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
Dec 12, 2024 • 23min
E251: How to Buy the Perfect ADHD Planner
How do you choose the perfect planner? The one that will solve all your ADHD woes… In this episode, we’re discussing: All the brands of planners I have tried (the list is long), The two major mistakes people with ADHD make when choosing a planner, How to differentiate between your calendar and to-do list for optimal planning, Questions to help you assess what your perfect planner needs, And why even the best planner won't solve everything… without the right skills! If you have a stack of planners gathering dust on your shelf, this episode will help you rethink your approach and find a system that fits your unique brain and your family’s lifestyle. PLUS: We're celebrating with a special birthday sale! 🎉 1) Grab the pdf for my simple Weekly Planner for only $5.00 and/or 2) Jump into the Daily Planning for ADHD Moms course for a $50 discount with code BIRTHDAY Snag these deals by December 17th, 2024. Together, let's build your external brain system so you can manage all the details of mom life with confidence and ease. Tune in now and start 2025 with a fresh, effective planning strategy you’ll actually use! 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 mom-life and an ADHD brain. Join us today! bit.ly/adhdplan Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-251-how-to-buy-the-perfect-adhd-planner
Nov 21, 2024 • 38min
E250: How to Cope When Life is Overwhelming
My 2024 word of the year was “Rest”. How did I do? Hmmm… While this episode is a celebration of 250 podcast episodes and over a million downloads (what!?!), I'm also sharing how I navigated the hard stuff this year. And how I look at rest entirely differently now than in January. Balancing the demands of motherhood, business, and my overall well-being has been a journey with unexpected twists—I often felt like I was assembling an IKEA bookshelf with the wrong instruction booklet! So I’m sharing step-by-step how I figured out how to get out of overwhelm amongst a lot of life changes, keep burnout at bay, and come out happier in the end. Here’s what’s coming up for 2025: This podcast: my first love of helping moms with ADHD…more episodes, more free support! Free ADHD Anti-Anxiety Workshop: On January 23, 2025, dive into 3+ strategies to lessen anxiety. This first live session is free, offering practical tips to make an immediate difference to feel calmer and at peace. Sign up here. Lighthouse: An Emotional Regulation Course for Moms: My best lessons from the last 2 years of Lighthouse groups! Focus on emotional regulation skills, so you can make decisions easily, remain calm during your kid’s meltdown, and hold your boundaries to keep your peace when your family pushes your buttons. Put your name on the waitlist for its arrival in 2025. Rooted Group Coaching for Moms: Beginning in January, this group will provide a supportive space to explore emotional regulation, being on time, meal planning, and more. Join this supportive coaching group here. Early Bird Bonuses end December 12th! Successful As A Mother Weekend Retreat for ADHD Moms: Put your name on the waitlist for the 2025 retreat and spend the weekend relaxing by the lake, hanging out with good friends, and loving yourself even when you’ve been told “I’m TOO Much”. Not sure what you need but know you want my help? Have a virtual coffee chat with me and I’ll answer any questions you have and help you sort out what you want. Links mentioned in this episode: E178: Is it ADHD Hypersensitivity or Sensory Overload? Using Interoception and Somatics to Listen to and Connect with Your Body with Elizabeth Brink and Anna Lopez Lizzy’s 3 magical lists are inside of her $9.00 course How to Create and Sell Something Before You're Ready (affiliate link) Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-250-cope-when-life-is-overwhelming
Nov 21, 2024 • 24min
E249: Host an Easy, ADHD-Friendly Party or Playdate
But my baseboards haven’t been dusted in 3 years! I can’t let them see my doom piles! It’s way too much work! If these kinds of reasons pop into your head whenever you think of hosting, this episode is for you! On today’s episode, I’m sharing a discussion from Successful Mama Meetups on how to make entertaining easy and ADHD friendly. It’s time to have that new friend over for a playdate or host that holiday get together you’ve been wanting to have for the last decade. Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-249-host-easy-adhd-friendly-party-playdate New free workshop alert! 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 Just this one time, I’ll be offering the ADHD Anti-Anxiety Workshop live at no cost. It’ll come back in February as a paid course. Sign up today: patriciasung.com/workshop
Nov 14, 2024 • 25min
E248: Mom's Bad Temper: Warning Signs You're About to Lose Your Cool
No one pushes your buttons like your kids or partner can! Angry moms unite! Jokes aside, when anger gets out of hand, nothing good happens. Not only do we hurt ourselves and the people around us, the shame and guilt add on even more weight. This was a huge problem for me for the first few years of parenting. I still yell sometimes cuz I’m not perfect. You can be free of the angry red eyed monster, too. How can you tell you’re about to lose your cool? What can you stop taking your anger out on your family? How can you show up as the caring, calm mom you want to be? Let’s discuss. Read more on this topic on my blog: https://www.patriciasung.com/adhd-blog/adhd-and-anger Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-248-adhd-warning-signs-you-are-about-to-lose-your-cool New workshop alert! 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 Just this one time, I’ll be offering the ADHD Anti-Anxiety Workshop live at no cost. It’ll come back in February as a paid course. Sign up today: patriciasung.com/workshop
Nov 7, 2024 • 26min
E247: Rumination & ADHD: Can You Stop Obsessive and Negative Thought Spirals?
Do your deep thoughts turn in to thought spirals? Today we’re talking about rumination: what it is, when it’s a problem, and what to do when your thoughts turn anxious, negative, or obsessive. I used to spend a lot of my energy what if-ing, worrying, and planning for the 37 possibilities that could possibly occur. If this is you, too, you don’t have to stay in that thought prison! Let’s talk about how rumination interplays with ADHD, how to use it for your good, and what to do when it turns into a problem. Work with Patricia to get unstuck, exceed your goals, and be happy with ADHD. Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-247-rumination-adhd-stop-obsessive-negative-thought-spirals ************** Stop anxiety in its tracks! Join me in my upcoming workshop: The ADHD Anti-Anxiety Workshop. In less than an hour, I'll teach you 3 ways to stop anxiety and immediately feel more relaxed and calm. Cherry on top - it’s free. For now. Sign up today: patriciasung.com/workshop
5 snips
Oct 31, 2024 • 1h 2min
E246: Navigating Menopause, Hormone Impact, and ADHD with Linda Roggli
Linda Roggli, a professional ADHD coach for women over 40 and award-winning author, dives into the intricate connection between hormones and ADHD. She unveils how hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause can intensify ADHD symptoms. Linda discusses the importance of understanding estrogen levels, effective strategies for managing moods, and the significance of open communication in family dynamics. She emphasizes community support and self-acceptance as vital tools for women navigating this often-overlooked transition.
Oct 24, 2024 • 52min
E245: Conflict Resolution for your ADHD Family with Dr. Tamara Rosier
Parenting with ADHD for ADHD is difficult. I mess it up a lot. I apologize a lot. I’m working on it. And I bet you are, too. For ADHD Awareness Month, we’re talking to a new ADHD guest expert every week. Today’s episode holds conflict resolution skills for our parenting tool belts. Our guest, Dr. Tamara Rosier, is founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan, where she and her staff work with individuals with ADHD (and their families) to learn strategies and develop new skills to live effectively with ADHD. Dr. Rosier is also the president of the ADHD Coaches Organization. She is a popular conference and keynote speaker, is a frequent guest on podcasts, and has published numerous articles about living with ADHD. She lives in West Michigan. In this episode, Dr. Rosier and I talk about different types of thinking, finishing big projects, how we can use our strengths to be most efficient, and where we can ask for help to make our lives easier. We dive into her new book, You, Me, and our ADHD Family, and she shares some great tips on resolving conflict in ADHD families. Let’s chat about parenting with Tamara as we dive into parenting strengths and nurturing relationships over tasks for a happier ADHD family. Find Dr. Tamara Rosier here: www.miadhd.com Instagram: @dr.tamararosier Facebook: @BrainNotBroken LinkedIn: @tamara-rosier-phd Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-245-conflict-resolution-for-adhd-family-dr-tamara-rosier It can feel super intimidating to show up to a party where you don’t know anyone. Well, I don’t want that fear to keep you from finding your people. I want to make this super low risk for you to come, try it out, and get a sneak peek before you join our ADHD mom community. You’re invited to the next Successful Mama Meetup Open House! Join us on Zoom on November 6th to body double for the first 30 minutes, then hangout and meet the other moms in the community for the second half. (Hint hint, we’re pretty amazing IMHO.) No charge, no pressure. Just come hang out! Let me know you wanna come right here and I’ll send you the zoom link. And since it's on Zoom, everyone can come no matter where you live. Self-diagnosis and ADHD-curious moms welcome. It’s time to hang out with other moms who get you and make you feel like you’re at home. So come in your comfy clothes and let’s hang out! See you soon!
Oct 17, 2024 • 57min
E244: Prioritizing Intimate Moments for ADHD Couples with Dr. Ari Tuckman
***Note that today’s episode is not for little ears, so grab your headphones or listen away from the kids. Intimacy is more than what happens in the bedroom. When things are not going well in the bedroom, it shows up in everyday life too. Relationship problems fester when ignored, seeping into the way you and your partner prioritize each other and communicate in your relationship. Throw ADHD in the mix and you’ve got advanced relationship needs, too. For ADHD Awareness Month, we’re talking to a new ADHD guest expert every week. Today’s guest is Ari Tuckman, PsyD, a psychologist, author, international presenter and ADHD thought leader. He has been widely quoted in media and has appeared on countless podcasts. He is the conference committee co-chair CHADD. He is the author of “ADHD After Dark: Better Sex Life, Better Relationship” In this episode, Dr. Tuckman and I discuss frequent struggles in ADHD relationships, including awkward conversations about intimacy, and where you might struggle with communication. We talk about real life solutions and suggestions on how to stay connected and prioritize your relationship. You’re certainly not alone in these relationship struggles. Let’s jump into a much-needed conversation about how to keep your romantic partnership strong in the trying stages of life and be present in the little moments that matter, so that you can both work toward a lasting and fulfilling relationship for both partners. Find Dr. Tuckman here: Website: adultADHDbook.com Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-244-prioritizing-intimate-moments-adhd-couples-communication-relationships-dr-ari-tuckman It can feel super intimidating to show up to a party where you don’t know anyone. Well, I don’t want that fear to keep you from finding your people. I want to make this super low risk for you to come, try it out, and get a sneak peek before you join our ADHD mom community. You’re invited to the next Successful Mama Meetup Open House! Join us on Zoom on November 6th to body double for the first 30 minutes, then hangout and meet the other moms in the community for the second half. (Hint hint, we’re pretty amazing IMHO.) No charge, no pressure. Just come hang out! Let me know you wanna come right here and I’ll send you the Zoom link. And since it's on Zoom, everyone can come no matter where you live. Self-diagnosis and ADHD-curious moms welcome. It’s time to hang out with other moms who get you and make you feel like you’re at home. So come in your comfy clothes and let’s hang out! See you soon!
Oct 10, 2024 • 49min
E243: What Truly Matters when Parenting Your ADHD Child to Adulthood with IngerShaye Colzie
Parenting a child with ADHD or neurodiversity brings many challenges and stresses, but connecting with other parents going through similar experiences can help you feel less isolated and lonely. How can you best support both your ADHD child and yourself? For ADHD Awareness Month, we’re talking to a new ADHD guest expert every week. Today’s guest is IngerShaye Colzie, MSW, LSW. IngerShaye provides executive ADHD coaching, individualized coaching and group coaching. In private sessions she creates a partnership tailored to your specific needs and goals, providing dedicated support and guidance. Within group sessions, she provides a safe space for black women to gain access to resources while connecting with the ADHD community. In this episode, IngerShaye and I discuss viewing parenting from the perspective of after your ADHD child reaches young adulthood. She’s sharing her hard-earned wisdom from twenty years of parenting on what truly matters and how we can do our best when we’re in the thick of it. IngerShaye talks about navigating the balancing act of setting expectations and providing structure, while also giving children autonomy and allowing them to learn from mistakes. Join us in a much needed conversation about advocating for your child in school and how you can be less hard on yourself as you do your best to take care of your children. Making memories is just as important as all of the other things we do as parents. Let’s not forget to enjoy the ride, too. Find IngerShaye Colzie here: Website: ingershaye.com Instagram: @ingershaye Facebook: @blackwomenwithadhd Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-243-parenting-your-adhd-child-to-adulthood-ingershaye-colzie It can feel super intimidating to show up to a party where you don’t know anyone. Well, I don’t want that fear to keep you from finding your people. I want to make this super low risk for you to come, try it out, and get a sneak peak before you join our ADHD mom community. You’re invited to the next Successful Mama Meetup Open House! Join us on Zoom on November 6th to body double for the first 30 minutes, then hangout and meet the other moms in the community for the second half. (Hint hint, we’re pretty amazing IMHO.) No charge, no pressure. Just come hang out! Let me know you wanna come right here and I’ll send you the zoom link. And since it's on Zoom, everyone can come no matter where you live. Self-diagnosis and ADHD-curious moms welcome. It’s time to hang out with other moms who get you and make you feel like you’re at home. So come in your comfy clothes and let’s hang out! See you soon!
Oct 3, 2024 • 51min
E242: Managing ADHD in Perimenopause with David W. Goodman, M.D.
You're not imagining it. Your ADHD symptoms can change as you age. ADHD in older adults can be very different than when you were younger and it's definitely not researched enough yet! You don't need to qualify as a senior citizen before your age affects your ADHD, so youngin’s and elders alike, let's listen in. For ADHD Awareness Month, we’re talking to a new ADHD guest expert every week. Today’s guest is David W. Goodman, M.D., an expert in ADHD in older adults. David W. Goodman, M.D. is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Norton School of Medicine, State University of New York-Upstate. An internationally recognized expert, he has presented over 750 lectures to medical specialists, authored peer-reviewed scientific papers, conducted clinical research on several of the ADHD medications now on the market, serves as a consultant to the NFL, widely quoted in national media, teaches 4th-year psychiatric residents at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and serves on the executive committee of APSARD (American Professional Society for ADHD and Related Disorders). In this episode, Dr. Goodman shares a great refresher on the basics of ADHD and how to determine if you've met with a qualified diagnostician to get your ADHD assessment. He dives into the nuances of how ADHD can be confused with other disorders, conditions, and comorbidities. Then we uncover how ADHD can change through your lifespan and how hormonal shifts in perimenopause and menopause affect your ADHD symptoms. I'm also over the moon that Dr. Goodman is currently working with his fellow experts to redefine the symptoms checklist for ADHD diagnoses in adults. Let’s dive into a much-needed conversation about how you change over your lifetime, as we look at ADHD in older adults and perimenopause. Find David W. Goodman here: https://addadult.com/ Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-242-managing-adhd-perimenopause-older-adults-dr-david-goodman It can feel super intimidating to show up to a party where you don’t know anyone. Well, I don’t want that fear to keep you from finding your people. I want to make this super low risk for you to come, try it out, and get a sneak peek before you join our ADHD mom community. You’re invited to the next Successful Mama Meetups Open House! Join us on Zoom on November 6th to body double for the first 30 minutes, then hangout and meet the other moms in the community for the second half. (Hint hint, we’re pretty amazing IMHO.) No charge, no pressure. Just come hang out! Let me know you wanna come right here and I’ll send you the zoom link. And since it's on Zoom, everyone can come no matter where you live. Self-diagnosis and ADHD-curious moms welcome. It’s time to hang out with other moms who get you and make you feel like you’re at home. So come in your comfy clothes and let’s hang out! See you soon!
