04/10/2025
🏵 HONESTY POST 🏵
We’re at my mum’s this weekend (grandma’s house!) because daddy is working day and night shifts, and honestly — it’s just easier on me when there’s a bigger space for everyone to… fight in 😅
I thought coming here would calm things down and help the kids get along a bit better, but nope! Within the first hour we’d had at least ten fights over toys, train tracks, and “who’s in whose space!”
Leon struggles with something called RSD — Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria.
It’s not an official diagnosis, but it’s closely linked to ADHD. For Leon, it shows up as extreme sensitivity when he feels criticised, left out, or rejected. Even small things — like Sophie joining in his game — can feel like a huge threat.
He’ll snap, use unkind words, and then feel awful afterwards, saying things like,
“You can go and play Sophie’s game — no one wants to play mine anyway.”
Even when we haven’t said anything yet. It breaks my heart, because he’s not being “naughty” — he’s trying to protect himself from feeling hurt.
So, I’ve been trying something new to help him (and us!) navigate this:
✨ Together Time – playing the same game, sharing toys
✨ Side-by-Side Time – playing near each other but keeping space
✨ Solo Time – time alone to recharge
✨ Cool-Down Cloud – when emotions run high, everyone takes a breath before choosing what’s next
These cards are now our visual system for helping the kids understand and express what they need — and for reminding me and Jack to use calm, supportive language rather than jumping into referee mode.
It’s early days, but it’s already helping Leon feel seen, supported, and in control — and giving Sophie a way to join in without chaos.
Would something like this help in your house?
I’m thinking of turning it into a free downloadable resource with a parent guide and some phrase prompts to support calm communication — would you be interested?
(Photo below: our very real, very homemade cards — because progress doesn’t have to be perfect.)
