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

Have you ever lost it on your kids and your partner gives you some side eye along with, “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?”

While yes, your child is being rude, you’re mostly grumpy because your shirt is itchy and it’s hot outside.

And then you beat yourself up because you think, “what IS wrong with me?” because you turned something little into a yelling fest?!? Sigh.

On today's episode of "Motherhood in ADHD," we're diving headfirst into the whirlwind of dealing with hypersensitivity, overstimulation, and rejection sensitivity dysphoria. Join me as we unravel the mysteries of feeling like a walking nerve on edge and tackle the tough task of managing stress like the patient moms we truly want to be.

We're breaking down the nitty-gritty of setting boundaries, learning to navigate criticism without losing our cool, and finding that sweet spot of personal growth that brings the confidence to handle it all. 

So grab your latte, snag a comfy spot, and let's dive into hypersensitivity, overstimulation, and all the mama magic in between!

If you’d like more support like this, tailored to what moms need, the next round of Lighthouse Group ADHD Coaching starts September 12th. 

In 3 months together, we’ll get your emotional regulation tools sharpened and your daily schedule sorted, so that you can connect home to what matters to you, start trusting yourself again, and build the life you want to live.

Register now, as there are only a couple of spots left: patriciasung.com/lighthouse

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-238-setting-boundaries-navigating-criticism-rsd-hypersensitivity-overstimulation-adhd

I’ve got a podcast for you to check out! I’m honored to partner with Understood.org’s podcast, In It: Raising Kids who Learn Differently this month.

In each episode, you’ll hear from people sharing their own stories and perspectives on how to navigate and support those who have challenges with reading, math, ADHD, or dyslexia, and more. Listen today for support on how to better support yourself and your child.

Feel like you've tried every hack & trick on the internet, only to find yourself still tossed around the rough seas of ADHD challenges? 

Well, grab a life jacket, and join me on this podcast journey as I share some salty opinions on ADHD coaching and other solutions available on the internet.

In this episode, we're unraveling the thread of misconceptions, and highlighting the real benefits of finding the right coach for you. Spoiler alert: Even great athletes have coaches in order to reach their goals.

Together, we'll uncover the myths and the snags to reach smooth sailing solutions to help you navigate the turbulent waters of ADHD.

Tailored support, emotional regulation skills, and practical tools for moms with ADHD that actually work is just what you need to move from surviving to enjoying the little moments in your day when you’re present with your family

Ready for support from an experienced sailor (that’s me!) who will help you get your head above water? Lighthouse Group ADHD Coaching is enrolling now! Get all the details at: patriciasung.com/lighthouse

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-237-what-is-the-point-of-adhd-coaching

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/calm

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

How will ADHD medication affect my life?

What will my family and friends think if I tell them?

Will ADHD medication change my personality?

There are so many fears, worries, and what-if's surrounding taking ADHD medication. 

You may have heard family or cultural messages your entire life that says medication is wrong, harmful, or shameful. 

With all of the stigma and negative buzz, it’s no wonder so many ADHD'ers are confused and worried about taking it. 

There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of about taking ADHD medication. When you really dig into the data, it paints a very different picture -- one that deserves a closer look.

It’s “Medication May” on the Motherhood in ADHD podcast. This episode series aims to arm you with the knowledge and confidence you need to make the right choice about taking (or not taking) ADHD medication. 

In this episode, Canadian Psychotherapist and fellow ADHD mama Christina Crowe discusses:

- The pros and cons of taking ADHD medication, and the surprising risks of untreated ADHD

- Questions to ask when you’re choosing a doctor to treat your ADHD

- What to consider when deciding if medication is right for you

- Christina’s thoughts on “big pharma” and the idea that the pharmaceutical industry is profiting off of mental illness medication (and other common fears)

- Christina’s personal journey with ADHD diagnosis in her late 30's and her biggest struggles with parenting her ADHD child

- The difference between mindfulness and meditation (Yes, there's a difference!)

- And more!

Thank you, Christina, for joining us and offering your incredible knowledge and insights!

Connect with Christina, read the transcript, and view the show notes on the Motherhood in ADHD blog.

This material is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your doctor or a trained medical professional to find the treatment plan that best fits your personal situation.

-----

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 your mom-life and your ADHD brain. Join us today! bit.ly/adhdplan

How do you feel about ADHD medication? 

Are you taking it? Does it help you focus and thrive?

Or are you medication-curious, and a little freaked out about it? That’s totally okay. 

Are you anti-medicine? That's alright, too.

Most ADHDers who are new to medication have a LOT of questions, like:

- How does ADHD medicine feel?

- How do you know if your ADHD medication is working?

- How do you decide if medication is the right choice?

On the Motherhood in ADHD podcast, we’re kicking off “Medication May” (and probably a bit of June too!), by giving you the complete low-down on ADHD medication, so you can make the choice that’s right for you. 

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

- Why I choose to take medicine, and my personal experience with different types of ADHD medication over the past 20 years

- Why I stopped taking medication in the past, and how I managed without it

- The unnecessary shame and embarrassment many ADHDers feel when seeking ADHD meds (Let’s break the stigma, shall we?!)

- How to tackle the fears and “what ifs” around taking medication by becoming as informed as possible

- How ADHD medication isn’t a “magic wand” that solves all your problems – and additional ways to support yourself

- The difference between stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medication (and my experience with both)

- Why it’s okay to start and stop medication (and how to work with your doctor to do this safely)

- Answers to the most frequent questions asked by listeners

- And more! 

Let me be clear: This is not medical advice. I'm not here to tell you what you should or should not do.

My goal in sharing my treatment journey is to share with you as much knowledge and confidence as possible, so you can decide if ADHD medicine is an option you'd like to try.  Because you are the only one who can decide what is best for you.

This material is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your doctor or a trained medical professional to find the treatment plan that best fits your personal situation.

Read the transcript and view the show notes on the Motherhood in ADHD blog. 

Lower your stress and learn how to create a rhythm for your day with Time Management Mastery for Moms with ADHD.

Over the next 11 weeks, you’ll create a flexible framework for your day that’s fluid enough for your ADHD brain to stick with, and structured enough to feel like you’re in control. 

Join today by visiting this link: bit.ly/adhdframework

Read the transcript and view the show notes on the Motherhood in ADHD blog. 

Parenting as a single mom with adult ADHD is extra hard. 

There's homework, housework, and after-school activities to manage on your own. 

There's the pressure to put healthy food on the table every night when you're already exhausted. 

There are bills to pay on one income. 

And then there’s your ADHD symptoms and emotional exhaustion – the guilt, shame and inadequacy that come with being divorced and never feeling like you’re good enough.

If you need to hear this today: You are a fantastic mom.

And you're not alone. 

There are a bunch of single moms in our Motherhood in ADHD Community. Reach out and find your village!

Since I’m not a single parent, I reached out for some help from a few friends.

In this special request (from one of YOU!) episode of Motherhood in ADHD, you’ll hear expert advice from 5 single moms who know the struggle and have found tools to help them thrive in parenting and in life.

These single moms shared:

- Self-care tips for single moms 

- How to let go of the perfectionism and comparison 

- The benefits of living simply as a single mom with ADHD 

- Advocating for your children with ADHD 

- The importance of setting boundaries as a single mom 

- And more! 

A special thank you to the incredible single moms who contributed their heartfelt wisdom to this episode:

Pam McCurry, Motherhood in ADHD listener 

Yakini Pierce, ADHD Parenting Coach and Podcaster, ADHD Love 

Instagram: @adhdlove2020

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDLove2020

Nicki Maher, ADHD Mom Influencer

Instagram: @nickimarieinc

Facebook: Homebase with Nicki

Anna Lopez, Psychiatric Physician's Assistant

Instagram: @adhdinatx

Natalie Nolan, ADHD Coach for Divorced Women

Instagram: @ADHDDivorce

Which Mama Animal are you?
Take the Quiz: What's your ADHD Mama Parenting Style? 
Because you're #NotYourAverageMamaBear
Share and tag me on Social Media!

What if you could find a group of ADHD moms to connect with and ask questions, share advice, and most importantly – know you’re not alone? You can! Join the Motherhood in ADHD Facebook Group today!

What does your ADHD look like? Does it look like impulsiveness, hyperactivity and the irresistible urge to fidget – the signs we constantly hear about in men and boys? 

Or does it look more like forgetting to put on deodorant or brush your teeth, trouble keeping track of all your kid’s appointments, absent-mindedly twirling your hair, or excessive talking when you get excited? 

(If you’ve ever gotten “talks too much” on your report card as a kid, you know what I mean!)

ADHD can look different in women – and just because you don’t have the “classic” signs, doesn’t mean you don’t have ADHD. 

In this episode of Motherhood in ADHD, Dr. Sasha Hamdani, a board-certified psychiatrist and ADHD specialist, shares about the symptoms of ADHD in women, and SO much more, including:

- Dr. Sasha’s own diagnosis story, and her experience as a mom with ADHD

- ADHD diagnosis in children: how to talk to your kids about their diagnosis in a non-judgmental and supportive way

- When it’s time to seek professional help for your ADHD symptoms

- ADHD and hormones: how your cycle affects your symptoms

- Self-care tips for the emotional side of ADHD

- The benefits of partnering with an ADHD specialist, and how to find the right professional

- How to speak to your loved ones about your ADHD, while clarifying it's an explanation and not an excuse

- Answers to all YOUR burning questions that you shared in our Motherhood in ADHD private Facebook group (P.S. You should join if you haven't yet!)

BIG thanks to Dr. Sasha Hamdani for sharing your wisdom and expertise with us! 

To hear more about ADHD from Dr. Sasha, follow her on Instagram: @thepsychdoctormd

To learn more about Dr. Sasha’s psychiatry practice, visit her website: drhamdanimd.com

Learn how to feel more put together by organizing your to-do list in an ADHD friendly way, and keeping your commitments to yourself - all part of the Daily Planning for ADHD Moms course. Join here: bit.ly/adhdplan

Which Mama Animal are you?
Take the Quiz: What's your ADHD Mama Parenting Style? 
Because you're #NotYourAverageMamaBear

Red the transcript and view the show notes on the Motherhood in ADHD blog. 

This material is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your doctor or a trained medical professional to find the treatment plan that best fits your personal situation.

How did you figure out you (possibly) have ADHD?

We all have our own unique journey to an ADHD diagnosis. 

Maybe you have a formal diagnosis from a doctor and a prescription for ADHD medication, and it’s helping you live your best life. 

Or maybe your ADHD is self-diagnosed. You’ve done the research, you check all the boxes, you know in your heart that this is why you’re struggling, and you’re choosing to manage it on your own.  

What matters most is that you feel seen, supported, and encouraged. 

But what if you’re on the fence about getting a professional diagnosis for your ADHD?

What if you're (understandably) concerned about the cost of care, or feeling overwhelmed by the process of finding the right doctor?

Maybe you've had a bad experience in the past where you've felt uninformed, shamed, embarrassed, or doubted your own perspective.

In this episode of Motherhood in ADHD, I’ll share my thoughts on this topic. You’ll hear:

- Why people decide to stick with ADHD self-diagnosis (Absolutely NO judgement here!) 

- Why the simple validation that you have ADHD can improve your mental health and wellbeing

- 5 reasons why a formal diagnosis can improve your mental health, work and school accommodations, relationships with others, and more 

This episode will help you take the worry out of the equation and feel supported and validated that you are making the best decision for you.

In 11 weeks, you’ll set up a smooth, low-stress plan for your mom life by designing your daily rhythms and routines fit for your ADHD brain. Time Management Mastery for ADHD Moms is starting NOW! Join us here: bit.ly/adhdframework.

Read the transcript and view the show notes on the Motherhood in ADHD blog. 

What’s wrong with my child? Why won’t they listen? Why is everything a negotiation?

Why do I have to keep yelling, making threats, and going from 0-100 in a split second? 

What’s wrong with me?

Mama–you’re not the first one to ask these questions. We’ve all flipped our lids, cried in the bathroom, felt horribly guilty for yelling at our kids and wondered, at the end of the day, if we’re just defective parents. 

What if there’s nothing wrong with your child, even though they’re a little…spicy?

And what if there’s nothing wrong with you? What if a few more tools in your toolbelt are enough to be the kind and compassionate parent you want to be? 

Meet Mary Van Geffen, parenting coach for parents with spicy children. She’s helped thousands of moms practice staying calm, kind, and firm with their strong-willed children, and she’s a mom with ADHD, just like us. 

In this episode of Motherhood in ADHD, Mary and I discuss:

- Mary’s journey to her ADHD diagnosis and the self-acceptance that followed

- Her struggles with parenting as an ADHD mom and Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), and how tools like self-compassion help her cope with overstimulation

- What it means to have a “spicy child,” and why we can stop trying to figure out “what’s wrong” with our kids

- Self-regulation, self-compassion, and other practices that support us through parenting stress and overwhelm

- Cycle syncing and parenting – how we can sync our parenting style with our menstrual cycle to plan activities around our energy levels and show up for our children as the best version of ourselves

- The 1-minute meditation that helps you get out of your swirling mind and into the calmness of your body when you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed

During the episode, Mary mentions Rich Roll, who had Lisa Miller, PhD on his show (episode #654). She wrote the book called The Awaken Brain. 

Mary also mentions during the meditation Shirzad Chamine, who researched and wrote a book around Positive Intelligence.

Find it here: We Should All Be Millionaires

A big thank you to Mary Van Geffen for sharing her heart-centered wisdom with us! 

To learn more tools for parenting spicy children, follow Mary on Instagram at: @maryvangeffen

Visit her website: https://www.maryvangeffen.com/

Or join the waitlist for her live, 8-week course, Moms of Spicy Ones: http://www.maryvangeffen.com/waitlist 

Learn how to organize your to-do list and your commitments to yourself in the Daily Planning for ADHD Moms course. Join here: bit.ly/adhdplan

Prefer reading? Click here to read the transcription of this episode.

Mama–when was the last time you spent time alone?

And no–I don’t mean the 2 minutes you spend in the bathroom while the dog scratches at the door and you can hear someone yelling “moooom??” from some distant corner of the house.  I mean real alone time–as in, away from your family, inaccessible, OFF THE CLOCK. 

Has it been a while? 

Have you…ever had any real alone time?

If you haven’t, it’s understandable. Maybe you just can’t find the time. Or the childcare help. 

Maybe you feel selfish or wrong for taking time to yourself. 

We feel like we have to be the glue that holds families together, right? Without you, wouldn’t your family just…fall apart?

Maybe. But maybe that’s okay. 

In this episode of Motherhood in ADHD, I’ll share 11 lessons I learned from my first solo vacation as an ADHD mom, and more. We’ll talk about:

-Overwhelmed moms who formed “escape plans”--from becoming a nun to checking into rehab (Yeah, motherhood is hard.)

-How my vacation almost didn’t happen because my ADHD brain mixed up the dates and miscommunicated them to my spouse. 

-How I felt after getting 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep (YES, this really happened)

-How stepping back can increase our kids’ resilience

-Relationships and ADHD–why it’s so important for us to voice what’s in our head so our partners can understand how our extraordinary brains work

-The time-driven nature of motherhood, and how getting “off the clock” can relieve anxiety for moms with ADHD

-The difference between self-care and after-care, and why it matters

-Chronic illness and motherhood–how you’re more capable than you think when you’ve slid into a dark spot

As an ADHD mama, you’re already a superstar. Listen to this episode to find out how self-care can help you shine even brighter. 

Time Management Mastery for ADHD Moms is starting NOW! In 11 weeks, you’ll design your daily rhythms and routines for a smooth and successful day. Join us here: bit.ly/adhdframework 

Prefer reading? Click here to read the transcription of this episode.