A FINISH but also some sad stuff 

Take whatever time you need for your family. We all have our issues. We are all here for you and understand what you need to do for your family.

Hey girl! Please do just come and chat!! Your voice is very gentle and calming. Doesn't really matter about your stitching. I enjoy listening, and you seem to have the ability (it's a gift!) to talk and keep talking about anything and everything and keep my interest. Seems like I know you really in real life and would love to sit and have tea/g&t chat and catch up with you one day!

Congratulations on your finish. Its beautiful. As far as the hard time you are having, I definitely understand. You do what you have to do to keep yourself going. However, if you dont have stitching to show and you want to just come on and talk then please do so. We will talk back to you and do our best to encourage you and help you if possible. This is a great community from what I have seen. Im praying things get better soon and that you get the support that you need for your son as well as yourself.

Have you tried having him set a timer for 25 minutes to do work then break for 5 minutes. Then do it again. I have done this while studying and it helped me. Makes it feel less overwhelming. I am not on the spectrum but I remember feeling overwhelmed by how much I needed to study at the end of the school year. That method of study helps make it feel easier to manage. Instead of having to try and concentrate for hours, you just start with 25 minutes. Once you start to see the work pile lower (metaphorically) it can give you confidence to keep going. Your finish is beautiful. Sending hugs and hope things get easier soon.

Good video, and thanks for sharing - I love your Home for the Holidays finish - you do such beautiful work! My best observations - go with the joy - we all need it in our lives, we all deserve it and we all put it on the back burner - when you need it most, pull it out and work on it! Allow yourself and don't let your goals interfere, unless you find more joy in the finish! I know you have spoken of the Happy Village and that that is what it brings to you... thinking your way all day and wish you joy!

First , let me say thank you for your honesty in posting this video. Please feel free to do what you feel is right for you and your son. I am sorry he is having such a hard time. My prayers and support for your family through this difficult time. I hope the class you are attending will help, if not, I hope you are able to find a support group as I have found being with others in same or similar situations helps.Take care❤

If you ever need someone to talk to I'm here 💕 no one really realises how exhausting it is being a mummy to additional needs children. I hope it gets better for you 💓

Don't feel bad about taken a break we understand, pray things work out for you and your son take care of you.

Congratulations on your finish. I think you are wise to change your focus. Less decisions on this as you have to make adjustments and decisions in your important family life. I will enjoy seeing your butterfly ornament.

I'm so glad you did this video - you are amazing I can tell. Your son is blessed to have you as his mother - and, yes, I think just being there sometimes is enough. It's clear your son knows how much you love him - and that is the most important thing. My son has had a chronic illness his whole life & still has trouble every day - and there were days where all that could be said was that "Today is what it is. Tomorrow will be a better day but today is a hard day. And it's ok." We prayed for a miracle everyday & felt we were not getting any answers to those prayers. And then it dawned on me - that, in fact, our prayers had been answered because he was as good as he is and is not as sick as he could be. That helped. He is now almost 30 with a beautiful wife and a newborn child and has learned how to get through each day - the good & bad days. Now, that's a miracle. So, hold on tight & ride this out & pray for a better day for your son. Stand up and ask for the help you & he needs & deserve, whether at school or with the doctors. We had to turn absolutely everything upside down - thinking out of the box was not easy for me. And, as for stitching, your stitching is interesting, beautiful & fun to see, but I'm drawn to watch because of what you bring to the table. So, yes, please come back soon & don't worry if you've done any stitching to show or not - it will be good to hear from you when you're ready to return. Don't stay away too long. Sending thoughts & prayers for your family.

Wow, I resonate with so much of what you're saying. Trying to put a brave and happy face on everything takes soooo much effort! We took my son out of school at 12 yo, he suffers from anxiety and OCD and school were no help at all. I never saw home schooling coming, it threw me into a pit of depression and despair, and I could see no way out. Everyone said I was so amazing doing that, but what choice did I have? He is now 18 and has no formal qualifications as he cannot face the trauma of sitting an exam. He is intelligent, practical and caring but without those pieces of paper I wonder what his future will bring. We live in rural Sussex and he does not drive, too traumatic also. How will he ever get a job and enough income to support a family, bus services are sparse. Schools assume one size fits all and it certainly does not. They do not have the resources anyway to cope. I am struggling with my own mental health too, it's so hard. Words of advice for you....? I've only just discovered your channel so I don't know your personal circumstances, do you have a partner or your son's father who can help relieve your burden? The course you're doing sounds a step in the right direction, are you going with someone or on your own? As far as stitching is concerned, it must be kept as your own downtime, your "me" time, forget RU-vid until you are ready. Know this though, we'll all be here when you return, waiting. I hope things improve for you and your son.

Hi😊 I cannot imagine what you're going through, but it must be very overwhelming. Stay strong! I wish you all the best! And when you'll feel like, we'll be here waiting for your videos❤

I loved the demo your hubby presented. He said the name of the cat was Totto. I like Misty better. Really cute and beautiful cat. Bet she loves her mamma (mum in the UK).

Sending(( hugs )) ...congratulations!!! can't wait to see your home for the holidays framed and on your wall xx

Do what you need to. Been and still are going on. Child had 2 years of doing almost nothing after reaching almost 17. Eventually got back on track sort of, completed final year of school over 2 years, almost finished uni degree slowly. Not sure what next after the end of this year. About the school, find another better fit one. We should have done that earlier, if we had known. Other than that, keep including him, loving him.

The Kincaid is beautiful! Congratulations on a finish. Now you have me considering stitching one! I’ve started Happy Village after seeing yours 😂. Teenagers are not easy under the best of times. Just being there and continuing to learn all you can about what he is going through is good. Schools and teachers do not always have the time and understanding needed for student needs and attention individually. It can be so frustrating as a parent.

Congratulations on your finish!!

Congratulations on your finish. One day at a time and you are amazing. And love your videos and being in your discord

Sorry to hear you will he taking a break but look after your son, your family and yourself and I look forward to seeing you again when you are ready

Your Kincade is gorgeous. Hugs for you and your troubles. We will be here for you when you get back. Take care of yourself. Stay strong. 🇨🇦

Your finish is beautiful, congratulations! Sorry to hear of your problems, take care and hope to see your videos soon!

I’ve just found your channel I’m from Australia and love your content looking forward to seeing you at a later date. Wishing you all the best and hope that you will look after yourself especially your mental health. We will all be here when you feel able to return ❤

Congrats on your finish.🎉 it's gorgeous 😍.I find just being around for your kids as you say is helpful even if you dont even realise it. As an Autistic myself I wish mine checked on me more at 16 as i struggled so bad with depression at the time and got severe burnout that took me years to recover from, i was also undiagnosed at the time and was doing mainstream as everyone else. I tried to get support when I went to college but was clueless on what was going g to help. Thankfully fir uni, i was diagnosed during this and disclosed it and the helped me fond the help I needed. I have people telling me ti get my memory checkesd as I xan forget but its actually a concentration issue not a memory( i used have fab recall as a child and nearly photographic memory unfortunately my burnout caused a huge lack in many areas). I need work more on my HAED SAL.

Hello I'm dealing with exactly the same at the moment it's very hard and draining.. my stitching has plummeted. Hope things get easier for you all.. congratulations on your kinkade finishes it's beautiful x

Let him develop his interests/hobbies!

🍀

I sort of know what you mean with your son. Be encouraged. It WILL get better. I don't have a sone but I went through this myself. The solution is to keep doing what your doing now. Bc of my parents constant love and motivation, I overcame it. I learned to deal with distraction. Your son will also learn to deal with it.

As a friend.. friends support each other in joyous times, and support in challenging times. If a break is needed, I for one support you, will think of you and pray for good will on your world and will look forward to your updates. Keep on stitching. It’s our therapy, it’s our time to slow our brains down and reassess. It’s meditation.

Great seeing your finishes and you. Take care friend.

Wow, thanks so much for your honesty and courage. I, also, have a son on the spectrum. An awful lot of what you described in this video struck a chord within me because they are the same thoughts and feelings that I had. My son is now 31, so I’m here to say that you will get through it. I think the important thing to remember is that you have to do what’s right for your son AND you. That’s all that matters. Undue pressure for either of you isn’t going to help anything. I would never have the nerve to tell everyone what you did and I applaud you for that! I also think that love is the key, and that is what will get you through. I wish I was closer (I’m in Canada) so I could give you a big hug. Please take care and I’m here anytime if you need to talk!!!

Also pls don't feel bad about showing us stitching just come back for chat if you want we would love to see u x

It was such a brave and honest video. You are a very strong person to have spoken about this. We all have challenges and times when our hobbies have to take a back seat but we will find them waiting for us when we get back there. You need to look after you and your family who are incredibly lucky to have you! I’ve been going through a tough time lately and your videos have helped me create a calm space when I needed it. I’ve listened to lots of your old stitch with me. The calmness and serenity within them was just what I needed. It will be great to see you, however, whenever you can or want to. Take care of yourself xx

No need to feel bad about taking a break - family always comes first. Showing your stitching, or just chatting - it will be lovely to see you again, whenever you are ready. xxx

Congratulations on your finish. It's beautiful! Please don't feel bad about taking a break, we will be here when you're ready. Family comes first. ⚘️⚘️⚘️

Beautiful finish ❤It will look amazing framed! My son finished highschool last year and it became a bit of a struggle for him. But we ended up deciding that as long as he tried his best with or without studying - his choices, it was ok. There are many different ways to get to where they want to go in life after school and as long as we have a goal and a plan its all ok. This lifted the stress from him and us. They are just kids and the pressure to do well right now because apparently it will dictate the rest of their life - is a huge pressure. Not to mention the other pressures of being a teenager. Most people have no idea what they want to do in life at this age and many young adults I have spoken to have said that they hated the pressure and sleepless nights they had back then and it got them nowhere because they burnt themselves out with stress. A lot of these kids ended up just getting a job for a while until they figured out what to try next. You are not alone x you are being an amazing Mum for helping and supporting him. I hope you guys can navigate through this phase together minus the stress.

Family is first. And we are all your Stitchy FRIENDS! You come and talk and share whenever you want. Maybe a couple Stitch with Me video where you can stitch and talk, and we can send love and support and stitch along with you. Congratulations on your finish!!! That is awesome! I just started my second Full Coverage project. Need to finish the first one. Take care and look forward to seeing you again. We will be here.

I have a suggestion I am on the spectrum. My advice is let him try a head I love all crafts and maybe that could help calm the process make sure you do daily even if its half an hour! That way it's in the routine. But anything crafty would be good cause then you can be you but also have fun with your son just a suggestion for the summer time

From one autism mum to another I send you a heartfelt hug and understanding. My boys are 12 yrs next month and 8 yrs. They both have autism and the youngest is also ADHD. The thing that gets me about trying to care and meet their needs is that you’re expected to have this extra time where you can research and fill out a million forms to get the extra help you need, and also study to get your unofficial degree in spectrum studies also- when your entire day is already chockablock with just trying to get everyone through it as safely and happy as possible, whilst trying to keep a roof over your head and food in people’s tummy’s. My heart really does go out to you as we’re approaching those teenage years and tbh I’m quite apprehensive on how those extra hormones are going to go! I hope you gain some peace soon, and best wishes for your son and his exams. Much love xx

I miss you.

We will be here when you return. You are an amazing mother and your son is lucky to have you. Congrats on the gorgeous finish! Come back when ready. If even to just talk with us, your friends. Xoxo

I would watch your videos even if you don't have any stitching in them. Everybody is lonely in their own corner of this world, we all seek company of the ones we share values, hobbies, likes. I sincerely hope you can make time for yourself too, please remember to take care of yourself. Love your content❤

The finished work is beautiful ! Timeless piece to enjoy , ❤

I'm sorry to hear about your son's current struggles. I'm not sure if you are aware that every school in Edinburgh has an Educational Psychologist assigned to them to help guide and assist teachers and parents in these situations. Parents are invited to contact the Ed Psychs directly if they have concerns. Their phone number and email are on their website (RU-vid won't allow me to post those details). Good luck x PS your Home for the Holidays finish is gorgeous

❤❤❤❤ family first always. You're a fantastic mom!!

No how you feel hunnie I'm going through the same with my autistic teen and exams schools don't understand I don't really have any advice as I'm a novice with this but I can send a hug xx

It will be exciting to see your progress when you come back. It’s good to meet with others that are going through the same struggles. The school system where I live are mostly helpful with kids that are on the spectrum is why one of my friends keeps her son in the public school. Otherwise she would pull him out like our pastor and his wife decided to do. Now their son has surpassed his grade level after being 2 years behind. I

Congratulations on a fabulous finish!! It looks amazing ❤😊 You don’t owe us in RU-vid-land anything, take time to decompress and come back when you feel ready. We will be here welcoming you back whenever that is. If you feel like coming on for a chat or showing 100 stitches, it’s all fine ❤❤. You take care of yourself and your family ❤

You have to do what you have to do. Don't feel guilty. Come on and chat whenever you feel the need. It is good to share. We will also look forward to any little progress you have to show. I will be checking in on you every little while. I will miss you my friend so make sure you keep us informed.

Home for the holidays is beautiful! Take good care of yourself and your family. They are most important. As you said: stitching is a hobby and you do you the way it suits you best at any time. I really enjoy your videos and one of the most important parts for me, next to your projects, is you being you. If it gives you breathing space leave the video's for what they are (might be a Dutch expression, I'm not sure) and spend your time with your loved ones, especially the ones that need you most, and some stitching if you have the energy and time. We'll see you again when you are ready to be back. ❤ and take care!

I’m always so glad to see you with a new Flosstube. You are one of my favorites! When you were talking about taking a break, and why, I thought “Why not just come and talk with us, as friends?” And I was pleased to hear you say that, too. Please do! I’m not a mum, so I don’t have anything constructive to say about your situation with your son. For what it’s worth, the only thing I can say is, just take a breath, and stop frequently, then just know that God loves you and your dear son - and feel it. It will make a difference. Love to you from all of us!❤

The way you offer support sounds perfect, not imposing, but always be there. Maybe just ask your son what kind of support he would like... and be okay with it if that changes from day to day. And congratulations on your finish🎉❤. Take your break, flosstube is not an obligation. We'll miss you, but support you and respect you for your choice. See you!

Love your finish. Family first take the time for you and your family. We will be here when you get back.

So sorry you are going through such a bad time. I hope the classes you are going to help you come through this and you meet other parents who are in a similar position you can talk to. I will miss your flosstube videos, I could listen to you talking all day. You are such a lovely person. Hope and pray things get better for you and your family soon. Look forward to listening to you again soon xxx

Your finish looks beautiful. I agree that being there for your son is important at this stage in his life. I love your videos and your beautiful WIPs. I understand wanting to take a break. You need to take care of your son. I hope one day to seeing you come back.

Congratulations on your finish, it's lovely. I look forward to seeing it framed and ready to be displayed. Please take care of yourself, son and family. That's what is most important. We'll be here when you feel up to joining us, even if it's just to check in now and then. I always look forward to your videos, you've inspired me to start 3 HAED's by Vincent Fleming. You have a way of speaking that is very calming and just a joy to listen to while I stitch along with you. I'll be sending you and your family lots of positive thoughts, take care.

It's always so nice to see your wips. Congratiolations to your finish, its beautiful! When you are in the mood of making a meeting again, I will come here again

Beautiful finish on your Kincade design. Take all the time you need. We will be here when you need us. I hope you can find quiet moments to stitch. It’s great therapy dont you think? Take care.

Congratulations on your finish. Please don't feel Quilty. Family first I will miss your videos I rewatch your lives and stitch with me Where I am in school kids that are on the spectrum or anything they have people that come in help them and teachers understand and give them support and gives them extra time. Every stitch you put in your projects is that much closer to a finish. I really hope you won't be away for long as I like your stitching and like to hear about your life as I have no family and no friends really so I will be here for you whenever you are back

Always do what is best for you and your family, you are a warrior mummy and we are hear to give you love and hugs be proud of yourself and all that you achieve xx❤

Congrats on your finish! I've enjoyed watching your progress! Like you said though, family first! Take care of yourself and your son. No pressure, just take a break as long as you need and we'll be here to enjoy and listen when you come back 😘

Congratulations on your finish! It is lovely. As for your son, I’m sorry to say I don’t have any advice. Hopefully, the group you recently joined can be a help to you and your family. I’ve appreciated the time and effort you’ve taken to share your cross stitch with us and I’ve loved the history videos you’ve made too. Take care.

Congratulations on your finish! It's beautiful. I enjoy your videos. I feel like I need to send you a big hug, it's so tough to have teenagers these days. My son had some troubles in life in recent years (though after school age) and all you can do is be there and support them in the best way you know how. I've known of some who have really had to battle the school system to get the assistance that their child needed. It really shouldn't have to be a fight but unfortunately it often is. Big hugs to you and anytime you feel the need to hop on here and vent it out, we'll be here for you

Congratulations on your finish Home for holidays, it is fabulous. Being a mum of a teenager doing exams is never easy but even harder when they need additional support. I hope you finally get the help and support you need. Don’t be hard on yourself for taking a break, come back when you are ready and take care of yourself x

I am on the spectrum myself. Youre son sounds overstimulated by what he has to do. I think researching the spectrum helps, there is a lot of good sources on yt. Mom on the spectrum is a good one. Just being there for youre son is best. Most ppl on the spectrum can not tell you what it is they need. Find things that calms him down, less inputs. Or even inputs that he enjoys. The emotional en tantrum outburst are a sign of to much input. I hope any of this helps

Congratulations on your Home for the Holidays! I totally understand the frustration you feel with your son. It is not easy, I have had experience with my daughters and son which has challenged my emotions. Hang in there. I recall you saying in a previous video "stitching is something I can control " believe it or not it helped me get through a tough time. Just to know I had control over something when it seems like everything around me is falling apart. I enjoy watching your videos regardless of how many you make, if you need a break or just showing a couple of things I support whatever you would like to do.

Of course you will be missed but totally understandable. You have been an inspiration in my stitching world. I have gone through 3 teenage years some easier than others. All the best to you and your family. We're here when you can be. ❤

Well done on your finish it looks so good🥰🤩. I hope it all goes well with your son. From what know about people that stich are the kindness and I know you have our love and support at this challenging time. Ps love your videos looking forward to seeing you after your well deserved break 💕❤️❣️

Oh! Carla, so sorry your going through so much with your son. I love your utubes and your beautiful stitching. Home for the holiday’s is a fabulous finish, I’m very tempted to stitch it too!. See you when your ready to come back. Take care x

Congratulations on your beautiful finish 🎉. My son, now aged nearly 30, was arrested for arson when he was 15. Different to your situation of course, but I do understand the stress of being a parent to a teen who isn’t doing what society expects. Not sure I’ve got much wisdom for you either! The course sounds good, hope you will meet people there you can share your trials with. My son came through his difficult months really well, he is happy and healthy and settled with a steady gf and a cat, and there was never any further trouble. It honestly was “just a phase”, an awful phase. You are right to take your time and have a rest. Hugs xx 😘

I had trouble focusing in school, too. What worked for me might obviously might not work for your son. I had to study for short burst. Like study for 30 mins break for 15. I also had to have a space made just for studying and headphones with calming music. There are tons of lofi music on youtube now and sound effects like a river you could compound together. Hopefully things will work out though!