Win: I managed to get both boys to bed MUCH earlier for the last few days. We have been struggling a lot with ongoing feral behaviour from Leo, and we have been trying so hard to work out how to help regulate him. I told Leo that 2 days after Christmas the rules change for everyone and we have to go to bed at 7.30pm even though it's still sunny outside (middle of summer here) and miraculously he has been doing it. He seems to be coping a lot better in the day! Still plenty of tricky moments but I felt this was a win during what feels like our hardest parenting chapter yet. Challenge: just trying to keep Leo regulated during this holiday season. The change in routine has been incredibly difficult for him, and he has more than ever before, been so defiant with me and his dad. He seems to be pushing the boundaries as much as possible, shouting, screaming a lot (which makes his little brother cry) screaming more when his little brother cries (vicious loop!) ... we are just really exhausted.

We live in the heart of a big city and with end of year celebrations there have been some fireworks. There was a fireworks display the other night and Leo was absolutely petrified and now every night he asks me "no fireworks?" Any suggestions on how to manage this?

Thankfully yesterday and today he ate his safe foods without too much fuss. I'm hoping it was just maybe he was feeling sick last week for some reason. I'm sooo relieved. I tried to join the Autism dietitian membership but her enrolment is full currently. I've joined her waitlist. I found her instagram and she has so much content there so I will go through what's there! I can see she just had a baby so maybe that's why her membership isn't available at the moment which of course a totally understand!

Another question for Q and A. In 3 weeks time, I'm going overseas for 3 nights with Leo's little brother. Leo's never had a night without me. Any ideas on how to prep him?

Our mornings normally aren't too bad, but today Leo woke up feeling teary and only wanted to cuddle. When it came time to get dressed he kept trying to delay. When it came time to go to the car he had a full blown meltdown, kicking, screaming, crying. I had to carry him out and buckle him into the car with immense difficulty. Then he wouldn't let me go and I was stuck while he held me at his carseat. I stopped and let him cuddle for 2 minutes but then when I tried to leave he was sobbing again. I have no idea what triggered his mood today because nothing was put of the ordinary. Do you have any advice for mornings like this where we are all trying to get to school/work and don't have time to settle? Thanks

@Katie Lents thank you Katie for taking the time to film that, so appreciate your suggestions and I will try this. I think my husband and I can definitely work sounding more fun and less 'stressy' when we're rushing and hopefully that'll help lighten the tone. I like the idea of having something fun to look forward to, I'll have a think what we can do 😊

You nailed it! How GOOD is it when your evening goes so smoothly like that!