Motherhood in ADHD – Parenting with ADHD, Productivity Tips, Brain based Science, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Education to Help Moms with Adult ADHD
Patricia Sung
Productivity, Parenting, and Education for Moms with Adult ADHD
Are you overwhelmed by the never-ending to do list of motherhood? Are you burnt out and barely keeping your head above water? Are you confused and frustrated by how all the other moms make it look so easy? And somehow you're still floundering despite trying even harder...
Your purse is as overflowing as your mind, you never feel like a good enough mom, and you don't dare have anyone over to visit to witness your messy home. You just want the best for your kids, but you can't figure out how to manage the chaos, both in your mind and in your house.
Oh, I've been there, mama. Some days, I'm still there. Parenting with ADHD is hard!
We want to be structured for our kids, yet we can't seem to stay consistent even for ourselves. But I'm letting go of everyone else's perception of a "good mom" and stepping into loving who I am a little more each day. Will you join me?
Whether you have ADHD like I do, or think you might, here is your permission slip to let go of the pinterest worthy visions of organization and structure fit for everyone else. Let's do life like our brains do life: creatively, lovingly, and with all your might. Moms with ADHD have a superpower of always trying their best, even when it doesn't pan out.
How do I know? I have known about my ADD for over twenty years, and I want to share all of this hard-earned ADHD knowledge with you, making your adjustment a lot easier and faster than mine was.
What does Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder look like in women? We'll dive into emotional regulation, motivation, executive function, hormones, medication, and natural treatments. Women with ADHD share their diagnosis stories with us, whether inattentive, hyperactive or combined, from childhood through adult diagnoses. We also talk about ADHD's so-called friends like depression, anxiety, addiction, disordered eating, other learning differences, and what I've learned through therapy and CBT.
Science is my jam and learning about how our brains work through the lens of scientific research helps us understand who we are. ADHD is not just for little boys; it looks different in girls.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurological medical condition, not an excuse for lazy, stupid, unmotivated people to not live up to our potential. Let's agree to throw that thought in the trash.
Once we understand how our brains work, we can dive into the practical strategies like structuring our day, minimalism, money, nurturing our relationships, daily rhythms, using a planner, and improving our sleep. I want to help you build your version of a joyful family life.
We talk about everything from ADHD to Zebras, because that is how Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder works: to us, our thoughts are clearly connected, but non-linear to everyone else. I want you to love being a zebra in a world full of horses. We were born as unique, gorgeous creatures, not meant to blend in with the usual nor mundane.
When we embrace who we are and how our brains work, we can figure out how to live out lives successfully and in turn, lead our families well.
At the end of the day, we just want to be good moms. Spoiler alert: you are already a great mom.
If you're ready to see that with your own two eyes, hit play and listen in as we love ourselves a little more each day of our ADHD lives. ADHD does NOT mean you're doomed to be a hot mess, mama!
You CAN rewrite your story from shame spiral to success story, and I'll be right here beside you to cheer you on!
With love, Patricia Sung, a fellow mama with ADHD
Free Resources and Transcriptions at: motherhoodinadhd.com
Connect with Patricia Sung on Instagram: www.instagram.com/motherhoodinadhd
Join like-minded mamas in our Successful Mama Meetups online community: https://www.patriciasung.com/meetup
Sign up for community, courses, coaching, and tons of free resources to learn about ADHD: www.patriciasung.com
Are you overwhelmed by the never-ending to do list of motherhood? Are you burnt out and barely keeping your head above water? Are you confused and frustrated by how all the other moms make it look so easy? And somehow you're still floundering despite trying even harder...
Your purse is as overflowing as your mind, you never feel like a good enough mom, and you don't dare have anyone over to visit to witness your messy home. You just want the best for your kids, but you can't figure out how to manage the chaos, both in your mind and in your house.
Oh, I've been there, mama. Some days, I'm still there. Parenting with ADHD is hard!
We want to be structured for our kids, yet we can't seem to stay consistent even for ourselves. But I'm letting go of everyone else's perception of a "good mom" and stepping into loving who I am a little more each day. Will you join me?
Whether you have ADHD like I do, or think you might, here is your permission slip to let go of the pinterest worthy visions of organization and structure fit for everyone else. Let's do life like our brains do life: creatively, lovingly, and with all your might. Moms with ADHD have a superpower of always trying their best, even when it doesn't pan out.
How do I know? I have known about my ADD for over twenty years, and I want to share all of this hard-earned ADHD knowledge with you, making your adjustment a lot easier and faster than mine was.
What does Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder look like in women? We'll dive into emotional regulation, motivation, executive function, hormones, medication, and natural treatments. Women with ADHD share their diagnosis stories with us, whether inattentive, hyperactive or combined, from childhood through adult diagnoses. We also talk about ADHD's so-called friends like depression, anxiety, addiction, disordered eating, other learning differences, and what I've learned through therapy and CBT.
Science is my jam and learning about how our brains work through the lens of scientific research helps us understand who we are. ADHD is not just for little boys; it looks different in girls.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurological medical condition, not an excuse for lazy, stupid, unmotivated people to not live up to our potential. Let's agree to throw that thought in the trash.
Once we understand how our brains work, we can dive into the practical strategies like structuring our day, minimalism, money, nurturing our relationships, daily rhythms, using a planner, and improving our sleep. I want to help you build your version of a joyful family life.
We talk about everything from ADHD to Zebras, because that is how Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder works: to us, our thoughts are clearly connected, but non-linear to everyone else. I want you to love being a zebra in a world full of horses. We were born as unique, gorgeous creatures, not meant to blend in with the usual nor mundane.
When we embrace who we are and how our brains work, we can figure out how to live out lives successfully and in turn, lead our families well.
At the end of the day, we just want to be good moms. Spoiler alert: you are already a great mom.
If you're ready to see that with your own two eyes, hit play and listen in as we love ourselves a little more each day of our ADHD lives. ADHD does NOT mean you're doomed to be a hot mess, mama!
You CAN rewrite your story from shame spiral to success story, and I'll be right here beside you to cheer you on!
With love, Patricia Sung, a fellow mama with ADHD
Free Resources and Transcriptions at: motherhoodinadhd.com
Connect with Patricia Sung on Instagram: www.instagram.com/motherhoodinadhd
Join like-minded mamas in our Successful Mama Meetups online community: https://www.patriciasung.com/meetup
Sign up for community, courses, coaching, and tons of free resources to learn about ADHD: www.patriciasung.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 10, 2025 • 51min
E261: What If Everyone Hates Me? Book Update #3
What if everyone hates me? What if no one reads my book? No one told me that writing a book came with an existential crisis. Wrestling with how to write the book that moms need, while also showing up fully as myself, and writing words I can stand by for decades to come… this has been a lot more weighty than I expected. I thought I was going to be updating you on logistics, timelines, and contracts. What I’m mostly sharing is how I’m navigating a tough inner critic, anxiety, and people pleasing. Let’s jump in. Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-261-what-if-everyone-hates-me-book Links mentioned in this episode: Ready to get away? Our annual ADHD Moms Weekend Retreat is coming up October 10-12, 2025 in Houston, Texas! You're officially invited :) “Honestly, this was one the best weekends I've had since becoming a mom. I've never felt so seen and understood. I would hop on a plane and go again. No hesitation! I'll follow y’all anywhere, moms.” –ADHD Mama J.Q. (4th time attending) I’ll take care of all the details - you simply show up and enjoy. I take care of you while you learn how to take even better care of yourself, in a way that’s sustainable for real momlife. Because you can take care of your family when you’re in a healthy place. Learn more here: patriciasung.com/retreat Or go directly to the waitlist and add your name here: patriciasung.com/retreat-waitlist Episode 10: How to be Less Late: An ADHD Guide for improving timeliness when you are time blind Episode 238: Setting Boundaries and Navigating Criticism: Managing RSD, Hypersensitivity, and Overstimulation with ADHD Tell me what you want to read about, join the beta reading team, or just be nosy about the first book on being a mom with ADHD: patriciasung.com/book
Mar 20, 2025 • 18min
E260: Are You Lazy and Procrastinating or Prioritizing for Later?
HOT TAKE: I don’t believe people with ADHD are lazy. There is a reason that they don’t want to or can’t do the thing, and when you untangle that obstacle, voila! It’s easier to get things done. How do you know the difference between procrastinating and prioritizing for later? There are some things in life we can’t avoid, so how do you deal with them? How do you know when it truly is not the time for certain tasks and feel okay setting them aside without worrying if you’ll never remember them again? Here’s a clip from Successful Mama Meetups during our month themed "Procrastination or Burnout? (How to tell the difference between when you need rest & when you’re avoiding something)” because the mamas requested this topic. You’re not alone in this. I’m sharing supportive strategies for dealing with too many tasks – many of them unappealing – and not enough time to do them all. Understanding ADHD's impact on prioritizing makes a huge difference in how you deal with the never-ending to do list of adulting and parenting. Let’s dive in! Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-260-adhd-lazy-procrastinating-or-prioritizing Links mentioned in this episode: Rooted Group Coaching for ADHD Moms is enrolling for next month. Learn how to get stuff done without the torture with ADHD friendly skills you can teach your kids, too. Join here: patriciasung.com/group Free ADHD Resource: The ADHD Secret to Overcoming Time Blindness
Mar 6, 2025 • 22min
E259: Juggling Big Goals and Parenting with ADHD: Book Update #2
Ditch the quest for Pinterest perfection and actually get stuff done. In this episode, I’m getting real about how my book proposal is going amidst juggling the whirlwind of parenting and work projects. The highs and lows of writing are kicking in already. Do I need to write multiple books because there's just too much to say? Slow your roll, Patricia! One step at a time! I still have to balance work and family life, which is no easy feat, especially while ADHD and parenting are being greatly affected in America’s current situation. I don’t have a lot of answers today, but I have honest stories to share about what makes this goal difficult, yet worthwhile. Come along while I attempt to figure out how to make big dreams and goals a reality while keeping my sanity. I hope it gives you a boost of motivation to tackle a few items on your own chaotic to-do list while prioritizing your mental health. We can do this! Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-259-juggling-big-goals-parenting-with-adhd-book-update2 Links mentioned in this episode: Ready to get away? Our annual ADHD Moms Weekend Retreat is coming up October 10-12, 2025 in Houston, Texas! You're officially invited :) “Gift yourself the opportunity to meet like-minded people (literally), make instant friendships, and the space to finally be yourself.” –ADHD Mama T.H. I’ll take care of all the details - you simply show up and enjoy. Put it on your calendar now. Because you deserve to take care of yourself too. Learn more here: patriciasung.com/retreat Or go directly to the waitlist and add your name here: patriciasung.com/retreat-waitlist
Feb 20, 2025 • 19min
E258: Reset After a Meltdown or Total Shutdown
When you’re hiding in the bathroom in a puddle of tears on the floor, what do you do next? When you’ve yelled at your family and said things you regret during a grownup temper tantrum and wish you could hide under a rock forever, what do you do next? When the shame and guilt and overwhelm feel like too much to bear, what do you do now? It’s so common for those of us with ADHD to get overwhelmed and shutdown or say things we regret. Here’s a clip from Successful Mama Meetups during our month themed "Your Reset Button (How to reset after a total shutdown or meltdown)” because the mamas requested this topic. You’re not alone in this. I’m sharing supportive strategies for dealing with stress and moving forward when it feels hopeless or impossible. Understanding ADHD's impact on your emotional regulation makes a huge difference in how you deal with stress. Big hugs. Let’s talk about it. Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-258-reset-after-adhd-meltdown-shutdown Links mentioned in this episode: When you feel anger rising, how can you find calm and stay present in the moment? Hit play on Slow Down, Be Present: a calming audio private podcast for both sleep and anxiety. It’s only $9. Snag yours here: patriciasung.com/slowdown Rooted Group Coaching for ADHD Moms is enrolling for next month. Learn how to deal with your emotions with ADHD friendly skills you can teach your kids, too. Join here: patriciasung.com/group Free Video and Checklist → Stop Medusa Mom: 10 Ways to Calm Down
Feb 6, 2025 • 20min
E257: I Love You But I Don't Like You: Supporting ADHD Relationships
You chose this person for a reason. You love them. Aaaaand relationships are complicated. Sometimes you may not LIKE your partner as much as you love them. Adding ADHD in the mix is more than another layer of complexity to your relationship, whether it affects you, your partner, or both. As Valentine's Day approaches, here’s a clip from Successful Mama Meetups during our month theme "I love you, but I don't like you". I’m sharing supportive strategies for fostering strong, loving connections. Understanding ADHD's impact on your relationships makes a huge difference in how you interact together and stay together. I’m adding a relationship twist on my three foundational principles: learning about ADHD, taking care of yourself, and asking for help. Strong loving relationships are possible for ADHDers, too! Let’s discuss! Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-257-adhd-relationship-support Links mentioned in this episode: Rooted Group Coaching for ADHD Moms is enrolling for next month. Join here: patriciasung.com/group Free Download: ADHD in Women Common Symptoms Checklist
Jan 30, 2025 • 27min
E256: I’m Writing a Book for Moms with ADHD
I’m writing a book for moms with ADHD. Whoo-hoo! First up, I want your input! What do you wish you had known years ago about having ADHD? What do you wish more people were talking about? Tell me what you want to read about: patriciasung.com/book Are you interested in joining the beta reader team? Fill in the same form and check the beta reader box: patriciasung.com/book Wanna follow along with how I’m gonna make this project doable as a mom with ADHD running two businesses while trying to be a good wife and mom, and keep my health and sanity thriving? Follow along here (yup, same form): patriciasung.com/book What else is happening in 2025? *Rooted Group Coaching for ADHD Moms is enrolling for next month. Join here: patriciasung.com/group *Want to DIY getting your life together? Grab one of my self-paced courses: patriciasung.com/everything *Hang out with me in person at the all-inclusive 4th annual ADHD Moms Retreat happening October 10-12, 2025! The 8 tickets remaining will be available for purchase in the spring. Add your name to the waitlist: patriciasung.com/retreat-waitlist This episode is a peek behind the curtain on what’s going on for 2025, both personally in the Sung family and professionally at Motherhood in ADHD. Lots of changes are happening over here, and I’m glad you’re along for the ride and cheering me on! Links mentioned in this episode: Episode 135 - Discounting Disability and Dismissing Disadvantages: Why we don't all have the same 24 hours in a day Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-256-book-for-moms-with-adhd Super stressed and need a break? We’re learning more about your stress response and how it relates to treating your ADHD symptoms at our annual ADHD Moms Weekend Retreat, October 10-12, 2025 in the Texas countryside, located at the Happy Goat Retreat! “Honestly, this was one the best weekends I've had since becoming a mom. I've never felt so seen and understood. I would hop on a plane and go again. No hesitation! I'll follow y’all anywhere, moms.” –ADHD Mama J.Q. I’ll take care of all the details - you simply show up and enjoy. I take care of you while you learn how to take even better care of yourself, in a way that’s sustainable for real momlife. Because you can take care of your family well when you’re in a healthy place. Grab your spot or Add your name to the waitlist here: www.patriciasung.com/retreat
Jan 16, 2025 • 34min
E255: Emotional regulation — and yelling — as a mom with ADHD from ADHD Aha! Podcast by Understood.org with Laura Key
Meet my friend Laura, host of the ADHD Aha! Podcast by Understood.org. In this episode, Laura and I chat about managing emotions with ADHD - especially as a mom who yells a lot. Laura shares: Patricia Sung was diagnosed with ADHD in her first year of college. It wasn’t until she became a mother, and other people relied on her, that she realized just how much ADHD affected her. Patricia now hosts the Motherhood in ADHD podcast. Join Patricia and host Laura Key as they talk about managing emotions with ADHD. Patricia explains the concept of “raging” — that moment when you go from 99 to 100 and emotions boil over. She also shares strategies that can help! Laura Key is an editor and content strategist with nearly 20 years of experience. As host of the ADHD Aha! podcast, she draws from her own experiences with ADHD. This lets her connect with podcast guests and listeners on a deeper level. Her knowledge covers a wide range of subjects, like parenting, special education, lifestyle, and more. Be sure to subscribe to the ADHD Aha! Podcast. Understood's instagram Understood’s LinkedIn Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-255-emotional-regulation-yelling-mom-adhd-aha-understood-laura-key Welcome to the Best Of Friends Series, where you are meeting a few of my friends in the podcast community. I’m sharing interviews that I have done on other friends’ podcasts. Not only do you get a new episode, I hope that you’ll find a few shows to add to your podcast queue. There’s a wide variety of topics coming your way, so keep an eye out for a new friend each week this January. Stop anxiety in its tracks! Join me in my upcoming workshop: The ADHD Anti-Anxiety Workshop. In under an hour, I'll teach you how to — >> use 1 simple movement to disrupt growing anxiety so you can avoid a total shutdown >> save yourself the embarrassment of panicking in public with a subtle move to pull yourself together >> stop anxiety in its tracks quickly and easily with repeatable skills so peace can be yours long term Cherry on top - it’s free. For now. Sign up today: patriciasung.com/workshop
Jan 9, 2025 • 1h 3min
E254: ADHD in Motherhood from the Failing Motherhood Podcast with Danielle Bettman
Meet my friend Danielle, host of the Failing Motherhood Podcast. In this episode, Danielle and I chat about the ups and downs of being a mom with ADHD. Danielle shares: "You can't have ADHD! You have a master's degree!" ... and other misconceptions about ADHD. Whether you've been diagnosed, related to the memes, or have a child that's been diagnosed... this episode is for you! Patricia Sung, Adult ADHD coach and host of Motherhood in ADHD, is here to share her journey into diagnosis, understanding her unique brain, and empowering other moms to do the same. We normalize the struggle, share new insights, and reflect on the powerful act of breaking cycles. In this episode, we covered... --Common traits and misconceptions of ADHD beyond being forgetful --Her go-to tools for managing anger while parenting --Ways to work WITH your ADHD to boost your self-compassion as a parent And don’t miss… --The double-edged sword that is having family with ADHD Positive-Discipline certified parenting coach, Danielle Bettmann, empowers parents to crack the code of their strong-willed child's personality, meet their deepest core needs to improve their behavior, and find new levels of patience. An early childhood educator, certified teacher and home visitor, Danielle now equips parents from all over the world with over Zoom! Instead of inadvertently inviting defiance by using traditional tools or playing "whack-a-mole" with short-sighted reactions, families get on the same page and learn how to cultivate cooperation while being KIND + FIRM at the same time! Host of the well-loved podcast, Failing Motherhood, she's passionate about eliminating shame from parents' vocabulary, reminding them they are the parent their kids need. She is also a mom to two daughters, wife of 15 years to her high-school sweetheart, and an avid fan of sunshine and coffee. Be sure to subscribe to the Failing Motherhood Podcast! Danielle’s website Danielle’s instagram Danielle’s LinkedIn Welcome to the Best Of Friends Series, where you are meeting a few of my friends in the podcast community. I’m sharing interviews that I have done on other friends’ podcasts. Not only do you get a new episode, I hope that you’ll find a few shows to add to your podcast queue. There’s a wide variety of topics coming your way, so keep an eye out for a new friend each week this January. Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-254-adhd-failing-motherhood-danielle-bettman Stop anxiety in its tracks! Join me in my upcoming workshop: The ADHD Anti-Anxiety Workshop. In under an hour, I'll teach you how to — >> use 1 simple movement to disrupt growing anxiety so you can avoid a total shutdown >> save yourself the embarrassment of panicking in public with a subtle move to pull yourself together >> stop anxiety in its tracks quickly and easily with repeatable skills so peace can be yours long term Cherry on top - it’s free. For now. Sign up today: patriciasung.com/workshop
Jan 2, 2025 • 12min
E253: ADHD Energy Management from ADDA's 2024 TADD Talks
Every October, ADDA hosts TADD Talks, short podcasts shared by ADHD experts around the world. For this year’s ADHD Awareness Month, I shared about “ADHD Energy Management: End the Cycle of Burnout Crash After Frenetic Productivity.” I’m talking about 3 reasons we spin through the cycle of “getting a million things done with peak efficiency” to the “overwhelming burnout so you can’t get out of bed” cycle, and what to do about it! Listen to the full lineup of October’s TADD Talks and subscribe here: ADDA’s TADD Talks! ADDA’s website ADDA’s instagram Welcome to the Best Of Friends Series, where you are meeting a few of my friends in the podcast community. I’m sharing interviews that I have done on other friends’ podcasts. Not only do you get a new episode, I hope that you’ll find a few shows to add to your podcast queue. There’s a wide variety of topics coming your way, so keep an eye out for a new podcast to binge each week this January. Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-253-adhd-energy-management-adda-tadd-talk Stop anxiety in its tracks! Join me in my upcoming workshop: The ADHD Anti-Anxiety Workshop. In under an hour, I'll teach you how to — >> use 1 simple movement to disrupt growing anxiety so you can avoid a total shutdown >> save yourself the embarrassment of panicking in public with a subtle move to pull yourself together >> stop anxiety in its tracks quickly and easily with repeatable skills so peace can be yours long term Cherry on top - it’s free. For now. Sign up today: patriciasung.com/workshop
Dec 19, 2024 • 15min
E252: 4 Steps to Stop Your Holiday Stress: Clean up the Chaos one Baby Step at a Time
We’re in the thick of the holidays and perhaps your sanity is already wavering. School performances, shopping, baking, less sleep, unusual schedules, no routines, more asks… yikes! We still have 2 more weeks to go! In today’s episode, I’m sharing 4 ways to lower your stress and make the holidays enjoyable for both you and your family. Free resources mentioned in today’s episode: 3 Steps for Preparing for the Holidays: https://www.patriciasung.com/less-holiday-stress The Post-Holiday Hangover Cure for Disorganized Mamas: https://www.patriciasung.com/holiday-hangover Not sure what to put on your holiday wish list? Ask for a Successful Mama Gift Certificate and choose your course, coaching, or retreat next year to lower your stress, take care of yourself, and get your life in order. Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-252-4-steps-to-clean-up-after-christmas
