’s now 5pm… and we’ve had zero emotional explosions.

Honestly? I don’t even know who these children are, but I’m grateful.

They’re excited to finish the move tomorrow.
Me too… mostly because I’m tired.

Like holiday-but-still-working-and-moving-and-functioning tired.
Rest is very limited. With a capital L.

So yes, everything was running smoothly…

Except for my brain.

Because apparently when it’s holiday, my brain also clocks out.

I’m out here scheduling appointments like a responsible adult...only to be asked by another mom:

“Are you sure about Monday? It’s a public holiday…”

Oh.

Right.

Easter weekend.
Long weekend.
Public holidays.

You know, the thing is I knew… but clearly did not know.

So there I am… rescheduling my entire life. Sorry I'm over dramatic...I only rescheduled 2 days...

Honestly? I’m not even mad.

A surprise day off on Monday and Tuesday?
We receive it. With gratitude 😌

Now I can:
• reset a little
• get my son’s homeschool things sorted
• organise my daughter’s school prep for the
new term
• and maybe pretend I’m resting

If I drank, I would’ve had a glass of wine tonight.

Instead… I will reminisce about the idea of it.

wink wink 😏

It’s okay to be unregulated.

30/03/2026

It’s the Easter holiday…only 10days...
and I’m still deciding if it’s a blessing or a test.

Let’s start with the cons:

• Keeping kids busy and stimulated without screens becoming their full-time parent
• Grocery bills suddenly doubling because apparently they are hungry… all the time
• “What are we doing today?” on repeat like it’s their job
• Snacks disappearing faster than my patience
• Sibling arguments over absolutely nothing
• And the constant background noise… just… noise 😅

Now the pros:

• We get to sleep in… and by sleep in I mean today they woke up at 6:30 🎉
• Slow mornings — a little story time, no rushing out the door
• Kids just… being kids
• Playing outside, running around with other kids in the complex
• Random hugs and snack visits in between their adventures
• A slightly softer, slower pace (even if it’s only in moments)

And then… there’s our reality right now:

This holiday = moving.

Yes… we got our own house 🙌
Which means excitement, gratitude… and absolute chaos.

Boxes everywhere.
Trying to unpack.
Trying to organise.
Trying to create some kind of system before the new term starts.

Because heaven forbid I try to go back to work with an unorganised house.... my brain will simply not allow it 😅

But in all the chaos…
I’m so looking forward to this new chapter.

Our own space.
Our own routine.
Our own little bit of peace.

Even if it starts out looking like total madness.

It’s okay to be unregulated 🤍

29/03/2026

Family outings as a neurodiverse parent…
equal parts beautiful and “what could possibly go wrong?” Because let’s be honest,
we want to go out, make memories, do fun things…

But there’s always that little voice:
“What if there’s a meltdown?”
“What if something triggers them?”
“What will people think?”

So for the longest time, it just feels easier to stay home. But this time we said:
“Screw it.”

We work hard.
We love our kids.
We deserve family outings too.

So we went.

A beautiful lodge.
Slides.
Fishing.

Perfect — because one child basically is a fish and the other prefers to catch them 😅

We had a plan (because parents of neurodiverse kids always have a plan):
Dad + son = fishing 🎣
Mom + daughter = swimming 🏊‍♀️
Then family time together → slides → split again → more family time.

And honestly?

It worked.
It was a really good day.
…until it was time to go home.

Because of course, that’s when the fish started biting. Suddenly it was impossible to leave the dam. Instant meltdown.

Okay fine, one last swim to ease the transition.

And then..my daughter realised she cannot, in fact, live in the pool like a fish. Cue meltdown number two.

Two children.
Puffy faces.
End of the world energy.

We got in the car…
Everyone frustrated.

The drive home was quiet. Long enough for everyone to cool down. And by the time we got home...everyone was okay again.

And here’s the thing:

They weren’t being difficult.
They were disappointed.

They didn’t want the moment to end.
They wanted to stay in the happy.

And honestly?
So do we.

The difference is, we’ve just had more practice learning how to handle it.

They’re still learning.

So no… we can’t be mad at the meltdowns.
We guide them through it.

Because big feelings don’t mean bad behaviour
it just means they need help finding their way through the moment.

And that’s part of the journey too 🤍

It’s okay to be unregulated.

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