Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children TPP 040b: Margaret Webb on What To Do When Grandparents or Extended Family Don't Understand our Child
Dec 19, 2025
In this insightful discussion, parenting coach Margaret Webb shares her expertise on navigating family dynamics when grandparent and extended family misunderstand a child's needs. She explores common hurtful comments and emphasizes self-care and understanding your child to mitigate reactions. Margaret offers proactive planning strategies, like scripting responses and evaluating who deserves your energy. With practical tools and humor as allies, she provides invaluable advice for making family events more manageable for everyone involved.
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Judgment Feels Magnified Around Family
- Parents of differently wired kids often feel magnified judgment in family settings, which intensifies grief and frustration.
- Margaret Webb links those feelings to unsolicited "should" comments that trigger shame and reactivity.
Start With Self-Care And A Script
- Center yourself first by practicing self-care and processing emotions before engaging with family.
- Use scripts that name what you know works for your child and deflect unsolicited advice calmly.
Plan Adaptations And Boundaries Ahead
- Proactively tell hosts what adaptations you need (bring snacks, agree on time limits, or plan exits).
- If the host can't accommodate, weigh choices like leaving the child home or attending briefly.