The Importance of Compassion in Parenthood

Episode 130 with Anita Robertson.

“What’s hard for us is easy for everybody else. And what’s hard for everyone else is really easy for us.”

Anita is a psychotherapist in Austin, Texas, and the author of ADHD & Us: A Couple’s Guide to Loving and Living with Adult ADHD. 

Anita works with adults and couples, and she created the ADHD Relationship Bootcamp to help neurodiverse couples develop new skills to communicate effectively and improve their relationships. She also works with ADHD adults to make their environments ADHD-friendly: from executive functioning supports to sensory needs.

I reached out to Anita because while there seems to be plenty of advice out there on living with an ADHD partner, I haven’t seen a lot of books that address what it’s like to be the ADHD partner, especially as a woman. Many of us who are diagnosed in adulthood have difficulty explaining our ADHD traits and experiences, especially to our non-ADHD partners. Anita & I talk all about some of the more common stressors in relationships — like clutter or parenthood — and she describes the 5 ADHD relationship pillars and how we can embrace a growth mindset to improve communication and advocate for our needs.

Books & Articles mentioned:

ADHD & Us: A Couple's Guide to Loving and Living With Adult ADHD by Anita Robertson

Blog: When clutter makes your relationship messy

Website: anitarobertson.com

Instagram: @strengthinyourmind

- - - - -

Episode Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by Llama Life, the beautifully-designed, simple, and flexible app that uses time-boxing to help keep you focused as you work through your To Do list. Enjoy a 7-day free trial, then use the code KATYLLAMA20 for 20% off your first payment

- - - - -

Episode edited by E Podcast Productions

Find the transcript of this episode at www.womenandadhd.com/transcripts

- - - - -

Exclusive Deals for Listeners:

Green Chef, the #1 Meal Kit for Eating Well. If you struggle with meal prep like I do, head to GreenChef.com/womenadhd60 and use code womenadhd60 to get 60% off plus free shipping. 

Loop Earplugs provide a discreet and effective solution for managing sensory input, which can help individuals with autism, ADHD, or sensory issues to feel more comfortable and in control of their environment. Click http://bit.ly/3FISUdO and use the code LOOPXWOMENADHD for 15% off your order.

Dr. Steve’s Caffeine Melts. Sublingual caffeine changes the game and bypasses the stomach to activate my brain (not my gut). I get a boost of energy that’s cleaner and long-lasting, with no crashing or jittery feelings. Use the code WOMENADHD25 for 25% off your order.

- - - - -

Small group coaching with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/groupcoaching

- - - - -

Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/coaching

- - - - -

Order the “Hey, it’s ADHD!” course: www.womenandadhd.com/adhdcourse

- - - - -

Finally ... you've found your people! Now come join us in the Women & ADHD online community: www.womenandadhd.com

- - - - -

Did you love this episode? Click here to pledge a one-time donation to the podcast!

- - - - -

If you are a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and you’d like to be a guest on this podcast, please reach out to Katy via email womenandADHDpodcast (at) gmail.com.

Instagram: @womenandadhdpodcast

Tiktok: @womenandadhdpodcast

Twitter: @womenandadhd

Facebook: @womenandadhd