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

May 4, 2023 • 29min
E187: I Hate Vacations! How To Improve Transitions for ADHD: What To Do When The Days After Your Trip Feel Like Torture
After your family trip is over, do you look more like Clark Griswald than the refreshed luminescent being you were hoping for? The trip was wonderful while you were there, but why is it SUCH a rocky ride with grumpy kids and a tired mom for an entire week afterwards? Transitions are difficult for ADHD, and coming back from a trip doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable emergency landing back into real life. Today I’m sharing my proactive plan for easing back into real life after a vacation. With a new strategy in play, you’ll be asking, “when's our next trip?” Ready to get away? Our annual ADHD Moms Luxury Weekend Retreat is coming up 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. “Gift yourself the opportunity to meet like-minded people (literally), make instant friendships, and the space to finally be yourself.” –ADHD Mama T.H. 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-187-i-hate-vacations-days-after-trip-terrible-transitions-for-adhd

Apr 27, 2023 • 26min
E186: Are you a 2 AM Suitcase Stuffer? My ADHD-Friendly Vacation Packing Plan
When it’s time to leave on a trip, are you up at 2 AM stuffing random clothing in your suitcase because half of your clothes are still in the washer and you’re so delirious, you forget your underwear? That was me up until about a year ago. But this year’s spring break trip, I had everything packed and ready to go before 9 PM. Can you even picture it??? Today I’m sharing my system for packing for a vacation or trip that works for my ADHD brain. Plus I’ve put together my Kids’ ADHD-Friendly Vacation Packing List based on ages: Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Elementary, that will take a bunch of decision fatigue off your plate. You’ll have everything you need with you, so you can rest and relax on your vacation. Ready to get away? Our annual ADHD Moms Luxury Weekend Retreat is coming up 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. “This weekend was nothing short of a dream weekend come true! It was life changing to learn, to witness and experience the bonding amongst a group of women. I felt truly celebrated every moment. To bond with so many women neurodivergent mothers was truly a gift in itself. Only a mother could have thought of that many ways to check off the boxes. "✅treat,✅pause,✅relax"🧘♂️🧘♂️🧘♂️” –ADHD Mama K.P. 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-186-ADHD-Friendly-Vacation-Packing-Plan-Suitcase

Apr 20, 2023 • 23min
E185: Dream Vacation or Nightmare Holiday? How to Plan a Vacation When You Have ADHD, plus what to do when it's your first solo trip without kids
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

Apr 14, 2023 • 34min
E184: Sweet Dreams! How to Fall Asleep Faster and Go to Bed Earlier as a Mom with ADHD
Struggling to sleep while juggling mom-life with ADHD? Discover techniques to transform bedtime and create a sleep-friendly environment. Learn how to calm that racing mind and manage anxiety effectively. The podcast offers personal insights and unconventional tips, moving beyond typical advice. Plus, there's a unique audio resource to help you drift off peacefully. Say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to restful dreams!

Apr 6, 2023 • 50min
E183: More Than Chore Charts: How to use visual communication to connect with your ADHD child and yourself, even if you're not creative with Laura Matteson
“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

Mar 31, 2023 • 36min
E182: How I Overcame RSD and Saved My Marriage (and stopped being a yelling, angry mom)
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.

Mar 23, 2023 • 26min
E181: Fear of Failure as a Mom with ADHD? The Truth About Being Consistent vs. Persistent
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

Mar 16, 2023 • 22min
E180: Following the Wrong Leader: Are You Choosing Wisely for your ADHD Family?
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

Mar 9, 2023 • 25min
E179: Is ADHD a Superpower? Focusing on the Strengths of ADHD without Toxic Positivity
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

Mar 2, 2023 • 1h 5min
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
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