They say it takes a village, but sometimes, that “village” is just two sleep-deprived parents, standing side-by-side in the middle of a meltdown, trying to figure out what comes next.
Parenting isn’t just about raising a child. It’s about learning how to navigate the unpredictable — together. And for us, as a family raising neurodivergent children, we’ve come to understand that teamwork isn’t a bonus. It’s a lifeline.
But it hasn’t always been easy. And that’s okay too.
Learning to Let Go of Roles
Before our child came into the world, we had ideas of what parenting would look like. We made assumptions: who would handle what, how routines would run, how “balanced” things would be.
Spoiler alert: real life doesn’t follow a spreadsheet.
We quickly learned that rigid roles don’t work in the ever-shifting world of parenting. Some days one of us carries more, and the next day, the roles reverse. The point isn’t to keep it 50/50 — it’s to keep showing up for each other.
Communication: The Non-Negotiable
No one can read minds. Not even your partner. Especially not at 3 a.m.
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that clear, compassionate communication matters more than anything. Saying “I need help.” Saying “I’m tired.” Saying “You’re doing a good job” even when we both feel like we’re barely holding it together.
Because when we talk honestly, we don’t just solve problems — we soften them.
The Power of Small Gestures
Sometimes, support comes in big ways: attending therapy sessions together, learning about sensory needs as a team, or backing each other up during hard conversations.
But most of the time? It’s in the small stuff:
- Taking over bath time without being asked.
- Making tea before the other even realizes they need it.
- Tag-teaming the mess after a sensory play explosion.
- Catching each other’s eye across the room and silently saying, “We’ve got this.”
Our Children Feels It Too
One of the most powerful reminders we’ve received is this:
Our children senses when we’re united.
They feel the safety that comes from a steady foundation. They trust more deeply when we’re in sync. And they thrive in the warmth of a home where teamwork isn’t just talked about — it’s lived.
A Note to Other Parents
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t have to be perfectly aligned every day. But if you’re doing your best to parent together — to lift each other up, to step in when the other needs rest, to celebrate the wins and weather the tough stuff — you’re doing something truly beautiful.
FluffyGlowfish was born from our real-life family moments — from tag-teaming bedtime to sharing the joy of sensory discovery. This journey is about making parenting feel a little lighter, a little brighter, and a whole lot more connected.
Here’s to all the imperfect, incredible parenting teams out there — you’re not alone, and you’re doing amazing. 💛
Best Wishes
Samantha Joubert