Season 2, Episode 17: Letting Go of Self-Blame – Grace Over Guilt in 2026 Walk With Me Mom: From Burnout to Balance

We’re deep into our 2026 Graceful Parenting: Thriving with Autism series, and today we tackle one of the heaviest burdens autism moms carry: self-blame.

That relentless voice whispering, “If I had started therapies sooner… fought harder… been more patient… structured better… given each child exactly what they needed… maybe things would be different.” If your chest tightens hearing that, this episode is your gentle release.

Nicki gets raw about her own layered guilt—replaying meltdowns with her non-verbal son, wondering if she missed signs or mishandled moments; feeling stretched thin with her brilliant, creative, ADHD-wired daughter who’s so much like her “mini-me,” yet worrying she couldn’t always give her the focused connection she deserved. The pull between children with different needs creates a special kind of guilt that says you’re failing someone no matter what.

But here’s the truth Nicki learned (and wants you to hold tight): Frustration, needing breaks, imperfect days, divided attention—none of it means you’re failing. It means you’re human, loving fiercely in a complex reality.

Graceful parenting isn’t perfection. It’s showing up with intention, learning as you go, and extending yourself the same compassion you give your kids.

Nicki shares 5 practical steps to release the weight:

1. Name the narrative out loud (“I didn’t handle that well”)
2. Separate intention from outcome—your love and effort count
3. Reframe the story (“I showed up with what I had—that’s enough”)
4. Look for evidence of grace in tiny daily wins
5. Give yourself permission to be imperfect—it models resilience for your children

Today’s Grace Affirmation My child’s challenges are not my fault. I parent with love, intention, and care. I replace self-blame with self-compassion.

Faith Encouragement “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” —Romans 8:1 (NIV)

No condemnation for your parenting. Not for the hard days, the missed signs, the breaks you took, or the things you couldn’t afford or control. God’s grace covers every “should” you’ve carried. You didn’t cause your child’s autism or ADHD. You are the reason they are loved, seen, advocated for, and held.

Resources & Support Ready to release self-blame and parent with more peace, clarity, and grace? → One-on-one coaching tailored to your family: www.walkwithmemom.com → Join the private community for autism moms—a judgment-free space to breathe and connect → Email Nicki directly: info@nickibradley.com (she reads every message)

You are a good mom. You’re parenting with deep intention and love—even when it feels uneven. You don’t have to carry the guilt alone.

Next week: Honoring exhaustion without guilt—because rest is part of the love you give.

#AutismMom #GracefulParenting #SelfCompassion #Neurodiversity #SpecialNeedsParenting #FromBurnoutToBalance

Please email any questions, comments, to info@nickibradley.com

Don't forget to Like, Share & Subscribe!

Visit: www.walkwithmemom.com

Season 2, Episode 16: Letting Go of Typical Parenting Standards Walk With Me Mom: From Burnout to Balance

In this powerful kickoff to our 2026 Graceful Parenting Series, Nicki confronts the crushing weight of “typical” parenting expectations—the unspoken rulebook that says kids must hit every milestone on time, eat everything, play “the right way,” and socialize like neurotypical peers.

If those standards have left you feeling like you’re failing your autistic child (or yourself), this episode is your permission slip to set them down.

Nicki shares raw reflections from her own journey—comparing her non-verbal son and high-functioning daughter to checklists and waiting-room kids, the guilt that followed, and the quiet relief that came when she finally stopped measuring her family against a mold that was never designed for them.

We flip the script on the most painful expectations:

• “Kids should eat a wide variety of foods” → Progress is one new texture in six months, not perfection
• “Play with toys the right way” → Lining up, spinning, scripting is play—and connection
• “Make friends easily” → Meaningful connection on their terms matters more than playdates
• “Milestones on schedule” → Your child is on their own timeline, not “behind”
• “Good moms are always patient” → Exhaustion doesn’t make you bad—it makes you human

Plus a gentle faith encouragement from 2 Corinthians 10:12: Comparison was never God’s standard for you or your child.

Today’s Grace Affirmation My child does not need to be typical to be thriving. Their way of learning, playing, and communicating is valid. I release comparison and trust our unique path.

Resources & Support Ready to parent with more clarity, confidence, and grace? → One-on-one coaching for autism moms: www.walkwithmemom.com → Join the private community where grace—not perfection—is the standard → Email Nicki directly: info@nickibradley.com (she reads every message)

You are a good mom. You’re doing this with intention and love—even on the heavy days. You don’t have to carry it alone.

Next week: Letting go of self-blame.

Share this episode with another autism mom who needs the reminder. You’ve got this. I’m walking with you.

Please email any questions, comments, to info@nickibradley.com

Don't forget to Like, Share & Subscribe!

Visit: www.walkwithmemom.com

Episode Title: Special Episode: Graceful Parenting - Thriving with Autism | Season Introduction (2026)

Season 2: Walk With Me Mom: From Burnout to Balance – 2026 Theme Launch

Episode Description:

Kick off 2026 with grace. 💙

In this heartfelt season premiere, Nicki shares her raw journey as mom to a non-verbal autistic son and an autistic/ADHD daughter—years of chasing “perfect” parenting, battling self-blame, and carrying bone-deep exhaustion while brushing it aside.

This year’s theme, Graceful Parenting: Thriving with Autism, flips the script:

• Ditch typical milestones and one-size-fits-all standards
• Release self-blame for your child’s unique neurology
• Honor real exhaustion (not just “mom tired”) without shame
• Redefine thriving as presence, flexibility, and kindness—especially toward yourself

Nicki grounds the conversation in faith with powerful reminders from 2 Corinthians 12:9 (“My grace is sufficient for you”) and Isaiah 40:11 (God gently leads those with young), affirming that weakness is an invitation to lean on grace, not a failure.

Whether you’re feeling validated, challenged, or hopeful, this episode sets the tone for honest, shame-free support all season long.

Mentioned in this episode:

• One-on-one coaching for overwhelmed autism + neurodivergent moms → www.walkwithmemom.com
• Private community for ongoing encouragement → www.walkwithmemom.com
• Email for questions: info@nickibradley.com

Grace Affirmation to carry with you: “My child does not need a perfect parent—they need me.”

Next week: Letting Go of Typical Parenting Standards.

You’re not alone. You’re already doing something brave. I’m walking with you. 🤍

#AutismMom #NeurodivergentParenting #GracefulParenting #AutismAcceptance #FaithAndParenting #MomBurnout #SpecialNeedsMom #ThrivingWithAutism

Please email any questions, comments, to info@nickibradley.com

Don't forget to Like, Share & Subscribe!

Visit: www.walkwithmemom.com