I let them have too much screen time again because I had nothing left

What to do right now

You gave them the screen because you had nothing else to give. That is not a parenting failure. That is resource management under chronic depletion. The screen kept them safe and regulated while you recovered enough to keep going. Do not add guilt to exhaustion. Tomorrow is a new day.

What your brain just did

Your body

The screen time guilt is adding to the exhaustion that caused the screen time. A guilt loop on top of a depletion loop.

Your brain

Screens provide predictable, low-demand, high-stimulation input that regulates an ADHD child's nervous system effectively. You used the most reliable regulation tool available when your own regulation was gone.

What this did

Do not add guilt to exhaustion. The screen kept them safe and regulated while you recovered. That is harm reduction, not failure.