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

Ever wonder why so many women with ADHD end up in relationships that drain them? You're not alone -- and it's not a coincidence.

After hosting another magical ADHD moms' retreat, I couldn't shake the conversations we had around partners -- some amazing, others... deeply painful. In this episode, I'm sharing the patterns I've seen over and over: women with ADHD stuck in emotionally abusive relationships, often with narcissistic partners. And honestly, it makes me furious.

We're digging into why this happens, how low self-esteem and a lifetime of gaslighting make us vulnerable, and how abusers prey on our empathy and longing for stability. I'm not a narcissism expert (yet), but I've got a stack of library books and a brain buzzing with questions. If you've ever doubted your gut or felt like your relationship was slowly chipping away at your sense of self, this one's for you.

Plus, I give a life and book update, talk about the whirlwind of writing with ADHD, and how I'm navigating deadlines, stomach flu, identity theft, and everything in between.

Want to be part of the book's beta reading team? Sign up at patriciasung.com/book

Add your name to the 2026 Retreat Waitlist: https://www.patriciasung.com/retreat-waitlist

Feeling overwhelmed? Grab my free reset video at patriciasung.com/calm

Big hugs, Successful Mama. You're not crazy – and you're not alone either.

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-278-adhd-women-and-narcissists

Looking for support on how to treat your ADHD beyond medicine? Grab my free list of strategies and ADHD treatments at patriciasung.com/beyond-meds

Do you ever second guess every decision until you freeze? Same here for the first few years I ran my business.

In this episode, I answer Jacki Hayes' question from her podcast, Here's What I've Learned: How have you evolved as a business owner over the years?

The funny thing is, my response wasn't really a "business" answer. My hard won wisdom fits most situations when ADHD folks are trying something new. Or just trying to live.

Chasing a goal, no matter the size or complexity, requires a lot of the same foundational skills.

I bet you'll find at least one nugget helpful, no matter if you're starting a new business, going back to school, or organizing your hall closet. Today I'm sharing how I build my confidence when imposter syndrome is high; how I collect real data to make better and faster decisions, and how I use simplicity to make it doable, especially by matching my energy levels. When I protect capacity and use my energy management skills, I show up better for both my family and my work.

If you want practical support for your brain, grab my free guide on How to Manage ADHD Beyond Medication at patriciasung.com/beyond-meds. And if you want to hear how other owners answered Jacki's question, check out her podcast, Here's What I've Learned.

You do not need "The Perfect Plan" to begin. Take one small step, see what happens, then adjust.

Yes, I'm still writing the first book for Moms with ADHD, publishing February 2027. Keep up to date on all things book writing and/or join the beta reader team here: patriciasung.com/book.

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-277-build-confidence-by-failing-faster-advice-for-new-entrepreneurs-or-achieving-goals.

Ten weeks. Fifty-five thousand words to go. One big, messy dream. 

I'm officially writing a book, and I'm on a serious countdown. But let's be real, life isn't made up of word counts and deadlines. This season is stretching me in ways I didn't expect, and I'm reminded (again) how hard it is for me to ask for help. So I'm uncomfortably practicing that skill.

In this episode, I'm sharing the behind-the-scenes reality of what it looks like to chase a giant goal as a mom with ADHD. From reworking my timeline and outsourcing laundry to crying on the front curb, this story gets personal. You'll hear how a season of grief, a loving husband, and a research fund created ripple effects that showed up in the most unexpected way over 20 years later. 

We often don't get to see how it all comes together, but this week I got a glimmer of hope and encouragement.

If you've ever questioned whether your hard season means anything… this one's for you. You don't need a book deal to matter. Your efforts, your tears, your small wins, they all count.

Need some hope today? Come sit with me in the mess. Let's find the meaning together.

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-268-this-season-is-hard-tears-not-wasted

Free ADHD Resource: How to Manage Your ADHD Beyond Medication

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 all-inclusive ADHD Moms Weekend Retreat is coming up October 10-12, 2025 just outside of 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: https://www.patriciasung.com/retreat

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.

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.

I hate goal trackers. They are sticker charts for grownups. (I also despise sticker charts.)

I'm not a New Year's resolution person. I never stick with them. 

I'm annoyed by the New Year, New You messaging in January. Barf.

I am, however, big into Growth. Goals. Being the best version of you. 

Goal setting is difficult for ADHD so I'm offering 3 questions to ask yourself as you wrap up the year and look ahead to the new year. Let's change it up and think about the new year in an ADHD-friendly way.

You are more than your failed goals.

In the process, I'm sharing behind the scenes of what I'm no longer here for and what I have planned for ADHD Moms in 2023.

Let's do things differently, Successful Mama.

Links mentioned in this episode: 

The Post-Holiday Hangover Cure for Disorganized Mamas

Successful Mama Gift Certificates

2023 Group Coaching Survey

To read the transcript and view the show notes visit the Motherhood in ADHD Blog.

We're in the thick of the holidays and perhaps your sanity is already wavering.  School performances, shopping, baking, less sleep, unusual schedules, no routines, more asks… yikes!

We still have 2 more weeks to go!

In today's episode, I'm sharing 4 ways to lower your stress and make the holidays enjoyable for both you and your family.

Free resources mentioned in today's episode:

3 Steps for Preparing for the Holidays

The Post-Holiday Hangover Cure for Disorganized Mamas

Not sure what to put on your holiday wish list? Ask for a Successful Mama Gift Certificate and choose your course, community, coaching, or retreat next year to lower your stress, take care of yourself, and get your life in order.

To read the transcript and view the show notes visit the Motherhood in ADHD blog. 

What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?

While many kids with ADHD do well in school, a much greater percentage struggle to excel.  The system is complicated and confusing. The first step is understanding what your options are. In public schools in the US, there are both 504 plans and IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) to help students with disabilities struggle less.

Today I'm inviting you into an ADHD coaching call with a mom who asked for help in understanding how to help her son who seems to be doing okay so far… but what about when he doesn't? 

While we usually focus on you, the mom, in your coaching call, we often we will discuss your kids because they are who made you a mom! 

Because I have worked in both public and private middle schools before I became a mom, I want to share with you a simple explanation on the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan. Plus I'm including my two cents on when is a good time to seek out these accommodations for your child. 

Grab your free ADHD Strategy Guide: My Secret to Overcoming Time Blindness

To read the transcript and view the show notes visit the Motherhood in ADHD Blog.