Motherhood in ADHD – Parenting with ADHD, Productivity Tips, Brain based Science, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Education to Help Moms with Adult ADHD
Patricia Sung | ADHD Coach for Moms with ADHD
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
Jul 21, 2022 • 13min
Bonus: That Time I Got "Let Go" - Behind The Scenes Summer Update 2
Behind The Scenes Sneak Peek? Yes, please! What horrible work experience have you had? Were you fired? "Let go"? Embarrassed for all of time? In this raw, unedited episode, I'm sharing what's going on Behind The Scenes this summer, and today it's the story of when I was "let go" from work. Sharing our stories is what allows us to connect, so I'm going first. How can we grow our ADHD Mom Community? By hanging out together, in person! You're invited on an all-inclusive, curated weekend getaway with Patricia is the first of its kind: for ADHD Moms (and moms that think they have ADHD.) You'll enjoy 4-star accommodations, unparalleled experiences, and gourmet meals, all while making friends with moms who understand how you think and love you just the way you are. Best of all, you don't need to plan or organize anything once you arrive at the hotel. I'm taking care of YOU! Every meal, every activity… you simply arrive at the hotel, and everything is taken care of for you from there. You'll arrive home refreshed and rested. Book your ticket here: https://www.patriciasung.com/adhd-mom-retreat by August 8th for early bird pricing. This is a small group, so if you're coming, don't wait long to reserve your spot. Pack your bags, and I'll see you in October!
Jul 21, 2022 • 14min
Bonus: No, You're not a B*tch! Confidently Say You're Amazing and Shine! - Behind The Scenes Summer Update 4
Behind The Scenes Sneak Peek? Yes, please! You are meant for more, mama. You are meant to be successful with ADHD because that is how you were made. So how do we get you unstuck, moving forward, and living the life you are meant to live? I want to help you find it. In this raw, unedited episode, I'm sharing what's happening Behind the Scenes this summer. I totally hopped on a soapbox here, and I'm here. For. It. No more hiding - confidently claim what you're awesome at and shine on, mama! If one of these 2 spots is meant for you, sign up here: https://www.patriciasung.com/adhdcoach
Jul 20, 2022 • 11min
Bonus: ADDA Global Gathering - Behind The Scenes Summer Update 1
Behind The Scenes Sneak Peek? Yes, please! In this raw, unedited episode, I'm sharing what's going on Behind The Scenes this summer as I take a break from creating new episodes to... make a new episode today! Over the last 6 months, I've been volunteering with ADDA, a non-profit that serves Adults with ADHD. This weekend is the ADDA Global Gathering - an innovative, virtual, around-the-clock international conference for Adults with ADHD. You're invited to visit the new virtual reality "ADDA-verse" (free for the 36 hours of the conference) to learn about ADHD in an ADHD-friendly way, and mingle with other ADHD Adults. Join me for an informal conversation on Friday night about "Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: ADHD & Self-Doubt," and as I co-host the Women's Town Hall on Saturday night. Let's hang out! Register at no charge here: https://add.org/addaverse-open-house/ You can attend the main sessions as well (ticket required: https://homecoming.add.org/ ) on ADHD@Work, ADHD & Me, and You, Me & ADHD. Come find me in the ADDAverse July 22 and 23 and say hi! (I'll be dressed in head-to-toe yellow as one of the volunteers.)
Jul 7, 2022 • 21min
E149: Do You Have ADHD? How to Get an Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Find the Right Doctor to Help You - "Top Tips" Encore
Don't you wish there was a five-question Cosmo quiz that would tell you a definitive yes/no answer to the question "Do you have ADHD?" Well, our brains are a little more complex than that. I'm no doctor, but here's the first time I addressed this question on the podcast. Let me point you in the right direction and help you figure out the right doctor that can help you find out if you have ADHD. Getting the right diagnosis from a qualified and experienced professional is the first step in your journey to healing and a joy-filled life. **Note: This episode originally aired in June of 2019. As I take a break for the summer and quality time with my family, I'm sharing episodes that will help you get ready for the summer, support you with some integral support skills for ADHD, and then get ready for the new school year. To hang out with me over the summer, you can: 1) hop on over to our free Facebook community to meet your people and feel like you're not a weirdo -AND/OR- 2) join me on Wednesdays during our weekly meetings by signing up for my course, Daily Planning for ADHD Moms, where you'll get your day organized and actually show up for stuff mostly on time, or my program, Time Management Mastery for ADHD Moms where you'll create the best daily routine for you and your family that your ADHD brain will actually be okay with following. Get stuff done while you love your life & your brain. I'm cooking up some good stuff behind the scenes. Plus, I'll see you in the fall with brand new episodes! Talk to you then, Successful Mama! Read the transcript and view the show notes on the Motherhood in ADHD blog.
Jun 23, 2022 • 20min
E148: Stop the Summer Chaos! 5 Simple Steps to creating a flexible summer schedule for the ADHD family - Q&A Session: "Top Tips" Encore
It's June, and your kids are either home now or about to be home for the whole summer. That is three unstructured months of chaos ahead of you... cue panic! Wait! It doesn't have to be! You asked; I answered: What does Patricia's summer schedule look like? With a few minutes of planning, you'll create a flexible structure to fit any family during the summer break and all year long. No need to panic nor roll your eyes at me! Having a schedule doesn't mean you're stuck with a minute-by-minute inflexible itinerary sucking the fun out of every hour. Your summer vacation can still be full of fun and freedom and impromptu activities without you losing your sanity on the daily. Having a running list of activities to keep everyone entertained keeps my stress down and decision fatigue low. There's no scrambling around in the morning trying to figure out, "Mom, what are we going to do today?" Or the wasted mornings where I can't figure out what the answer is, and all of a sudden its lunchtime, and I still don't know what we're going to do today, and it's half over! Today we're walking through what the schedule setup looks like, as well as how I have implemented that framework for our family with specifics on time and activities. Our family has used this basic schedule for multiple years, and we adapt it as our kids grow from babies to toddlers to preschoolers to elementary school to adults (that's for me, the mom.) **Note: This episode originally aired in June of 2021. As I take a break for the summer and quality time with my family, I'm sharing episodes that will help you get ready for the summer, support you with some integral support skills for ADHD, and then get ready for the new school year. To hang out with me over the summer, you can: 1) hop on over to our free Facebook community to meet your people and feel like you're not a weirdo -AND/OR- 2) join me on Wednesdays during our weekly meetings by signing up for my course, Daily Planning for ADHD Moms, where you'll get your day organized and actually show up for stuff mostly on time, or my program, Time Management Mastery for ADHD Moms where you'll create the best daily routine for you and your family that your ADHD brain will actually be okay with following. Get stuff done while you love your life & your brain. I'm cooking up some other stuff behind the scenes. Plus, I'll see you in the fall with brand new episodes! Talk to you then, Successful Mama! Read the transcript and view the show notes on the Motherhood in ADHD blog.
Jun 9, 2022 • 39min
E147: What I Wish I Knew Before Taking ADHD Medication: Your Questions Answered!
How do you feel when you think about taking ADHD medication? Nervous? Hopeful? Overwhelmed? The process of obtaining and finding the right medication can feel like A LOT. First, you have to approach the subject with your doctor (who may or may not be well-informed about ADHD) -- and then there is finding the right type and dosing of medication, dealing with potential side effects, and the whole process of trial and error. It never goes perfectly. But it can go more smoothly -- when you take a few steps to plan and prepare for it. On this episode of Motherhood in ADHD, I share all my best tips and strategies for starting ADHD medication that I learned the hard way -- from tackling the first conversation with your doc, to riding out your first few months. You'll learn: - Tips for remembering to take your medication daily (No more, "Ugh, did I actually take that today?" moments) - How to take your medication for maximum effectiveness - How to work with your doctor to start and stop medication safely - Tips for finding the right dosing - What to do if you can't afford your ADHD medication - Tips for approaching the topic of ADHD medication with your doctor (No, you're not a "drug seeker"!) - And so much more! Your first go-round with ADHD medication doesn't have to be a disaster. You deserve to feel confident, informed, and fear-free while you find a treatment plan that works for you. This material is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your doctor or a trained medical professional to find the treatment plan that best fits your personal situation. What if you could look back at your day, and know you did everything on your to-do list? What if you could feel productive and accomplished, knowing you showed up for the people and things you love most? It's all possible with the Daily Planning for Moms with ADHD course, where I teach you how to keep a calendar and organize your to-do lists in a way that makes sense for your ADHD brain. Join today at: bit.ly/adhdplan Read the transcript and view the show notes on the Motherhood in ADHD blog.
Jun 2, 2022 • 42min
E146: 10 ADHD Medication Myths Busted: Honestly Discussing the Truth about Stimulant ADHD Medicines
Stimulant medication for ADHD is a hot-button topic. Everyone has something to say -- your friends, your coworkers, your uncle's cousin's brother's barber, and of course, the internet. They'll tell you about the person they knew who "went crazy" on stimulants. They'll tell you how ADHD medication will change your personality or turn you into a zoned-out zombie. They'll tell you, you probably don't need medication unless you're struggling in school or at work. SO when that small voice inside of you asks, "Could medication help?" It's hard to hear it through all that noise. And while most people are well-meaning, most of the negative stories you hear about stimulant medications for ADHD are utter nonsense. It's "Medication May" (and June) on the Motherhood in ADHD podcast, and we're continuing our series with an episode dedicated to busting myths about stimulant medication. And boy, are there a lot of 'em! But we're just choosing 10 for this episode, including: - Will ADHD medication make me a zombie? - Is medication just for kids? - Can ADHD medication become addicting? - Do I need periodic breaks from my medication? - Is coffee a safer alternative to stimulant medication? - And 5 more pervasive myths you won't want to miss! This isn't medical advice. The point of this series is to take away the fear and shame of taking ADHD medication and to arm you with quality information so you can make the right decision for yourself and your life. And hopefully, you can serve as an educator to the people in your circle with mistaken beliefs about ADHD medication. And we can end the stigma together. This material is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your doctor or a trained medical professional to find the treatment plan that best fits your personal situation. Would you love a more peaceful morning as an ADHD mom? How about some help to navigate ADHD time blindness, so you can finally get your kids to school on time? You can get these in your inbox TODAY by visiting patriciasung.com/resources. Read the transcript and view the show notes on the Motherhood in ADHD blog.
May 26, 2022 • 49min
E145: Stimulants and Non-Stimulants, Common Side Effects, and Squashing Rumors: An Introduction to ADHD Medication with Dr. Carolyn Lentzsch-Parcells
Can I get addicted to ADHD medication? Is Adderall the same as meth? With questions like these circling within communities and around the internet, it's no wonder so many ADHDers are confused, and sometimes terrified to take ADHD medication -- or to tell their family and friends they're on it. It's "Medication May" on the Motherhood in ADHD podcast, and the goal of this episode series is to break stigma, bust myths and equip you with as much knowledge as possible about ADHD medication. So you can feel confident in making the choice that's right for you. On this episode, we continue our conversation with Board-Certified Pediatrician and ADHD specialist Dr. Carolyn Parcells. She gives us an overview of ADHD medication, answers commonly-asked questions, and busts several pervasive myths. You'll hear about: - The basics of ADHD medication -- the different types and how they work in the brain - The differences between stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medication - ADHD medication and kids -- the types of medication for different age groups, risks, and benefits - The complete low-down on ADHD medication and risk of addiction Answers to questions like: - Why is my medication less effective before and during my period? - Can I double my dose if it's not working? - Are there certain people who should avoid stimulants? - Should I take a break from my medication so I don't develop a tolerance? - And more! Thank you, Dr. Parcells for your sharing your wealth of knowledge as an ADHD specialist! This material is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your doctor or a trained medical professional to find the treatment plan that best fits your personal situation. What if you could learn an easy, 3-step system for organizing your day, sorting through your to-do lists, and keeping your commitments? What if you had a group of other ADHD moms to hold you accountable week to week? It's all possible with Daily Planning for ADHD Moms. Figure out your life in a way that makes sense for both your mom-life and your ADHD brain. Join us here! Connect with Dr. Parcells, read the transcript, and view the show notes on the Motherhood in ADHD blog.
May 19, 2022 • 43min
E144: Overcoming the Shame, Fear, and Embarrassment of ADHD Medication For Your Best Treatment Plan - Because Parenting with ADHD is a Different Ball Game! with Dr. Carolyn Lentzsch-Parcells
You should be able to get your kids to school on time. You should be able to remember all your appointments. You should be able to handle life without medications. So many moms with ADHD have a habit of should-ing all over themselves. Because we're still fighting the shame, embarrassment, and stigma associated with adult ADHD diagnosis. During "Medication May" on the Motherhood in ADHD podcast, we want to encourage you to replace all your "shoulds" with "deserve." You deserve to be able to get your kids to school on time. You deserve to be able to remember your appointments. You deserve mediation so you can handle your life better. This episode features Board-Certified Pediatrician and ADHD Specialist Dr. Carolyn Lentzsch-Parcells. As a doctor, and a mom with ADHD, she's very familiar with the shame, stigma, and "shoulds". In part one of this two-part conversation, you'll hear about: - The hidden strengths in ADHDers - The pros and cons of "leaning in" to your ADHD brain and doing things differently - How the ADHD community can work to fight the shame and stigma of seeking treatment or medication for ADHD - Why getting treated for your ADHD is never a "waste of resources" - How to handle the fear and potential shame of telling friends and family you have ADHD - And more! Thank you, Dr. Parcells – for sharing your stories and insights! In 11 weeks, you'll set up a smooth, low-stress plan for your mom-life by designing your daily rhythms and routines fit for your ADHD brain. Time Management Mastery for ADHD Moms is starting NOW! Join us here: http://bit.ly/adhdframework Connect with Dr. Parcells, read the transcript, and view the show notes on the Motherhood in ADHD blog.
May 12, 2022 • 57min
E143: Should You Take ADHD Medication? How to Make the Difficult Decision to Try ADHD Medicine for Your Child or Yourself with Psychotherapist Christina Crowe
How will ADHD medication affect my life? What will my family and friends think if I tell them? Will ADHD medication change my personality? There are so many fears, worries, and what-if's surrounding taking ADHD medication. You may have heard family or cultural messages your entire life that says medication is wrong, harmful, or shameful. With all of the stigma and negative buzz, it's no wonder so many ADHD'ers are confused and worried about taking it. There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of about taking ADHD medication. When you really dig into the data, it paints a very different picture -- one that deserves a closer look. It's "Medication May" on the Motherhood in ADHD podcast. This episode series aims to arm you with the knowledge and confidence you need to make the right choice about taking (or not taking) ADHD medication. In this episode, Canadian Psychotherapist and fellow ADHD mama Christina Crowe discusses: - The pros and cons of taking ADHD medication, and the surprising risks of untreated ADHD - Questions to ask when you're choosing a doctor to treat your ADHD - What to consider when deciding if medication is right for you - Christina's thoughts on "big pharma" and the idea that the pharmaceutical industry is profiting off of mental illness medication (and other common fears) - Christina's personal journey with ADHD diagnosis in her late 30's and her biggest struggles with parenting her ADHD child - The difference between mindfulness and meditation (Yes, there's a difference!) - And more! Thank you, Christina, for joining us and offering your incredible knowledge and insights! Connect with Christina, read the transcript, and view the show notes on the Motherhood in ADHD blog. This material is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your doctor or a trained medical professional to find the treatment plan that best fits your personal situation. ----- What if you could learn an easy, 3-step system for organizing your day, sorting through your to-do lists, and keeping your commitments? What if you had a group of other ADHD moms to hold you accountable week to week? It's all possible with Daily Planning for ADHD moms. Figure out your life in a way that makes sense for both your mom-life and your ADHD brain. Join us today! bit.ly/adhdplan
