When it’s time to plan a trip, do you feel less like a blissful honeymooner and more like Tom Hanks in Castaway?  And you haven’t even left yet… Look, you know you’ll love the vacation when you’re on it, but getting ready for a trip is mostly ADHD hell.  Planning, organizing, packing, thinking forward in time, blech. And yet, you want to make great family memories that your kids look back on and reminisce, so what’s a mom to do? Today I’m sharing my system for planning a vacation or trip that works for my ADHD brain.  Plus I’ve put together a helpful one-page ADHD Vacation Planning Checklist that will take a bunch of decision fatigue off your plate so you can look forward to the rest and relaxation that you deserve. First time traveling without kids? The mamas in Successful Mama Meetups shared their wisdom and tips on how to handle your first time away from your family. Ready to get away? Our annual ADHD Moms Luxury Weekend Retreat is coming up on October 6-8, 2023 in Houston, Texas!  Add yourself to the retreat waitlist, and I’ll let you know as soon as early bird tickets are available so you can score the best pricing and payment plans.  “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.  Put it on your calendar now. Because you deserve to take care of yourself too. Join the retreat waitlist. Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-185-how-to-plan-a-vacation-or-trip-with-adhd

Are you listening to this podcast at 1:30 AM while rage cleaning your kitchen? …when you “should” be sleeping? Ask me how I know. Sleep issues often go hand in hand with ADHD. In today’s episode, I’m sharing what’s working for me to fall asleep quickly and go to bed earlier.  But it doesn’t include all that stuff you’ve heard a million times before and roll your eyes at. (I’m looking at you, “consistent bedtime.”) Sure, we know that’s all helpful stuff, but as moms, we have a different bar to measure against. When ADHD people struggle to fall asleep, it’s often because our brains are going 100 mph. When we’re anxious, our brains are also going 100 mph.  Coincidence?  Personally, I don’t think so.  You can learn how to drift off to sleep quickly and peacefully.  You can learn what to do when you feel your panic rising to find calm and stay present in the moment. To help you, I’ve put together Slow Down, Be Present: a calming audio private podcast for both sleep and anxiety. And it’s only $9. Snag yours here: https://www.patriciasung.com/slowdown Get the private podcast for free as a member of Successful Mama Meetups when you join by April 18th: https://www.patriciasung.com/meetup Plus Successful Mama Meetups now has a second meeting time on Wednesdays at 9 PM Eastern (3 PM Hawaii, 6 PM Pacific, 7 PM Mountain, 8 PM Central which is Thursdays at 9 AM Hong Kong, 11 AM Sydney)  Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-184-how-to-fall-asleep-faster-go-to-bed-earlier-as-a-mom-with-adhd  

“The only reason why someone might not like a visual checklist is if they don't understand what the task is. So that's where a demonstration might be needed. Or they feel like it's too hard, in which case you can break up that into even more mini tasks.” –Laura Matteson Notice how Laura takes the shame and responsibility off the learner when they are stuck.  This is my kind of mama and teacher! Our guest today, fellow ADHD mom, Laura Matteson, shares with us how to use visual strategies to enrich our lives, communicate with our kids, and bring more fun into our everyday lives.  Laura shares her ADHD journey to self-acceptance and how she now uses her ADHD gifts to help moms, kids, and business owners find more joy in learning. We also cover how to overcome obstacles to bringing more visual communication into your family, including the ever-present “but I’m just not creative.” Join us as we dive into how to connect more with your child through communication that works. Laura (she/her) is a visual translator and founder of Illustrative (a visual support studio) and spends most of her time managing her ADHD/Dyscalculia, 2 children, 1 spouse, 1 creative business, and 3 flower boxes (that are miraculously all still thriving!). Through all of these facets of her life, Laura has seen that when people show up as their natural selves, they conserve energy for what matters. She loves helping other external thinkers communicate in their own way while also being understood by others. Links mentioned in this episode: • Laura's Website: https://www.illustrative.us • Laura's Instagram: @illustrative.us • Stop Medusa Mom download this free video to help you calm down when you're about to lose your cool Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here:  https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-183-more-than-chore-charts-visual-communication-connect-with-your-ADHD-child-Laura-Matteson-illustrative  

What’s your most shameful secret you’re hiding in your closet of skeletons?  Today I’m sharing one of mine: the way I had been treating my family. It was… not good. Correction, it was a poop show. This time last year, I was overwhelmed by life and I had lost my joy. I was secretly an angry mom who yelled every time I got frustrated.  I was a closet doom spiral-er who was ready to fight at every comment from my husband.  Because of it, lies like “you’re a terrible mother” and “my partner is always criticizing me” played on repeat 24/7 in my mind. = Level 10 B.S. The shame layered on thick and the denial of how bad it had gotten was no longer ignorable. Come on my journey of the last 12 months where I went from full-blown RSD (rejection sensitivity dysphoria) plus trauma response disaster zone to my current place of calm, forgiveness, and grace when I mess up. Cuz I’m still human.  My hope is that if this is you, too, you’ll join me in Lighthouse, my group coaching program that starts next month.  Because you and your family are worth it. Full Stop. Links mentioned in this episode: • Lighthouse Group Coaching for Emotional Regulation enrollment ends April 4th or when all 8 spots are filled: www.patriciasung.com/time-management-mastery-for-adhd-moms#lighthouse • Time Management Mastery for ADHD Moms also closes April 4th: bit.ly/adhdframework To read the transcript, links, and view the show notes visit the Motherhood in ADHD Blog.  

Consistency is not a requirement for success, even though a lot of people will tell you otherwise.  You are not them. You’re a mom with ADHD.   You have tiny humans that are not predictable. You have hormones and a cyclical nature.  Perhaps your gift is persistence. What can you do with that? A whole lot. Let’s talk about being successful with ADHD in ways that do NOT require consistency.  Discover the step-by-step process that’ll take you from Hot Mess Express to Time Management Master.  Join today by visiting this link: bit.ly/adhdframework Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-181-mom-with-adhd-fear-of-failure-consistent-versus-persistent

Ever follow a friend's advice only to realize that it was never gonna work for you? They meant well, but all you got was frustration and heartache. Who do you look to for guidance on your ADHD? When you want to learn how to swim, you choose a swim instructor who knows what it’s like to be in the water.   Are you looking for someone on dry land to give you swim instructions? When you have ADHD, comparing yourself to anyone who doesn’t have ADHD is a surefire recipe for low self-esteem. And taking advice from them is good in theory, but somehow never comes together. So how do you find the right person to help you be successful? Let’s discuss. Join the Time Management Mastery for ADHD Moms waitlist to be the first to know when registration opens!  Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-180-follow-the-right-leader-for-your-adhd-family   

It only took me 41 years, but I finally found a type of time that ADHD is not only compatible with, but excels at. What else are we great at?  What are the strengths of ADHD? There’s a long list.  AND you can feel like having ADHD makes your life really difficult at the same time.  Both can be true.  But is ADHD a superpower? Is it the thing that makes you amazing, superhuman, and destined for greatness? Or is ADHD as a superpower simply another toxic positivity trope designed to ignore the hardships?  Before anyone grabs a pitchfork, let’s discuss. Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-179-is-adhd-a-superpower-adhd-strengths  

When you don’t realize that you’re frustrated until after you’re yelling at your entire family… When you don’t notice you have to pee until it’s an emergency… When you don’t catch that you’ve been thirsty for hours… It’s embarrassing, frustrating, or both when you don’t feel like you’re in control of your own body. Struggling with your interoception is an everyday occurrence for people with ADHD. How can you strengthen your awareness and tune into your body’s cues so that you feel more sturdy, stable, and present throughout your day?  Today’s guests and friends, Elizabeth Brink and Anna Lopez share how you can begin to listen to your body and feel connected to your brain, body, and feelings.  Anna Lopez is a neurodivergent, single, mom of two boys living in Austin, TX. She’s a psychotherapist, psychiatric PA, and neurodivergent coach, who loves helping people learn about their brain and lift the shame of the way it shapes how they show up in the world.   Elizabeth Brink is a trauma-informed, body-based coach for neurodivergent people. Elizabeth believes the wisdom of the body offers a unique shortcut to fully embracing the self, which is critical for lasting change. We dive into polyvagal theory, somatics, and interoception, to link the science and the art of listening to yourself and building your self-trust. Connect with Elizabeth and Anna, find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-178-adhd-hypersensitivity-sensory-overload-interoception-and-somatics-elizabeth-brink-and-anna-lopez  

When you live on the water, you need different things: Sturdier, waterproof supplies. Hurricane-proof windows. Lots of rope to tie down your things. Life at sea is rough on the merchandise. Are you prepared for the storms? Are you ready for the incoming tide? Or are you drowning while everyone around you asks why don’t you just write yourself a to-do list? It’s time to take lessons from a sea-worn sailor. Hop into my boat and let’s go for a ride! Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-177-lost-at-sea-with-adhd-stop-floundering

For a long time, body doubling made me want to cringe. I prided myself on being a self-starter. I didn’t need help. And I certainly didn’t want anyone watching me do stuff.  Eep! Perfectionist alert! Was I totally wrong about body doubling? Could it be a way for ADHD brains to get more done? To feel accomplished?  To stay motivated and finish tasks? Have I found a way to make this work for me or do I still recoil with heebie jeebies? Let’s discuss! Links mentioned in this episode: Overcomer ADHD Time Blindness Sandra Coral’s Podcast - Neurodivergent Narratives To read the transcript and view the show notes visit the Motherhood in ADHD Blog.