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
Jul 25, 2024 • 48min
E234: 4 ADHD-Friendly Tips for Taking Supplements and Eating Regularly from The Better Belly Podcast with Allison Jordan
Meet my friend Allison Jordan, host of The Better Belly Podcast. In this episode, Allison and I chat about the basics of ADHD in women, gut health in relation to ADHD, and how to make the little habits easier, like taking your supplements or eating meals regularly. Allison shares: As you guys know, we are currently in an ADHD series on the Better Belly Podcast. And I thought, what better way to do an ADHD series than to have an expert on supporting women with ADHD onto the podcast? Patricia Sung is the host of the Motherhood in ADHD Podcast, a Top 5 Parenting podcast, that encourages mamas with ADHD or suspected ADHD with practical strategies and relatable missteps. Patricia is a hobby-hopping, anxious adventurer, willing to try almost anything once. On today's episode, we talk about what ADHD is, why ADHD can look so different in women than men, common signs that you have ADHD, common signs of ADHD that often get overlooked, and Patricia's top tips on how to incorporate new goals into your life, such as taking vitamins regularly or changing your diet, when you have ADHD. Whether you KNOW you have or THINK you have ADHD, this episode is for you. Be sure to subscribe to The Better Belly Podcast! Allison’s website Allison’s instagram Find our episode details here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-234-4-adhd-friendly-tips-take-supplements-eat-regularly-gut-health-allison-jordan 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 every other week of the summer. Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-234-4-adhd-friendly-tips-take-supplements-eat-regularly-gut-health-allison-jordan You’re not alone. “This is a chance to invest in yourself and build a community that will empower your future. Worth it!” –ADHD Mama D.B. Our annual ADHD Moms Luxury Weekend Retreat is coming up October 11-13, 2024 in Houston, Texas! And we hope you’re coming, too! I’ll take care of all the details - you simply show up and enjoy. Put it on your calendar now. Having a circle of moms who support you and believe in you matters. Register for your all-inclusive ticket here: patriciasung.com/retreat
Jul 11, 2024 • 1h 55min
E233: Is It Me or ADHD? from 100% Guilt Free Self Care with Tami Hackbarth
When you think of doing something for yourself, do you jump in with both feet? Or do you think about aaaaaaaaallllllll the reasons you shouldn’t? Meet my actual real-life friend, Tami Hackbarth, host of 100% Guilt-Free Self-Care. In this episode, Tami and I chat about an honest look at motherhood through the lens of ADHD. Tami shares: I am so excited to introduce you to my guest this week! I met Patricia at Mom2 Summit last year in Scottsdale. We bonded quickly over having both been classroom teachers and now coaches. I was in the midst of my ADHD evaluation so I had so many questions for her. Patricia Sung helps moms with adult ADHD work with their unique brains and get their ish together one step at a time and feel confident running their family life. She hosts Motherhood in ADHD, a Top 5 Parenting podcast, encouraging mamas with practical strategies and relatable missteps. She’s a hobby-hopping, anxious adventurer willing to try almost anything once. A Midwesterner at heart, she reluctantly adopted the word "y'all" and lives in Houston with her husband and two young sons. You can grab free resources and get your crap together with other ADHD moms in Successful Mama Meetups at www.motherhoodinadhd.com. 100% Guilt-Free Self-Care because we all need it in order to create the world we want to live in. Self-care isn’t selfish and you are not broken. Modern life is built on the unpaid labor of caregivers and women. This show is a mix of interviews, practical tips and a good natured kick in the pants to get you into action. It will help you build more energy and remind you that you matter too. Hosted by author, speaker, coach and Fair Play Facilitator Tami Hackbarth. Tami loves a good swear word, so pop in your headphones. Be sure to subscribe to the 100% Guilt-Free Self-Care Podcast! Tami’s website Tami’s instagram Join Tami’s free class Reduce the Mental Load: https://www.tamihackbarth.com/reduce-mental-load Tami's new free workshop series: https://www.tamihackbarth.com/reduce-mental-load Find our episode details here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-233-is-it-me-or-adhd-guilt-free-self-care-tami-hackbarth Welcome to the Best of Friends Series, where you are meeting a few of my favorite 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 every other week of the summer. 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 Luxury Weekend Retreat, October 11-13, 2024 in Houston, Texas! “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 mom life. Because you can take care of your family when you’re in a healthy place. Sign up here: patriciasung.com/retreat Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-233-is-it-me-or-adhd-guilt-free-self-care-tami-hackbarth
Jul 9, 2024 • 8min
E232: 1 Million Downloads! Let's Celebrate!
WOW! IT HAPPENED!!! The Motherhood in ADHD Podcast hit 1 million downloads!!! And it’s all because of you! Thank you, thank you, thank you! It’s because of you that we’ve made it this far :) And it goes to show HOW MANY OF US ADHD MOMS there are in the world. You’re not alone, clearly! I’ve been dreaming up how to celebrate with you for moooooonths and now it’s happening!!! You’re invited to a live recording of the podcast! Come join me on July 30th at 11 AM - Noon Eastern / 8 - 9 AM Pacific to record an episode for next month. Get the link to the Zoom here: patriciasung.com/million Ask me anything you want! I’ll answer as many of your questions as I can in one hour. AHHHHHHHHHHHH I can’t wait to hang out! Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-232-one-million-downloads-celebration
Jun 27, 2024 • 38min
E231: Postpartum Anxiety, PPD, & D-MER from Breastfeeding Relief with Bethany
Meet my friend Bethany Lovern, host of Breastfeeding Relief with Bethany. In this episode, Bethany and I chat about struggles as a new mom, including breastfeeding, Postpartum Depression (PPD), Postpartum Anxiety (PPA), and Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex or D-MER. Bethany shares: In this episode, Patricia discusses how she struggled with her ADHD symptoms after becoming a mom, leading to sleepless nights spent searching for support online. Though initially unwilling, she was later prompted by her faith to start a podcast supporting moms with ADHD. Patricia and I chat about our personal experiences with postpartum depression and anxiety. We also delve into Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER), which is described as a sudden mood change when milk lets down. I share how, as a first-time mom, I constantly tracked feedings, sleep and milestones, worrying over my son’s well-being. We both emphasize the need for finding community for shared struggles, whether online or in-person. Patricia invites you to connect with her podcast and community at motherhoodinADHD.com. Be sure to subscribe to the Breastfeeding Relief with Bethany Podcast! Bethany’s website Bethany’s instagram Find our episode details here: patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-231-adhd-postpartum-anxiety-depression-d-mer-breastfeeding-relief-with-bethany-lovern 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 every other week of the summer. Craving people who understand how you work instead of judging you??? Come hang out with me and other ADHD Moms in our twice weekly online community: Successful Mama Meetups! Join here: patriciasung.com/meetup Ready for a getaway? Watch this 2 min video of our last ADHD moms retreat! You’re invited to our next trip: October 11-13, 2024! Sign up here: patriciasung.com/retreat
Jun 13, 2024 • 49min
E230: Help Your Child Sleep Better with Heather Erickson
Struggling with sleep at your house? Today’s guest is Heather Erickson of Sleep and Beyond Consulting. Heather is a sleep coach that helps parents support their children for better sleep. No matter if you have a big kid who fights sleep or you’re pregnant with your first nugget, Heather shares a ton of strategies on how to make bedtime easier for everyone. We dove into how to create a soothing sleep sequence for your children, how we can prepare in pregnancy for the sleep deprivation coming, and why we even need sleep in the first place. These sleep principles are fitting for all ages. Most importantly, Heather is full of grace and shame-free for moms who are ready to throw in the towel. Let’s rest easy, mama! Heather’s Instagram Heather's Website Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-230-help-your-child-sleep-better-pregnancy-baby-heather-erickson Stop Medusa Mom in her tracks with these 10 tips to calm down before you lose your cool! Watch (or read) the free video here: patriciasung.com/medusa-mom Ready for a getaway? Watch this 2 min video of our last ADHD moms retreat! You’re invited to our next trip: October 11-13, 2024! patriciasung.com/retreat
Jun 6, 2024 • 20min
E229: Putting Off Your Big Dreams & Goals as a Mom
Are you feeling anxious or lazy cuz you’re avoiding tasks you need or want to do? Do you want to achieve a big goal but think it isn’t realistic right now? What if you *never* get around to the big dreams you have? *cue PANIC* When you’ve spent years feeling like you’re procrastinating, being lazy, and not understanding why you can’t just do the thing, you can easily get confused when there is something you really want to do but it’s not a good fit right now. Sometimes life is too full for one more project. Sometimes you’re just trying to keep your head above water. Suddenly, ignoring the unfolded laundry basket, avoiding your finances, not going back to finish your degree, and ordering takeout instead of cooking dinner all end up in the same bucket. But these are not the same kinds of projects when it comes to procrastination and avoidance. In this episode, I’m sharing how I distinguish when I'm actively avoiding something versus choosing to set up my life in a way that fits me and my family. You’re NOT an inherently lazy person who will never accomplish anything ever. Let’s make some sense of these conflicting feelings. Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-229-moms-putting-off-your-big-dreams-goals Our annual ADHD Moms Luxury Weekend Retreat is coming up October 11-13, 2024 in Houston, Texas! And we hope you’re coming, too! I’ll take care of all the details - you simply show up and enjoy. Put it on your calendar now. Having a circle of moms who support you and believe in you matters. Register for your all-inclusive ticket here: patriciasung.com/retreat
May 30, 2024 • 1h 5min
E228: Balancing Work, Family, and ADHD with Crystal Ware
How do you juggle growing professionally while also being a great mom and taking care of yourself? Meet today’s guest, Crystal Ware. Crystal and I dive into a dual episode that is being aired both on my podcast and on her podcast “Get Clear with Crystal Ware”. From discussing the struggles of balancing work and family, to offering advice on advocating for a raise at work, Crystal's insights provide valuable guidance for women in professional settings. Together, we’re exploring the complexities of managing ADHD in both mothers and their children, shedding light on medication, emotional regulation, and the importance of self-care. Crystal Ware is on a mission to empower women to pursue their dreams with confidence, authenticity and purpose. She left a successful (yet stressful) career as a Fortune 500 leader and attorney on her quest to find more time, money and freedom, trading in the title of “attorney” for a new role as “entrepreneur and coach”. Now, she helps other women define their own path to success, wealth, health, so they, too, can have the joy, faith, and freedom that she created for herself! Crystal believes everyone can build their dream and find true satisfaction and fulfillment, they just need to get clear on their dreams, build the courage, and find a little inspiration. That's why she launched the Get Clear with Crystal Ware Podcast (with more than 100 inspiring episodes to tune in for), and recently launched her new website, The Well Defined Woman. You are made for more, so join her in creating it for yourself. Crystal's Instagram Crystal's LinkedIn Crystal's Simple Path to $1M Guide (free download): https://welldefinedwoman.kartra.com/page/Simple1M-optin Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-228-balancing-work-family-adhd-crystal-ware Which Mama Animal are You? Take the Quiz: What's your ADHD Mama Parenting Style? Because you're #NotYourAverageMamaBear Reminder: Today is the last day to grab your early access ADHD Moms Weekend Retreat ticket and snag your discount: patriciasung.com/retreat
May 23, 2024 • 20min
E227: Restart Habits You Gave Up On
When you feel like a BIG loser and failure… Eryn asks for help: “I'm always disappointed in myself that when faced with one small obstacle, I give up and cave on everything I've worked so hard to build and then it takes me WEEKS just to summon the effort/courage to get back on track - whether with diet/exercise, my small business, supporting my husband in his own business, or keeping a consistent routine for my 4 kids. It's so defeating and, as a wife & mom, makes me feel like the BIGGEST loser and failure.” Struggles and frustration are bound to come while parenting, especially with ADHD in the mix. It’s especially frustrating when you’ve worked so hard to establish habits and they seem to fall apart when the slightest thing changes! How can you pick back up where you were and feel successful in the habits you’ve built? Today, I’m covering 3 questions I ask myself when things feel too hard and I want to give up. I hope they help you get back on the horse, too! Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-227-restart-habits-you-gave-up-on Ready to get away? Our annual ADHD Moms Luxury Weekend Retreat is October 11-13, 2024 in Houston, Texas! Grab your all-inclusive Early Bird ticket now! “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. Because you deserve to take care of yourself too. Sign up here: patriciasung.com/retreat
May 16, 2024 • 21min
E226: Why You Can’t Afford to Skip Self-Care as a Mom
Recently, I discussed with 4 mom friends the point of Mother’s Day. Spoiler Alert: We all had differing opinions and none of us do the same things on Mother’s Day. While some dislike its baggage and some of us loved a day of being treated like a queen, we did agree that moms could all use a lot more care and rest. You deserve more than 1 day out of 365, mama. Because caring for yourself isn’t an optional activity. At some point, your body or mind will make you take a break when you haven’t made space for rest, and usually at a fairly inopportune time. Let’s discuss why caring for yourself matters (it’s not selfish!) and what real self care looks like. Wanna rest and relax with me? My weekend retreat for ADHD moms is an excellent way to take care of yourself. Plus we get to hang out! In real life! You’re invited! “Be True To You”, the weekend retreat for ADHD Moms takes place October 11-13, 2024 in Houston, Texas. You get to relax, turn off the hamster wheel of to-dos, and rest while I totally take care of YOU! This event is all-inclusive. That means that you don’t have to do *anything* once you check in. I’m taking care of your hotel, meals, and activities. Plus you’ll be hanging out with an awesome group of moms who get you! Having friends who have or suspect ADHD and have been there, done that, and probably forgot to buy the T-shirt are wonderful, and the kind of friends who like you just as you are, that’s priceless. Here's your official invitation to join a welcoming group of moms in person to rest, hang out together, build your support system, and learn to take care of yourself. Because you are worth it. Early bird registration starts TODAY through May 30th, so grab your ticket here: patriciasung.com/retreat. And if you can’t make it this year, what will you do to take care of yourself? Because you deserve care, my dear, no matter the day of the year. Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-226-why-you-cant-skip-self-care-as-a-mom
May 9, 2024 • 26min
E225: 8 Tips for Making New Mom Friends
Scared of meeting new people? Does small talk give you hives? If you want to make new mom friends, but aren’t sure what to do next, let’s hang out on today’s episode! Until recently, parties where I didn’t know anyone were scarier than any snake, clown, or ghost. As someone who’s been painfully shy my whole life, I never knew what to say or how to leave a conversation before it got awkward. I was so awkward! Today I’m sharing my struggles with making friends, especially in new situations with new people, along with 8 practical tips for mingling and making new friends as a mother with ADHD. Here’s how I’ve learned to navigate social situations and embrace vulnerability in order to lower my social anxiety and make new friends. Making friends is a learned skill and you can get better at finding your kind of people. You weren’t meant to do life alone and your potential friends are waiting for you to say hi. Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-225-8-tips-for-making-new-mom-friends-when-you-have-adhd Craving people who understand how you work instead of judging you??? Come hang out with me and other ADHD Moms in our twice weekly Successful Mama Meetups! Come for the support; stay for the community. Join here: https://www.patriciasung.com/meetup
