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
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
Feb 23, 2023 • 19min
E177: Lost at Sea with ADHD: Stop Floundering through Life while Drowning
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
Feb 16, 2023 • 15min
E176: Body Doubling for ADHD: Anxiety Alert or Helpful Productivity Hack?
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.
Feb 9, 2023 • 43min
E175: Exit the Emotional Rollercoaster: How to Help Your ADHD Child Build Their Emotional Regulation Skills with Dr. Carrie Jackson
Having someone on your side who understands makes everything easier. Especially when you’re learning how to navigate parenting your neurodivergent child. As a child psychologist, Dr. Carrie Jackson coaches parents on how to work in harmony with their ADHD child. As someone who also has ADHD herself, she helps parents with novel strategies that fit with their own, as well as their child's neurodiverse brains. On today’s episode we talk about avoiding major meltdowns by learning your child’s patterns, diffusing tense situations, navigating when to step into your child’s conflict and when to let them resolve it on their own. You can use many of these emotional regulation strategies for your own neurodivergence, too, mama! Let’s lean into working with our ADHD brains instead of against them. Find more about Dr. Carrie and download her free resources at www.iparentadhd.com or download her app https://www.smartcookie.app/adhd-program/. To read the transcript and view the show notes visit the Motherhood in ADHD Blog. Looking for your kind of people? Join our free Facebook community for a supportive group of ADHD moms to lean on during your ADHD mom journey.
