Do you ever reach that point in your day, that you can't do one more thing or accomplish anything else until you get some rest and some time to your self to rechanger you batteries.
I find that during the day I have many things I have to accomplish at work, its very stressful, and it requires energy to change tasks as often as I need to. I find when I get home, I find another pile of tasks to accomplish, like cooking Dinner and cleaning and what not. Helping my son with his homework, which is a mental struggle in itself, as he has ADHD as well, and his medicine running low and has for the most part worn off, its not easy to get him to concentrate.
Sometime after my son will Say "Play with me" or my wife will give me a list of stuff she wants me to go get at the store, or some chores she has been waiting for me to get started on, and thinks this is a great time to get them done. For example she will say, "Why don't you sit and do the bills, they need to get done"
And sometimes I reach that point with my mind spinning and so low on energy I will say No, not right now. Then I will tell them I am going to go find a quiet place and relax and I am not doing another thing today, and that I am tired and need a break from grind.
THis may sound selfish, but each day I try to put an hour or two away from others needs and to see to my own. I find I need to read, or even take a nap, or maybe just surf the net, but something mindless and wandering, and most importantly relaxing. I know being a good father is playing with his son when he asks and showing love. But Often I do not have time or the energy to be his playmate, usually I kiss him on the head, give him a quick hug and tell him that I'm too tired at the moment. He says "your always tired" and he's right, usually when he's asking its at the end of my day, and I don't have much juice left.
I often think its part of my add, because I notice the more tired I become the more irratation I feel when someone intrupts me as I am working. I hate being interupted when I am low on mental energy because it so hard to switch tasks.
Makes me feel like I'm being a jerk or lazy, but there is a point where there just isn't anything left to give....
Dave2u4now, I have two children, older now - 16 and 13 - my 13 year-old is handicapped and needs a lot of help with every-dady life. I too get that head achy feeling when I'm tired and at the end of my ' mental ' day and just want to be left alone. This used to make me feel so guilty - but know now that I will be a much better person later after my needed rest/break.
Our kids need to learn that we have limitations too, especially if ADD is an added factor, and explaining it to them age appropriately helps them understand as well as teaches them compassion towards their family members.
So get your rest/time and enjoy.
Buzz