Motherhood in ADHD – Parenting with ADHD, Productivity Tips, Brain based Science, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Education to Help Moms with Adult ADHD

Patricia Sung
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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. 
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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. 
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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. 
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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. 
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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.
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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.  
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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
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May 5, 2022 • 47min

E142: Why I Choose to Take ADHD Medication and My Journey for the Best ADHD Treatment Plan

How do you feel about ADHD medication?  Are you taking it? Does it help you focus and thrive? Or are you medication-curious, and a little freaked out about it? That’s totally okay.  Are you anti-medicine? That's alright, too. Most ADHDers who are new to medication have a LOT of questions, like: - How does ADHD medicine feel? - How do you know if your ADHD medication is working? - How do you decide if medication is the right choice? On the Motherhood in ADHD podcast, we’re kicking off “Medication May” (and probably a bit of June too!), by giving you the complete low-down on ADHD medication, so you can make the choice that’s right for you.  In this episode, you’ll hear about: - Why I choose to take medicine, and my personal experience with different types of ADHD medication over the past 20 years - Why I stopped taking medication in the past, and how I managed without it - The unnecessary shame and embarrassment many ADHDers feel when seeking ADHD meds (Let’s break the stigma, shall we?!) - How to tackle the fears and “what ifs” around taking medication by becoming as informed as possible - How ADHD medication isn’t a “magic wand” that solves all your problems – and additional ways to support yourself - The difference between stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medication (and my experience with both) - Why it’s okay to start and stop medication (and how to work with your doctor to do this safely) - Answers to the most frequent questions asked by listeners - And more!  Let me be clear: This is not medical advice. I'm not here to tell you what you should or should not do. My goal in sharing my treatment journey is to share with you as much knowledge and confidence as possible, so you can decide if ADHD medicine is an option you'd like to try.  Because you are the only one who can decide what is best 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. Read the transcript and view the show notes on the Motherhood in ADHD blog.    Lower your stress and learn how to create a rhythm for your day with Time Management Mastery for Moms with ADHD. Over the next 11 weeks, you’ll create a flexible framework for your day that’s fluid enough for your ADHD brain to stick with, and structured enough to feel like you’re in control.  Join today by visiting this link: bit.ly/adhdframework Read the transcript and view the show notes on the Motherhood in ADHD blog. 
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Apr 28, 2022 • 13min

E141: How to Succeed when You're Leading Your Family On Your Own - 5 Single Moms with ADHD Share: Ask The Experts Roundtable

Parenting as a single mom is hard.  Parenting as a single mom with adult ADHD is extra hard.  There's homework, housework, and after-school activities to manage on your own.  There's the pressure to put healthy food on the table every night when you're already exhausted.  There are bills to pay on one income.  And then there’s your ADHD symptoms and emotional exhaustion – the guilt, shame and inadequacy that come with being divorced and never feeling like you’re good enough. If you need to hear this today: You are a fantastic mom. And you're not alone.  There are a bunch of single moms in our Motherhood in ADHD Community. Reach out and find your village! Since I’m not a single parent, I reached out for some help from a few friends. In this special request (from one of YOU!) episode of Motherhood in ADHD, you’ll hear expert advice from 5 single moms who know the struggle and have found tools to help them thrive in parenting and in life. These single moms shared: - Self-care tips for single moms  - How to let go of the perfectionism and comparison  - The benefits of living simply as a single mom with ADHD  - Advocating for your children with ADHD  - The importance of setting boundaries as a single mom  - And more!  A special thank you to the incredible single moms who contributed their heartfelt wisdom to this episode: Pam McCurry, Motherhood in ADHD listener  Yakini Pierce, ADHD Parenting Coach and Podcaster, ADHD Love  Instagram: @adhdlove2020 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDLove2020 Nicki Maher, ADHD Mom Influencer Instagram: @nickimarieinc Facebook: Homebase with Nicki Anna Lopez, Psychiatric Physician's Assistant Instagram: @adhdinatx Natalie Nolan, ADHD Coach for Divorced Women Instagram: @ADHDDivorce   Which Mama Animal are you? Take the Quiz: What's your ADHD Mama Parenting Style? Because you're #NotYourAverageMamaBear Share and tag me on Social Media!   What if you could find a group of ADHD moms to connect with and ask questions, share advice, and most importantly – know you’re not alone? You can! Join the Motherhood in ADHD Facebook Group today!
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Apr 22, 2022 • 44min

E140: What Does ADHD Look Like in Women? When to get an Adult ADHD Diagnosis with Dr. Sasha Hamdani

What does your ADHD look like? Does it look like impulsiveness, hyperactivity and the irresistible urge to fidget – the signs we constantly hear about in men and boys?  Or does it look more like forgetting to put on deodorant or brush your teeth, trouble keeping track of all your kid’s appointments, absent-mindedly twirling your hair, or excessive talking when you get excited?  (If you’ve ever gotten “talks too much” on your report card as a kid, you know what I mean!) ADHD can look different in women – and just because you don’t have the “classic” signs, doesn’t mean you don’t have ADHD.  In this episode of Motherhood in ADHD, Dr. Sasha Hamdani, a board-certified psychiatrist and ADHD specialist, shares about the symptoms of ADHD in women, and SO much more, including: - Dr. Sasha’s own diagnosis story, and her experience as a mom with ADHD - ADHD diagnosis in children: how to talk to your kids about their diagnosis in a non-judgmental and supportive way - When it’s time to seek professional help for your ADHD symptoms - ADHD and hormones: how your cycle affects your symptoms - Self-care tips for the emotional side of ADHD - The benefits of partnering with an ADHD specialist, and how to find the right professional - How to speak to your loved ones about your ADHD, while clarifying it's an explanation and not an excuse - Answers to all YOUR burning questions that you shared in our Motherhood in ADHD private Facebook group (P.S. You should join if you haven't yet!) BIG thanks to Dr. Sasha Hamdani for sharing your wisdom and expertise with us!  To hear more about ADHD from Dr. Sasha, follow her on Instagram: @thepsychdoctormd To learn more about Dr. Sasha’s psychiatry practice, visit her website: drhamdanimd.com   Learn how to feel more put together by organizing your to-do list in an ADHD friendly way, and keeping your commitments to yourself - all part of the Daily Planning for ADHD Moms course. Join here: bit.ly/adhdplan   Which Mama Animal are you? Take the Quiz: What's your ADHD Mama Parenting Style? Because you're #NotYourAverageMamaBear Red 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.

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