Real-Life Day Out with Kids: What I Actually Pack as a Neurodivergent Mum

Family day out

The past weeks have been… a lot.

The sun finally showed up in London, and with it came this weird energy shift.

Chaotic but good.

We’ve been out nearly every day. Mainly to the paddling pool down the road, which quickly became our unofficial summer hangout spot.

I didn’t pack anything special. No Pinterest snack boxes, no themed activities. Just water, crisps, and swimsuits already on.

That’s it.

And guess what?

They didn’t even eat the crisps. They were too busy being happy, wet, and wild with other kids.

Normally I overthink everything before we leave the house.

What should I bring? Will I forget something important? What if they get hungry or bored or overstimulated?

But this week, I surprised myself. I just went. I kept it simple. And in return, I watched them run free, make friends, splash for hours, without a care in the world.

It’s the Expectations That Drain Me Most...

I’ve realised something important lately.

It’s not the kids that make things hard. It’s the pressure I put on myself.

The mental load of “making it perfect” becomes so heavy that by the time we get to the park or pool, I’m already overwhelmed.

As a neurodivergent mum, that kind of planning and decision-making overloads me fast.

But staying inside all day doesn’t help either. That kind of stillness makes the overstimulation worse.

Getting out, even chaotically, helps me breathe. Because when the kids are occupied, when they’re running wild in the sun, I’m not constantly being touched or asked for something.

I actually get a few moments to just exist. That’s huge.

They Don’t Need Perfect. They Need Presence.

Watching them run around, I thought...

"I made them. I made these joyful, chaotic, free little humans"

They weren’t judging me for the snack I didn’t bring or the bag I forgot.

They were just… happy!

And I needed that reminder. They don’t need perfection. They don’t need curated days.

They just need space to be kids, and for me to show up as I am.

Even if I’m overstimulated. Even if I’m winging it. Even if I’m hiding behind my sunglasses with a half-warm bottle of water, breathing through the noise.

They’re still thriving. And honestly, so am I.

Just go. Be there. Let it be messy.

Your kids will remember the splashes, the laughs, the way you let them be free.

And maybe, just maybe...you’ll remember that you deserve to feel free, too.

Thank you for reading

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→ Or email me: thepracticalparent1@gmail.com

You’re never alone in this.