Can I get addicted to ADHD medication?

Is Adderall the same as meth? 

With questions like these circling within communities and around the internet, it's no wonder so many ADHDers are confused, and sometimes terrified to take ADHD medication -- or to tell their family and friends they're on it.

It's "Medication May" on the Motherhood in ADHD podcast, and the goal of this episode series is to break stigma, bust myths and equip you with as much knowledge as possible about ADHD medication.

So you can feel confident in making the choice that's right for you. 

On this episode, we continue our conversation with Board-Certified Pediatrician and ADHD specialist Dr. Carolyn Parcells. She gives us an overview of ADHD medication, answers commonly-asked questions, and busts several pervasive myths.

You'll hear about: 

- The basics of ADHD medication -- the different types and how they work in the brain

- The differences between stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medication

- ADHD medication and kids -- the types of medication for different age groups, risks, and benefits

- The complete low-down on ADHD medication and risk of addiction

Answers to questions like:

- Why is my medication less effective before and during my period?

- Can I double my dose if it's not working?

- Are there certain people who should avoid stimulants?

- Should I take a break from my medication so I don't develop a tolerance?

- And more!

Thank you, Dr. Parcells for your sharing your wealth of knowledge as an ADHD specialist!

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 here! 

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

Are you a planner?  Or are you more of a "maybe should have made a plan before I tore out that wall in my kitchen" kind of person?

I can not explain what ADHD is without discussing Executive Function, because executive functioning is the CEO of our brain. You use it to run your life: your productivity, efficiency, family, work, friendship, including every single decision you make, from career choices to when to brush your teeth. One area of EF is Planning. Or the lack thereof, being the hallmark of ADHD. How does it affect an ADHD adult? Let's learn about our ADHD brains.

Let's do scary things together!  This episode is all of my tried and true tips, tricks, and opinions on how to air travel with your tiny humans, from birth through age 4.  It is so worth all of the tantrums, crying (both you and your children), jet lag, and delayed airplane flights in order to create amazing family memories.  Because let's be honest...we're dealing with the crying and tantrums anyways, so we may as well do it somewhere fun with panoramic views, am I right? So book that plane ticket and let's go!

When you hear "budget", what are the first three words that come to mind? Fulfillment! Success! Accomplishment! Um, no? If yours are all pessimistic, then it's time to quit that negative thinking. Cast the vision of your future & set your priorities. Your budget is a financial road map that YOU create to achieve YOUR goals. Future-you is depending on Present-you to get it together. YOU are driving this mother. Now let's make that budget. You can do it.

Scared of meeting new people?

Does small talk give you hives?

If you want to make new mom friends, but aren’t sure what to do next, let’s hang out on today’s episode!

Until recently, parties where I didn’t know anyone were scarier than any snake, clown, or ghost. As someone who’s been painfully shy my whole life, I never knew what to say or how to leave a conversation before it got awkward. 

I was so awkward!

Today I’m sharing my struggles with making friends, especially in new situations with new people, along with 8 practical tips for mingling and making new friends as a mother with ADHD. 

Here’s how I’ve learned to navigate social situations and embrace vulnerability in order to lower my social anxiety and make new friends. Making friends is a learned skill and you can get better at finding your kind of people. 

You weren’t meant to do life alone and your potential friends are waiting for you to say hi.

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-225-8-tips-for-making-new-mom-friends-when-you-have-adhd

Craving people who understand how you work instead of judging you???

Come hang out with me and other ADHD Moms in our twice weekly Successful Mama Meetups! Come for the support; stay for the community.

Join here: https://www.patriciasung.com/meetup

Goldfish crackers are not lunch.

Are you only giving yourself the bare minimum leftovers of everything: scraps of time, energy and money?

Today, we're talking about something that most moms can relate to: mom guilt. We’ll give up anything and everything in order for our kids to have more.

We want to feel strong, confident, and happy as mothers, but sometimes the pressures of keeping up all.the.things. can feel overwhelming. You need breaks before you break. 

Why do you feel guilty? And how can you remind yourself that YOU MATTER? Let’s explore these guilty feelings together.

It’s time to prioritize our mental wellness, grow our self-confidence, and make bold decisions for self-care - together. 

Ready to get away? Our annual ADHD Moms Luxury Weekend Retreat is coming up October 6-8, 2023 in Houston, Texas! Grab your all-inclusive Early Bird ticket now! 

“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. 

Because you deserve to take care of yourself too. Sign up here:  https://www.patriciasung.com/adhd-mom-retreat

Early bird tickets close May 31st.

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-190-feeling-Guilty-Spending-Money-Time-on-Yourself-3-Stepshto-Overcoming-Mom-Guilt

WOW! IT HAPPENED!!!

The Motherhood in ADHD Podcast hit 1 million downloads!!!

And it’s all because of you!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

It’s because of you that we’ve made it this far :) 

And it goes to show HOW MANY OF US ADHD MOMS there are in the world.

You’re not alone, clearly!

I’ve been dreaming up how to celebrate with you for moooooonths and now it’s happening!!!

You’re invited to a live recording of the podcast!

Come join me on July 30th at 11 AM - Noon Eastern / 8 - 9 AM Pacific to record an episode for next month. 

Get the link to the Zoom here: patriciasung.com/million

Ask me anything you want!  I’ll answer as many of your questions as I can in one hour.

AHHHHHHHHHHHH I can’t wait to hang out!

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-232-one-million-downloads-celebration

Ever feel like making friends is a puzzle you can't quite solve? 

You're not alone, mama! 

In this episode of Motherhood in ADHD, we unpack the nuances of friendship with our guest Caroline Maguire. 

Caroline is a leader in social skills development and the author of the book, “Why Will No One Play With Me?” – a handbook on how to communicate social skills training for your kids… and yourself!

If you’ve ever felt like your ADHD impacts how you make and keep friends, this episode is for you. 

We're talking about those oops-did-I-say-too-much moments and the I-have-no-idea-what-to-say ones. 

Caroline answers questions from listeners like:

• What do I do when I’ve been ghosted?

• How do I reach out when I’ve been distant due to my ADHD?

• How should I approach talking to my friends, co-workers or bosses about how my ADHD affects my communication style?

• How do I help my kids have successful friendships without pushing them too hard?

Our relationships shape our lives – but they’re not easy when you have ADHD. So let’s dig in and figure it out together. 

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-217-adhd-and-friendships-with-social-skills-expert-caroline-maguire

What’s your ADHD Parenting Style?  Find out at patriciasung.com/quiz because you’re not your average mama bear!

Looking for a quiet fidget to help keep you and your kids peaceful when life feels uncomfortable?

Calm Strips are the way to go! Touch, scratch or trace the textured surface to regulate restless energy, increase focus, and remind yourself to breathe.

Head over to CalmStrips.com and use the code MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off orders of $20 or more.

Meet my friend Jacki, host of the Here’s What I Learned Podcast. In this episode, Jacki and I chat about the successes and struggles of owning a business when you have ADHD. 

Jacki shares: 

In today's episode, I talk with Patricia Sung about the challenges and benefits of starting a business as people with ADHD. Patricia shares the importance of seeking support and finding a balance between flexibility and structure when running a thriving business. We also chat about managing energy levels, prioritizing tasks, and creating more balanced schedules. Finally, we discuss the significance of failing early and often to gain data we can use to create success.

Be sure to subscribe to the Here’s What I Learned Podcast!

Jacki’s website

Jacki’s instagram 

Jacki’s LinkedIn 

Find our episode details here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-235-failure-required-enterpreneur-business-adhd-jacki-hayes

Jacki Hayes is a Systems Strategist and Operational Support Specialist who offers her clients custom-crafted systems and exceptional operational support so they can run the business of their dreams, create greater impact, and unplug from their business with confidence. When she's not supporting her clients, she's bouldering, lifting weights, or reading a book with her two cats Raven and Starfire.

Welcome to the Best of Friends Series, where you are meeting a few of my friends in the podcast community. I’m sharing interviews that I have done on other friends’ podcasts. Not only do you get a new episode, I hope that you’ll find a few shows to add to your podcast queue. 

With a community of ADHD moms to lift you up when you’re struggling, you’re ready to take a baby step forward.

It is possible to plan your week and achieve it, even with ADHD.

Sign up at patriciasung.com/meetup.

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-235-failure-required-enterpreneur-business-adhd-jacki-hayes

So many of us with ADHD have been beaten over the head regarding all of the things we don't "do right". I want to challenge you to think about what you DO do right. You are a Bad A$$ Mama who can do tremendous things. You have admirable personality traits. You can do things few others can do. What are the skills that make you unstoppable? Let's all agree to stop the negativity tape that plays on repeat in our minds and record a new soundtrack that reminds ourselves how our ADHD makes us remarkable. How? Let's talk.

Appointments, birthdays, permission slips, library books, names, the one thing you went into the store for…

In today's episode, I delve into one of the most frustrating features of ADHD: forgetting important things. 

From my personal experiences of forgetting to pick up THE ONE THING that my husband had requested while I went backpacking through Spain to missing my child's swim lesson due to a mix-up in scheduling, we’ll explore the guilt and shame that often accompany these forgetful moments. 

But it's important to remember that having ADHD is not an excuse for forgetfulness, but rather an explanation. But how do you clearly make the distinction in your intention so everyone’s not mad at you for forgetting the thing for the 300th time???

In this episode, we explore the delicate balance between understanding the role of ADHD and taking personal accountability for our actions. Join me as we uncover strategies and insights to navigate through forgetfulness and rewrite our stories from shame spiral to success story. 

Get ready for a powerful (and uncomfortable) discussion on forgetfulness in motherhood and ADHD.

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here:  

https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-210-sorry-i-forgot-excuse-explanation-adhd

Time blindness. YES. It's a very real thing and it can be a challenge for lots of people with ADHD. 

I'm here to tell you there IS HOPE! 

I created a resource for mamas like you so you can stop waiting until the last minute to complete the project, send in the forms, or do the shopping. 

Stop stressing about time. It doesn't have to be that way. 

Grab my Secrets for Overcoming Time Blindness, a free resource on my website here:

https://www.patriciasung.com/monthahead

No matter if you're a full-time working mama, a mom who's also a full-time student, or if you're a stay-at-home or work-from-home mum - if you have ADHD, you can use this framework.

Today we hear it straight from students of my Daily Planning
for ADHD Moms course. They share how it worked for them and what happened when they created a system that works for them. They discuss how they've developed solid habits and how they've figured out how to forgive themselves when they fall off track. Because they know even when, (not if, but when) they fall off track, any baby step they take forward is STILL a step in the right direction.

We talk about what it's like when you have a foundational system in place and how much easier it can be when life happens and you need to adjust to new changes - because let's face it, our lives are ALWAYS changing.

I'm honored to share this episode that highlights some of my amazing students who did the work and made the changes they needed to work WITH their ADHD brains instead of against it!

These mamas united together, went through the content in their own way, all while connecting with each other on a deeper level every week at our weekly meet-ups. The Daily Planning for ADHD Moms course taught them how they can take control of their own lives and now they've developed their own habits that keep them feeling capable and confident when planning out their everyday lives.

You'll hear real ADHD mamas talk about their "ah-ha" moments, discuss their favorite aspects of the course, and tell us all about what they appreciate most by having a framework they can use every day.

They started out feeling confused, helpless, and hopeless, and they finished feeling supported and seen. Now, they have all the tools they need to tackle their plan, even when life throws them a curveball.

From daily & weekly check-ins to being diligent about communicating the plan to their families, these mamas are more mindful and understand what a big difference ADHD planning can make for them.

I want this goodness for you, too, mama!

Join me, and more ADHD mamas, in my **Daily Planning for ADHD Moms** course and weekly accountability group. Let's get your calendar and to-do list organized and create a plan for your day.

It's your last few days to cash in on the 20% off Back to School Bonus!

Click here: bit.ly/adhdplan and grab your spot now!

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

I study naturally organized people like it's my job.  In this episode, I share 9 ways I've implemented their habits of constantly tidying into my life, which help keep my house relatively organized and most tasks accomplished in a timely fashion.

How many times have you questioned whether you are a “good mom”?

In the last 2 months, I’ve asked myself this at least 4000 times. This summer did not go as expected which made me doubt if I’m being a good mom.

Am I spending enough time with my boys?

Am I putting my phone down and paying attention when they talk?

Am I making my kids a priority over endless stress and anxious thoughts swirling around my head? 

Here’s some wise advice I received recently from an older, more experienced mom, on how to deal with challenging decisions and seasons. Plus, I’m sharing what is working for me to keep my head above the water and continue paddling (upstream) right now. 

For more emotional regulation support so you can feel like you’ve got this even when life feels like you’re paddling upstream, join me at the Create the Calm all-inclusive luxury weekend retreat or for the next round of small group ADHD coaching. 

Retreat registration closes TODAY, August 31st! 

The next round of group coaching starts September 14, 2023.

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here:  https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-204-how-to-be-a-good-mom

READY TO GET AWAY?

 Our annual ADHD Moms Luxury Weekend Retreat is coming up October 6-8, 2023 in Houston, Texas!

You're officially invited :)

 “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. Grab your all-inclusive ticket here: https://www.patriciasung.com/adhd-mom-retreat

Have you ever hated your own child? 

While you may not want to say it out loud, sometimes parenting is just. so. hard. that this burning hatred overtakes you in a fiery blaze. And when your child is extra… extra needy, extra sensitive, extra different, extra angry, extra aggressive, extra anything, the usual parenting advice doesn’t work. 

Maybe you feel like a failure or a terrible mom.

Meet Megan Champion, who started her podcast as a “regular mom” who needed to know she was not alone struggling to parent her out-of-the-box child. So she shares stories from other “regular” parents, who are navigating out-of-the-box kids. Megan’s vulnerability and openness is refreshing in a world of glossy Instagram photos. We finally got to meet in person in May and she is just as kind and honest in person as she is online, which is a delight! 

In this episode, Megan Champion and I chat about Understanding ADHD in Neurodiverse Kids and Their Parents on her podcast, On The Hard Days, where Megan validates the experience of her listeners through story-telling so that they feel seen, heard, and understood. Today, you’re hearing part of my story as both a mom and as someone with ADHD. Megan shares:

Patricia Sung is just the person I needed to talk to. She has ADHD and understands its nuances to a fault. She has her own podcast, Motherhood in ADHD, and is a featured guest speaker in my support group community, Mothers Together. In this episode, she was able to answer so many of my questions. We could've talked for hours longer! Here's just some of the things we discuss:

-Postpartum anxiety and the tie to ADHD

-The hyper vigilance in recognizing the same diagnosis in our kids as we have

-How everyone's ADHD looks different

-Building up your ADHD child

-Supporting undiagnosed kids by looking for behavioral patterns

-Tantrums vs. meltdowns

-ADHD and setting parental boundaries

Be sure to subscribe to the On The Hard Days podcast. 

Megan Champion’s website: www.ontheharddays.com

Megan Champion’s instagram: @on.the.hard.days

While I’m slowing down for the summer, making space for more family time and accounting for our emergency construction project, I simply couldn’t leave you hanging for the next few weeks. And my ADHD brain didn’t want to do another vanilla Best Of series… Cue Light Bulb! 

Welcome to the Best Of Friends Series, where you are meeting a few of my favorite friends in the podcast community. I’m sharing interviews that I have done on other friends’ podcasts. Not only do you get a new episode, I hope that you’ll find a few shows to add to your podcast queue. There’s a wide variety of topics coming your way, so keep an eye out for a new friend each week of the summer. 

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-200-understanding-adhd-neurodiverse-kids-parents-on-the-hard-days-megan-champion

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 ADHD Moms Luxury Weekend Retreat is coming up October 6-8, 2023 in 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/adhd-mom-retreat

I'm back! My break was half amazing and half messy, and I'm sharing my mindset goals when life gets out of control, unexpected hiccups occur, systems breakdown, and everything feels overwhelming. I'm slow rolling into 2020 as I learn to balance things while I take on a huge project for my son's school. This fundraiser is using all of the executive functioning skills that don't come easily with ADHD. I have one month left to blow this event out of the water, so wish me luck and say a whole bucket full of prayers for my sanity.

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!

When you've got PMS on steroids, the rage and depression are exponential.

Ever hear of pre-menstrual dysphoria disorder?

They call it PMDD for short, and it's a very real and serious hormonal disorder that affects up to 10% of women!

Symptoms include things mood swings (aka rage attacks), sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, depression, and even severe panic attacks.

Many women with PMDD are either extremely tired or have bouts of insomnia. And then there's excessive crying and other emotional swings. Not to mention all the bloating, gastro issues, food cravings, and possible weight gain.

Phew. I need a nap after writing that alone!

Today my guest Heidi and I unpack what PMDD is, the symptoms of PMDD, how PMDD can be linked to post-partum issues, and how to talk to your doctor about getting a diagnosis.

If you've been following along on in the last few months, we've talked a lot about menstrual health, hormones, and cycle syncing. We've uncovered numerous ways our menstrual cycle relates to ADHD symptoms in women. It's fascinating and disturbing at the same time. But there is hope, Successful Mama!

Heidi Hogarth is a naturopath, a mom of two, and a PMDD survivor. She's on a mission to support women who suffer from PMDD and help them find the best natural health tools so they can get off the hormonal emotional rollercoasters & back to their calm, positive, and loving selves.

She's a wealth of knowledge when it comes to understanding symptoms of PMDD. She offers insight into what supplements and dietary changes can help you when you feel like you are suffering from PMDD.

A big thank you to Heidi for helping women understand their bodies so they can do what they can to live a happy and healthy life.

If you are looking for more resources to help you along in your ADHD journey I would like to invite you to head to my resource page and snag some great free tools.

Go to patriciasung.com/resources. Not only will you be able to download ADHD resources on the spot, but you'll also get more ADHD mom tips right to your inbox. :)

➡️ Tell me in the comments, have you ever experienced any PMDD symptoms and wondered if there was more going on under the surface? ⬅️

FOR THE BLOG:

Links to resources mentioned in this episode:
International Association of Premenstrual Disorders
Wild Power: Discover the Magic of Your Menstrual Cycle and Awaken the Feminine Path to Power Book

Cycle Synching Basics for ADHD Women: Your Hormones are Your Energy Superpower #116
Tapping (EFT) as Treatment and Self Care for Adult ADHD with Kate Moryoussef #89

Click for full transcript.

Behind The Scenes Sneak Peek? Yes, please!

In this raw, unedited episode, I'm sharing what's going on Behind The Scenes this summer as I take a break from creating new episodes to... make a new episode today!

Over the last 6 months, I've been volunteering with ADDA, a non-profit that serves Adults with ADHD. This weekend is the ADDA Global Gathering - an innovative, virtual, around-the-clock international conference for Adults with ADHD. 

You're invited to visit the new virtual reality "ADDA-verse" (free for the 36 hours of the conference) to learn about ADHD in an ADHD-friendly way, and mingle with other ADHD Adults. 

Join me for an informal conversation on Friday night about "Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: ADHD & Self-Doubt," and as I co-host the Women's Town Hall on Saturday night. 

Let’s hang out! Register at no charge here: https://add.org/addaverse-open-house/

You can attend the main sessions as well (ticket required: https://homecoming.add.org/ ) on ADHD@Work, ADHD & Me, and You, Me & ADHD.

Come find me in the ADDAverse July 22 and 23 and say hi! (I'll be dressed in head-to-toe yellow as one of the volunteers.)

“I’ve tried everything!” 

When you’re dealing with a particularly frustrating problem that’s gone on for years, like parenting your exasperating child, looking for relief from a chronic health issue, or advocating for your child struggling at school, you start to run out of energy AND optimism.

When you’ve got a situation that feels hopeless…

When you’ve run out of ideas…

When you’ve looked under every rock and barked up every tree…

Should you just give up? 

Sigh.

Except you REALLY want to find a solution. You’re not ready to give up on your kid, your health, the things that truly matter to you.

What’s a mom to do? 

My kindergartener surprised me with his fresh take on counting last week, and it made me think twice about how I look at the same-old-same-old. 

In today’s episode, I’m sharing five valuable ways to find a fresh perspective when you feel overwhelmed or stuck. Let’s look outside the box and past the same advice you’ve heard 37 times to find what you actually need or could use. 

These are the kinds of problems that are worth another go. You’re worth it, too.

Get some cheerleaders in your corner and join our free Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/motherhoodinadhd

After our first session together, you’ll know how to stay cool when your Uncle Roger starts with his political BS at the next holiday party. It won’t ruin the day for you.

Early Bird Registration of my next round of Lighthouse Group ADHD Coaching ends today! Registration reopens in January.

The group starts in 2024, so put your name on the waitlist now to get signup details, so you’ll know that after the holidays are over and the kids are back in school, you are ready to get your life together and your emotions in control.

You’ll learn the skills you wish you knew growing up to make adulting easier as someone with ADHD and you’ll be able to teach your kids how to live well with ADHD. 

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-215-dont-know-what-else-to-do-how-to-solve-hopeless-problems-feel-stuck

Thank you to our sponsor, Skylight Calendars, whose support allows me to share this podcast with you for free! I only partner with brands I know and love, so I bet you’ll love this amazing digital calendar as much as I do - it will help keep your family coordinated and less stressed. Use the coupon code PATRICIA to get 10% off your family calendar at SkylightCal.com

All right, today we're talking about the elephant in the room: MENSTRUAL CYCLES.

I know, I know - not everyone's favorite subject! But it's something we all deal with so we might as well discuss how our hormones and our periods affect us as mamas with ADHD.

When you think about hormones, think about HOW MUCH your body has evolved through your life. Adolescence, puberty, pregnancy, postpartum...there's no denying everything's in flux pretty much all the time.

So, the question is what do we REALLY need to know and how can we navigate our ADHD symptoms while our bodies are on a constant hormonal roller coaster?

Sadly, there isn't a lot of research on the topic but there are a few really great resources that I'm excited to share in today's episode!

Don't worry mama...I got you!

I did a looooot of digging and I think you'll love the tools and resources I'm sharing. They'll shed some light on how our bodies work and what to do to be even MORE successful and gracious with ourselves as a woman with ADHD. Plus a big thank you to my friend and mentor, ADHD Coach Elizabeth Brink, for the research help! @coachelizabethbrink

Want to dive in more? This topic comes up sometimes during our weekly group support calls for Daily Planning for ADHD Moms course. It's currently open for enrollment!

Let's get your calendar crap and to-do list organized one step at a time, so you feel confident + capable in your day, even when your ADHD hijacks your plan. Click here to sign up --> bit.ly/adhdplan

Join us in the Motherhood in ADHD Community Support Group on Facebook! 

Next week we're diving into cycle syncing! When I first understood how cycle syncing worked and started implementing it into my life...it was a GAME CHANGER!

Links to things we talked about on today's show:

• The ADHD Enclave
  
• Glowing Period Tracking App
  
• Hormones for Life Article
  
• PubMed Article - Prevalence of hormone-related mood disorder symptoms in women with ADHD
  
• Healthline Article - How to Work with Your Period, Not Against It
  
• YouTube Video - Your Menstrual Cycle Is More Than Just Your Period
  
• OurBodies Ourselves Article
  
• Medical News Today Article - How can your period affect bowel movements?
  

Links Use these links to save on products I mentioned today:

• $10 Toward your purchase of Thinx Period Panties
  
• $5 Off Flex
  

Click here for transcription.

How am I going to teach my kid to be good at stuff that even I'm not good at?

Today's episode is an ADHD Q&A session focused on helping you find ways to teach your child the important life skills they need to be responsible adults.

Okay, so maybe you aren't great at being on time or keeping up with laundry or remembering someone's name...but there are lots of things that you ARE GOOD at.

Let's focus on the good stuff, shall we?

Listen and learn how you can use what you ARE good at to create a path that helps your kiddo learn those life skills and reminds you that you ARE a Successful Mama.

One quick tip - keep things simple and positive.

I hope this episode helps you realize teaching responsibility to your child doesn't have to feel overwhelming or scary. You got this!

Oh, and since you're here I want to remind you I have some free resources to help you, parent, as a mom with ADHD. There are LOTS of goodies for you so head over to the resource page on my website and grab them up. patriciasung.com/resources

Click here for transcription.

FAIL: That's my 2020 word of the year. I know, that sounds ridiculous, so listen in while I explain why this is the perfect choice for me to achieve new levels of success this year. What about you? How do you feel when I ask you how your 2020 New Years Resolution or Goals are going? If it's panic, self-loathing, or disappointment, fear not! There are still 9 months left in the year to do great things. Quit clinging to that negative attitude and let's figure out what we can do to get your goals going again. ADHD will not hold us back from kicking some butt this year, especially our own!

Have you ever wondered if you need therapy for your ADHD? 

That question can feel overwhelming for ADHD mamas. You’re thinking:

 Do I really need therapy if I’m not in crisis?

What if my therapist doesn’t understand my ADHD brain?

What if they tell me I’m just a hot mess and there’s no hope for improvement?

What if I don’t like my therapist and I’m stuck in weekly sessions I don’t know how to get out of?

I hear you mama, and I’ve been there. 

But what if I told you I knew someone who could answer all these questions–a licensed psychologist, consultant, speaker, educator, and most importantly–a mom with ADHD? 

Meet Dr. Han Ren–she’s our guest for this episode of Motherhood in ADHD, and she addresses all these questions and SO much more. We talk about:

-Dr. Ren’s own journey to ADHD diagnosis, and how she felt like she was “tricking” her psychiatrist into prescribing stimulants (Until she realized she ACTUALLY needed them!) 

-The cultural impact of ADHD, breaking generational cycles, and how Dr. Ren worked to decondition her belief that it was a character flaw

-Navigating friendship with ADHD–and how to handle it when you feel like you’ve been “too much” in your relationship 

-Normalizing indecision and changing your mind–why it’s totally okay to hobby hop

-When to go to therapy–and how it can help ADHD moms thrive, even when we’re not in crisis

-How to choose the right therapist for you, AND how to fire your therapist if they're not a good fit–no guilt, shame or ghosting necessary! 

-Parenting well with ADHD–Dr. Ren shares how it’s made her a more compassionate mom

-How Dr. Han sucks at cleaning her house (YES, she really is just like us!) 

Mama, you deserve to feel your best, and if that means finding a therapist to walk through life with you, then I support you 100%, and this episode is for you!

I want to thank Dr. Han Ren for gifting us with her incredible knowledge, inspiring activism, and empathy as an ADHD mom. 

https://www.amazon.com/What-My-Bones-Know-Healing/dp/0593238109/ref=nodl_

To watch Dr. Ren normalize therapy and lift up communities of color through relatable and educational content, follow her on Tik Tok: @drhanren and Instagram: @dr.han.ren 

To learn more about Dr. Ren’s therapy practice, visit her website.

Get your life together next month when Time Management Mastery for ADHD Moms opens for enrollment. In 11 weeks, you’ll design your daily rhythms and routines for a smooth and successful day. Join the waitlist here: bit.ly/tmmwaitlist

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

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.

Ouch! Taking responsibility for our ADHD brains can sting a little. But it's not hopeless!

Just because it's hard doesn't mean we can't set meaningful goals and achieve the things we really want.

Today is round two with ADHD Life Coach Jessica Heimsoth. She shares:

• The REAL reason many people with ADHD don't reach their goals
• The LIES we frequently tell ourselves that hold us back from being successful (Jessica totally called me out here!)
• Learning how your brain functions will propel you forward
• Proven strategies to feel productive and accomplish your goals
• What to do if you're overwhelmed by all the goals goals goals talk? and
• When is it okay to stop pushing and just be who you are where you are?

Lots of brilliant wisdom in this one, mama. This episode is a big hug wrapped in truth and love. I'm so ready for you to hear the actionable tips Jessica shares in part two of her interview.

But more importantly, I want you to know that you are wonderful and worthy and loved just as you are. You are good enough, no matter if you crush 30 goals this year or do nothing extra beyond raising your humans. You're doing a great job surviving in this crazy world. You are not broken, and you are not alone.

During the episode, Jessica mentions the book We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers. Find it here: We Should All Be Millionaires

Learn more about Jessica and ADHD Coaching on her website. Also, make sure to connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.

Big thanks to Jessica for sharing her knowledge and her compassion for those of us living with ADHD. The community appreciates you and all you do!

Click here for transcription.

When your ADHD is invisible, we can start to feel like maybe we’re making it up…

Maybe you aren’t really struggling more than others…

Errrrrrrt.  Stop that.

Today we’re talking to Christina Crowe about how to make the Invisible Visible. Because ADHD is real even when you can’t SEE its impact on everything. I love Christina’s super practical way of explaining the hard stuff, as well as how she always links her information back to real research and science.

In this episode, Christina and I chat about what moms with ADHD really need to know on her podcast, Making the Invisible VISIBLE, where Christine believes great mental health information should be available to everyone, and loves creating content that makes all of the invisible things VISIBLE.

Christina Crowe is a Canadian Registered Psychotherapist, clinical supervisor and RELENTLESS mental health advocate. Christina believes great mental health information should be available to everyone, and loves creating content that makes all of the invisible things VISIBLE. This show features Christina’s favorite experts on mental health topics like anxiety, ADHD, relationships, self-advocacy, health system navigation and, of course, the occasional rant.

Be sure to subscribe to the Making the Invisible VISIBLE podcast.

Christina’s website: https://digalittledeeper.ca/christina-crowe-podcast-ontario.html

Christina’s instagram: @digalittledeepertherapy

Join Christina’s course, DIY * ADHD

Christina was also a guest on my podcast on Episode 143: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-143-why-you-choose-to-take-adhd-medication-decide-for-your-child-christina-crowe

While I’m slowing down for the summer, making space for more family time and accounting for our emergency construction project, I simply couldn’t leave you hanging for the next few weeks. And my ADHD brain didn’t want to do another vanilla Best Of series… Cue Light Bulb! 

Welcome to the Best Of Friends Series, where you are meeting a few of my favorite friends in the podcast community. I’m sharing interviews that I have done on other friends’ podcasts. Not only do you get a new episode, I hope that you’ll find a few shows to add to your podcast queue. There’s a wide variety of topics coming your way, so keep an eye out for a new friend each week of the summer. 

This episode includes an affiliate link, which does not change the amount you pay, but may direct a portion of the purchase price to me. 

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-198-what-moms-with-adhd-need-to-know-making-the-invisible-visible-christina-crowe

Wish you could get a sneak peek before joining? You can!

You’re invited to Successful Mama Meetup’s very first Open House!

Join us on July 26th for either of our meetups, and meet the other moms, see who you’d hang out with at the retreat, so you know we’re the kinda people you wanna hang out with before you jump in. (hint, we’re pretty amazing IMHO.)

No charge, no pressure. Just come hang out at one or both of the events!

Let me know you wanna come right here and I’ll send you the zoom link. 

And since it's on Zoom, everyone can come no matter what part of the world you live in. And for our mamas in Asia and Australia, the second meetup is on Thursday, July 27th for you.

When is it too late to get an ADHD diagnosis?

For today’s guest, Tami Hackbarth, getting diagnosed with ADHD at age 53 was worth it. After years in the classroom working with copious ADHD children, Tami has plenty of strategies and tools to help those of us with neurodivergent brains. 

We dove into Tami’s journey of self-discovery, self-compassion, and self-acceptance. She opens up about her struggles with sleep apnea, the impact of medication on her daily life, and the importance of Fair Play and self-care in neurodivergent families.

We also talk about the value of open communication within families and the significance of guilt-free self-care. 

Tami Hackbarth helps GenX women get their time and energy back so they can create the world they want to live in. She is a Life+Work Coach, Speaker, Author, Podcaster, Fair Play Facilitator, former teacher, and lifelong Californian. You can find Tami at www.tamihackbarth.com and on socials at:

• Instagram – @tamihackbarth

• Facebook – @TamiHackbarth100PercentGuiltFreeSelfCareCoach

• TikTok – @GuiltFreeSelfCare

• Threads – @tamihackbarth

Let’s jump into a candid conversation of understanding, empowerment, and embracing the unique challenges and victories of motherhood and entrepreneurship in the context of ADHD.

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-224-self-acceptance-fair-play-adhd-relationships-tami-hackbarth 

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.

Behind The Scenes Sneak Peek? Yes, please!

What horrible work experience have you had? Were you fired? “Let go”? Embarrassed for all of time?

In this raw, unedited episode, I'm sharing what's going on Behind The Scenes this summer, and today it’s the story of when I was “let go” from work. Sharing our stories is what allows us to connect, so I’m going first.

How can we grow our ADHD Mom Community?  By hanging out together, in person!

You’re invited on an all-inclusive, curated weekend getaway with Patricia is the first of its kind: for ADHD Moms (and moms that think they have ADHD.) You’ll enjoy 4-star accommodations, unparalleled experiences, and gourmet meals, all while making friends with moms who understand how you think and love you just the way you are. 

Best of all, you don’t need to plan or organize anything once you arrive at the hotel. I’m taking care of YOU! Every meal, every activity… you simply arrive at the hotel, and everything is taken care of for you from there. You’ll arrive home refreshed and rested.

Book your ticket here:  https://www.patriciasung.com/adhd-mom-retreat by August 8th for early bird pricing. This is a small group, so if you’re coming, don’t wait long to reserve your spot.

Pack your bags, and I’ll see you in October!

Some of your thoughts are garbage and you need to let go of them right now. Not everything your brain thinks deserves your brain power! We talk Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Intrusive Thoughts, and how we can mistakenly think we're taking control, when were actually giving our power over to our fear. Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I've learned how to let go of harmful and fearful thoughts, and now I am using my energy for productive, useful thoughts. I wish words could adequately explain the freedom I've gained over the last few months. Hallelujah!

A podcast of encouragement and strategy on how to make your motherhood with ADHD better day by day. Today on Motherhood in ADHD, we are discussing first steps. Part 3 covers being honest with yourself, as it will allow you room to grow. Tough to do, but true!

It’s here again… that awful feeling: I’m behind.

You swore this year you’d print those adorable Christmas cards with your family’s smiling faces in front of a glowing tree, but it’s December and you haven’t even started. 

Your friends are sending you theirs, and just seeing them makes you feel guilty. 

You’re scrambling to shop for presents online, wondering how you’re going to fit it into your budget. 

And that damn elf on the shelf?

Hasn’t moved for days. 

Mama, the holidays are a stressful time for most people. 

But the truth is, it doesn’t have to be quite this bad. 

If you’re feeling behind, and like you can’t rest because there just.isn’t.time… this episode is for you. 

We talk about:

• How to clean up after the holidays without feeling overwhelmed

• Why you feel “behind” and what to do about it

• Relearning how to rest, when adulting made you forget

• How to make time to recharge when there just isn’t any time

There’s no law that says holidays have to be hard. Join me in choosing calm over chaos this year. 

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-218-holiday-self-care.

The cure to your holiday hangover: quick & easy steps to get your home back to its normal level of chaos after the holidays!

https://www.patriciasung.com/holiday-hangover

Looking for a quiet fidget to help keep you and your kids peaceful when life feels uncomfortable?

Calm Strips are the way to go! Touch, scratch or trace the textured surface to regulate restless energy, increase focus, and remind yourself to breathe.

Head over to CalmStrips.com and use the code MOTHERHOOD20 for 20% off orders of $20 or more.

Less late is the goal. 

Sure, we wish we were on time. 

Let's take some baby steps and be a little less late. 

Today we'll discuss why we are frequently running late, discuss executive functions involved in the project of leaving your house with kids in tow, find our motivation to make changes, and walk through a few skills, like counting up the minutes you truly need to walk out that door calmly with everything you need. 

If you're as time blind as I am, you'll want to ask for help in completing this homework since chances are you were overly optimistic (a.k.a. mindbogglingly incorrect) in your estimations.

Being more timely is a learned skill, so we are not doomed for all eternity, mama! 

**Note: This episode originally aired in May of 2019. As I take a break for the summer and quality time with my family, I'm sharing episodes that will help you get ready for the summer, support you with some integral support skills for ADHD, and then get ready for the new school year.

To hang out with me over the summer, you can:

1) hop on over to our free Facebook community -AND/OR- 

2) join me on Wednesdays during our weekly meetings by signing up for my course, Daily Planning for ADHD Moms, or my program, Time Management Mastery for ADHD Moms. 

I'm cooking up some good stuff behind the scenes. Plus, I'll see you in the fall with brand new episodes! Talk to you then, Successful Mama!

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

What “should” you have done already?  

Finish your degree? 

Pass your driver’s license test? 

Make that doctor’s appt? 

Left the house for school pickup?

If you’re constantly thinking “I’m behind!”, this episode is for you.  

Often it’s literal, as in, “I’m 20 minutes late to my appointment!”

But it’s also in the big things, like you “should” have more kids by now or gotten that promotion. 

You’re not alone! Feeling behind has come up in several discussions recently both in my Lighthouse Group ADHD Coaching, and in Successful Mama Meetups. What are the patterns showing up in this pervasive problem among women with ADHD?

Here’s how to move forward both logistically and mentally.

It’s time to take care of you, mama: A whole weekend for you to relax and get away from all your weighty responsibilities, to understand your ADHD mind in community with moms who get it. Drop your name on the waitlist for the 3rd annual ADHD Moms Weekend Retreat in October 2024, and I’ll take care of everything once you arrive!

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-222-4-reasons-why-you-feel-behind

When you’re hiding in the bathroom in a puddle of tears on the floor, what do you do next?

When you’ve yelled at your family and said things you regret during a grownup temper tantrum and wish you could hide under a rock forever, what do you do next?

When the shame and guilt and overwhelm feel like too much to bear, what do you do now?

It’s so common for those of us with ADHD to get overwhelmed and shutdown or say things we regret.

Here’s a clip from Successful Mama Meetups during our month themed "Your Reset Button (How to reset after a total shutdown or meltdown)” because the mamas requested this topic. You’re not alone in this.

I’m sharing supportive strategies for dealing with stress and moving forward when it feels hopeless or impossible. Understanding ADHD's impact on your emotional regulation makes a huge difference in how you deal with stress.

Big hugs.  Let’s talk about it.

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-258-reset-after-adhd-meltdown-shutdown

Links mentioned in this episode:

When you feel anger rising, how can you find calm and stay present in the moment?

Hit play on Slow Down, Be Present: a calming audio private podcast for both sleep and anxiety. It’s only $9. Snag yours here: patriciasung.com/slowdown

Rooted Group Coaching for ADHD Moms is enrolling for next month. Learn how to deal with your emotions with ADHD friendly skills you can teach your kids, too. Join here: patriciasung.com/group

Free Video and Checklist → Stop Medusa Mom: 10 Ways to Calm Down

What do you do when your ADHD child is always making you late? How do you deal with an ADHD kid who takes a hundred years to get ready in the morning or at bedtime (or all the time!)? 

Jaymi asks this question about what to do when her ADHD daughter is not moving in our free Facebook community. 

Not only is it stressful and frustrating, it creates a domino effect of problems for the rest of the family. 

And full disclosure, I was that kid! My mom called me the poky little puppy.

Today I’m sharing 4 ways to lower your stress and teach your ADHD child the skills they need to get moving.

For more support in creating ADHD-friendly morning routines that lower your stress and get you moving out the door faster, grab The Simple Morning Routine for ADHD Moms with Smart Speaker Support.

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

When impulsive behavior bites you in the butt again, it’s discouraging!

I’m sharing how I slow down impulsive leaps that kick my butt. 

In a brand new format, a listener (one of you, mama!) shares her question and I answer!

Today Irina asks how to stop impulsive spending. It’s not as easy as “well, just don’t buy that.”🙄

These impulsivity tips aren’t just for money! Even if you are a savings queen, these strategies will help you anytime you feel like your ADHD is sabotaging your well-laid plans. 

When you want a chance to slow down and take care of yourself, join us at the ADHD Moms Retreat in Houston, October 7-9. Reserve your ticket here. We're diving deep into The Power of the Pause during our Saturday discussion, along with having a great weekend full of rest, relaxation, food, friendship & fun.

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

Do you judge yourself, mama? Do you ever wonder why YOU’RE the mom who can’t seem to keep it all together? Why you hop from idea to idea, project to project, and can’t seem to stay organized enough to get anything DONE?

This week’s episode is permission to knock it THE HECK off.

We’re talking to multi-passionate entrepreneur, professional idea hopper, and mom of 4, Angel McElhaney. She’s an ADHD mom, just like you, who used to think there was something wrong with being the big picture idea person instead of the nitty gritty details lady…

Until she realized there’s magic here.

We’ll hear from Angel how her life and motherhood changed when she embraced one of the superpowers of her ADHDness.

Listen as she explains the difference between being a visionary - the idea person - and an integrator - the doer.

Friend, be prepared to be extraordinarily impressed with yourself and your abilities after this episode.

And bring a pen because we talk about real life hacks that’ll give you some a-ha moments, guaranteed.

Catch up with Angel here:

Website: www.angelmcelhaney.com

Social Media:

@angel.McElhaney

@controlthechaosmamapodcast

@podcastschoolforsquirrels

Join our free Facebook Community for Moms with ADHD.

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

When a thought pops in your head, do you feel like you need to do something with it right away or else you’ll forget?

That whack-a-mole thinking is a stressful way to live. Not everything we think of is both urgent and important. Actually, most things are not important and very few are urgent.

But how do we determine what really matters? Prioritizing is really difficult when you have ADHD!

Meet Tracy Stanger, an anti-hustle business coach for moms. Even if you don’t have a business, you’ll want to hit play for these gems on prioritizing and learning to say no. Motherhood is a whole lot like running a business, as you are the one juggling all the things, filling in all the paperwork, managing the people, spending the money, and executing the tasks. 

Tracy believes we deserve work that lights us up and makes an impact on the world, and that we do have plenty of time for that work, even with motherhood trying to take it all up. The solution is to do Less But Better (instead of trying to #doitall). She helps her clients and students find YOUR most impactful tasks and make it easier to get those things done.

Grab Tracy’s free guide to How to Find 1-2 Hours in Your Day, which starts the process of Sort, Purge, + Organizing by helping you start to figure out what you WANT to do and get rid of the stuff you don't HAVE to do, off your to-do list. https://www.tracystanger.com/find-hours

Find Tracy here:

Website: tracystanger.com

Instagram: @tracy.stanger

Join us in doing Less But Better!

Grab your free ADHD Strategy Guide: My Secret to Overcoming Time Blindness, to help you bring the not-now into the now and live your life the way you want to - with less stress and more joy.

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

“My partner says I’m using my ADHD as an excuse. They’re not really understanding ADHD at all or how it affects me!” 

You shared your relationship struggles and you’re not the only one!

Today’s guest, Melissa Orlov, answers YOUR questions from my free Facebook group. We discuss ADHD as an excuse, partners who don’t understand ADHD, communication obstacles between ADHD partners and non-ADHD partners. 

We also dive into guilt, shame, trust, coping with RSD (rejection sensitivity dysphoria) when it feels like your partner is constantly criticizing you, how all of this affects intimacy, and life after divorce.

Melissa is the founder of ADHDmarriage.com and works with couples impacted by ADHD.  There’s hope for your relationship, too, mama. 

Let’s dive into your questions!

Links mentioned in this episode :

Melissa’s recent read: Barbara Kingsolver's Poisonwood Bible

Melissa’s Blog post:  https://www.adhdmarriage.com/content/maybe-just-maybe-adhd-excuse-act-heartless-jerk

How to connect with Melissa: 

Her website: http://www.ADHDmarriage.com

Her instagram:  @adhd_marriage

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: 

https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-202-Same-Fight-Again-how-to-Improve-Romantic-Relationship-when-Impacted-by-ADHD-with-Melissa Orlov

 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: https://www.patriciasung.com/calm

Would you be willing to do a live interview in front of 800+ people?

Our new friend Jessi Romero jumped right in with me as we hosted a fantastic LIVE chat on Fishbowl about overcoming and succeeding in the workplace when you have ADHD. Was it luck or was it all of the awesome ADHD Brains that joined together that made this episode so motivating?

Not that I had any doubts because Jessi is an amazing resource and mentor for ADHD female entrepreneurs. She teaches, strengthens, and encourages female entrepreneurs with ADHD to run their own businesses by leaning into their ADHD.

During Part 1 of our conversation, we focus on navigating life as a person living with ADHD.

We discussed:

• Using ADHD to your advantage (Could it be your secret weapon?)
• Emotional dysregulation and how it shows up in our work
• Why we struggle with AND how to overcome imposter syndrome
• Why it's important to ask for help when we need it
  How to prep yourself for a job interview

There's LOTS of goodness in this one, Successful Mama! Jessi's experience as an ADHD Business & Marketing Coach, a mama, and a leader in the ADHD support industry gives her great insights into the common struggles of women who have ADHD and what they can do to achieve the success they crave.

Special thanks to Jessi Romero for joining me for today's episode! You can find her in her free Facebook community, on her website, and on her socials (Facebook & Instagram).

If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe to the Motherhood in ADHD Podcast to be notified for Part 2 of our convo when it drops next week!

More info about Jessi:
Jessi is a Houston Colombian-American toddler mom that started a community in 2020 that has grown over to 35,000 ADHD'ers today that are either wanting to jump into entrepreneurship or currently running their own businesses. She got tired of trying all the neurotypical advice for business owners and failing one too many times at it. Now she coaches ADHD Entrepreneurs on how to structure their business to their brain and implement growth strategies that don't make them cringe or worse, burn out.

Join us in the Motherhood in ADHD Community Support Group on Facebook! 

Click here for transcription.

What do you do when you are struggling to meet a goal and aren’t sure what to do next?

There is help available! An ADHD Coach can help you find a tailored solution to overcome your obstacles.

Perhaps you’ve heard of ADHD Coaching, but aren’t sure what it is or if it’s right for you.

Let’s discuss:
• what is ADHD Coaching
• how to find the right ADHD coach for you
• should you choose a life coach who specializes in ADHD
• what questions to ask a prospective ADHD Coach
• what to look for in a coaching relationship
• red flags in your first meeting with an ADHD Coach
• how to tell if a coach is the "real deal", and
• how to work through the fear of scheduling a discovery call with a new coach.

Jessica Heimsoth of Every Thought Captive Coaching joins us to break down the process and highlights thoughts to consider when searching for a perfect ADHD coach for you.

Jessica (@EveryThoughtCaptiveCoaching) works with the adult Christian ADHD community to not only help them find solutions for working with their own brains but also give them practical tools and resources that fit their individual needs. She works with her clients by creating customized client-focused strategies for things like goal-setting, emotional regulation, accountability, and improving relationships (just to name a few!). Her goal is to help you with YOUR goals and help you become the best version of yourself, ADHD and all.

Jessica shares her own ADHD journey from wanting to be a novelist, to her own late ADHD diagnosis, to how she manages ADHD as a mother. Her biggest triumph is when she's teaching Christians with ADHD how to get unstuck while taking control of their lives and giving God ALL of the glory.

There's SO MUCH good stuff in this one, mama! I can not wait to see how you thrive with the right help, Successful Mama.

• Is your version of an alarm clock your child peering over the bed claiming starvation?
• Are you flying out the door, rushing everyone along in mild panic and high stress?
• Do you spend more than five minutes looking for shoes, keys, or coats? More than 10 minutes?
• Are you still in your pajamas at lunch time more days than not?
• Does your morning look like what you want it to look like?

Getting multiple people ready and exiting the house on time requires epic-level executive function ninja skills. I used to think it was impossible! I was always 30 minutes late, sweating, grumpy, anxious, beating myself up for the three things I forgot, yelling at my family, just in time to plaster a fake smile on my face and turn on my sweet “Hi, how are you?” voice upon arrival. And that is simply not the mom I want to be. And now, I'm not…on most days. Can I help you get out of the chaos - anger - shame spiral that happens every morning?

I know you’re ready to make a change, so join me and other mamas for The Disorganized Mom’s Guide to a Peaceful Morning: 5 doable steps in 5 short videos, and it’s free! Take my hand and let’s make your mornings better. Sign up at PatriciaSung.com/peaceful-morning

www.patriciasung.com/resources for more info & free resources.

When you have ADHD, you often know what you should do and why you should do it. And yet, you still don’t do it. Ugh.

This week on the podcast, I’m sharing a mini-series on Goal Setting with ADHD. But I’m not talking about the usual advice about consistency and breaking it down into steps. You’ve heard all that before. We’re talking about how to make Goal Setting an ADHD-friendly process.

Today is Part 1, planning when you stink at planning. I’m sharing 3 critical ingredients to making an ADHD-friendly plan, so you’re not beating your head against the wall using the advice that doesn’t make sense.

Stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow when we’ll discuss finding your motivation.

It is possible to learn how to set a goal, like planning your week, and achieve it, even with ADHD.

For the accompanying questions for this mini-series, download the worksheet at patriciasung.com/adhd-goal-setting

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

Sign up for class: patriciasung.com/adhdcalendar

"It doesn't have to be perfect to still be good."- Allie Casazza

Today is Part 2 of my interview with The Purpose Show host and minimalist educator Allie Casazza! We dive deep into the questions that YOU asked in our Motherhood in ADHD Facebook community:

• how to use mental momentum to get and stay motivated.
• how to channel energy into decluttering instead of schlepping your piles from room to room.
• how to make homeschooling simple and fun.

Allie also tells us her thoughts on staying focused and stopping the overwhelm of decluttering. She also drops a few gems on how to reduce the dreaded paper clutter that comes with parenting. Listen in to see what she suggests!

A big thanks to Allie for joining us on the show! I appreciate her heart for helping us ADHD mamas and how she reminded us that things DON'T have to be perfect to be good.

If you haven't yet, go back and listen to Part 1 of our chat. Allie and I chatted about how to make our motherhood easier in modern times. She explained her minimalism philosophy about how clutter is a thief - not just of our space in our homes, but our time and our energy. We also talked about the "why" behind decluttering and practical first steps to declutter your home.

Don't forget to grab her FIRST book titled Declutter Like a Mother. It releases on September 7th.

P.S. You can sign up for Allie's signature course, Your Uncluttered Home using my affiliate link: bit.ly/Noclutter. When you sign up, you're supporting the Motherhood in ADHD podcast, bringing more free resources to yourself and all the ADHD mamas!

Learn more about Allie on her website, follow her on Instagram, or get connected with the community in her free Facebook group.

Click here for show notes and transcription.

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 

Don't "manage emotions". Understand them instead.

Dr. Laura Froyen is our guest this week and she digs into the underlying causes that propel our kiddo's BIG FEELINGS.

Listen to this episode to learn more about:

• Understanding the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown
• Why and when our children might need to "borrow" regulation from us
• How to react and what to say when your child seems inconsolable
• The importance of allowing feelings and emotions to move through the body without getting stuck
  
  

Learning more about emotional regulation helps us ALL understand our big feelings and unpack the root cause behind the emotion.

The way she speaks with kindness and patience in her voice is not only because she is a professional in the field of emotional regulation, she's also a mother...a mother with ADHD at that.

So she gets it, Successful Mama. We can do this!

Teaching a child how to self-regulate their emotions can feel like an uphill battle, especially when we struggle with it ourselves. But with the right information and the right support...YOU CAN make progress and YOU WILL help your child understand the information UNDER the emotion. You got this.

Speaking of support and resources, head over to my website to download a plethora of helpful ADHD tools and resources to help you navigate your world as an ADHD mom. Download your free resources at patriciasung.com/resources

Oh - and I popped in a little hint about an upcoming surprise I have in store for you. Make sure you tune in next week to see what it is!

Post any tactics you've found to help your kiddo through their BIG emotions in the comments. The more information the better!

Dr. Lauren Froyen has her Ph.D. in human development and family studies and has been helping individuals, partners, and co-parents become the parents they truly want to be. She uses her experience specializing in marriage and family therapy to help restore balance and compassion to families while bringing calm and JOY back into their daily lives. Follow her on Instagram and check out her podcast here. You can also join her Facebook Community here.

Links to things mentioned in this episode:

• The Invisible String Book
• The Kissing Hands Book
• The Purrble Calming Toy Companion
• The Enchanted Life: Reclaiming the Magic and Wisdom of the Natural World 
  

Looking for a little more added support? There’s a place for you!

Join here >>> JOIN THE MOTHERHOOD IN ADHD COMMUNITY

Click here for transcription. 

Behind The Scenes Sneak Peek? Yes, please!

My summer devolved into chaos, and I’m sharing why. Things have not - at all - gone as planned, yet I’m leaning into it. 

The difference between rest and recovery is confusing, and our ADHD brains like neither. We like to plan lots of stuff to do in our rest time. And then we’re surprised when it’s not restful! Yet rest is a must-have for our busy brains. 

Figuring out how to serve you better is always on my mind, so here’s what I’ve been working on behind the scenes.

In this raw, unedited episode, I'm sharing what's happening Behind the Scenes this summer, including the very first Successful As A Mother Retreat.

When you want to show up on time and prioritize your To Do List in a way that makes sense to your ADHD brain, join Daily Planning for ADHD Moms. Payment plan available until July 31st.

Do you struggle with reading or math? Do you lose your place easily when working? Is reading sheet music ridiculously hard?

Well, it might not be your eyes OR your ADHD, mama. It might be something called Irlen Syndrome.

Not only does it tend to go along with ADHD (& autism!), it can lead to misdiagnosis.

Irlen Syndrome, also called Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, is a perceptual processing disorder, not a vision problem. For those of us who have it, it can lead to some funky vision impairment and:

- Extreme light sensitivity

- Wanting/needing to read in dim light

- Seeing waves or “rivers” in between the lines of text as we read

- Poor depth perception

- Bad coordination issues & clumsiness

- Low self-esteem or motivation

…and more.

However, even if you get this diagnosis, there’s good news:

There are things that can help!

Tune in to this week’s episode of Motherhood in ADHD to find out more about this condition and learn what you can do to counter these tough symptoms, including what symptoms to look for in children.

Learn more about Irlen Syndrome.

Free download of color filter for your computer screen.

And if you’re tired of labeling yourself as a disorganized hot mess mama and could use some real life organization skills designed specifically for ADHD mamas…

Click here to learn more about Daily Planning for ADHD Moms - where you’ll learn how your unique brain can best use a Planner and a To Do List to stay organized and on track.

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

Watching your child struggle is pretty much the worst. Not knowing what to do about it is more than icing on the doo-doo cake.

I've got your back, mama! In this episode of Motherhood in ADHD, I dive into the rollercoaster of emotions and challenges of parenting a struggling child. When your child needs help, but you don’t know where to begin, this episode is for you.

From dealing with overwhelming chaos to understanding the unique dynamics in a family affected by ADHD, here are my key tips to help you navigate the stress. So, buckle up, mama, because we're about to unpack the struggle bus and turn it into the ambulance you need for support during a crisis.

In this episode, I’m sharing the five essential C's for helping your struggling child. First up, we zoom in on crisis management and understanding what’s on fire before taking action. Then, we delve into the critical aspect of self-care for moms because, let's be honest, we can't pour from an empty unicorn mug. We also explore caring for our kids, making sure they find their own spaces to shine and thrive. Plus, we emphasize the importance of building strong connections and boosting our kids' confidence, because every little victory matters.

So, put on your driving gloves, grab a cup (or 40 oz travel mug) of coffee, and get ready to drive into a world of empathy, support, and practical advice on nurturing your struggling child. If you want to join us in person, we’re discussing parenting WITH ADHD in March & April in Successful Mama Meetups. Because among the chaos, you're already a fantastic mom who’s trying her best, and you're not alone in this bumpy journey.

New workshop alert!

Your Gifted Child: a 3 workshop series to help you understand your gifted child better, parent them well without losing your sanity, and learn the skills to help them be calm, well-rounded and successful. We'll talk about 2e, comorbidities, emotional regulation, and executive function skills. 

Come to the live workshops OR listen to the private podcast version OR watch the replay. 

In case you’re new around here, I'm a certified K-12 GT teacher and taught middle school for many years before becoming an ADHD Coach, so I’m using my years of experience teaching gifted & 2e kids to support my boys’ school GT program.

It's donate-what-you-can admission! Sign up here: patriciasung.com/gt

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-219-parenting-struggling-child-with-adhd-how-to-help-kid-in-crisis

What is scientific research REALLY doing for women with ADHD?

It might *feel* like there is no research being done to help women with ADHD...but my guest today has insight into what's ACTUALLY going on behind the scientific research curtain.

Dr. Michelle Martel, a professor and Director of Clinical Training of Psychology for the University of Kentucky, utilizes a translational, “bench to bedside” perspective to examine developmental pathways to Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), using multiple levels of analysis.

Her bio is impressive and our conversation is SO GOOD.

Her research uncovers what's really going on in the brains of people with ADHD and further - figures out what's going on internally with our hormones.

Dr. Martel brings tons of knowledge around how our hormonal fluctuations affect our ADHD symptoms AND what that means for our mental and emotional health.

I'm thankful for people like Dr. Martel who have dedicated time and energy to helping the ADHD community. Her research is not only fascinating, it gives YOU, Successful Mama, options to improve your life by understanding your body.

DID YOU KNOW? There's a place where you can get your calendar and to-do list organized one step at a time, so you enjoy more time with your kids while feeling confident + capable in your day... even when your ADHD hijacks your plan. Register for Daily Planning for ADHD Moms - sign up here --> bit.ly/adhdplan

Looking for a little more added support? There’s a place for you!

Here >>> JOIN THE MOTHERHOOD IN ADHD COMMUNITY

Click here for transcription.

Brene Brown, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! Honestly, she kinda lost me in the beginning of the book, and then it came full circle and I figured out why all that discussion at the front end was life-changing.  As a shame researcher, Brene gives practical advice on how identify, and subsequently counter, shame. A must-read for all who are struggling with shame-ridden secrets rotting away at our insides, which I am pretty sure is 99% of us.

Why? Why do you have that goal? Why are you trying to make a change? ADHD often gets us stuck. We aren’t sure how to proceed. It’s overwhelming and overstimulating. Or we forget about our new goal and make the same impulsive/bad/unhelpful choice as last time, tossing our new goal into the black hole along with all the forgotten goals and changes we never made. Figuring out WHY we are trying to achieve a goal makes us far more likely to stick with it. But not a surface why. Let’s dig down deep to the real why.

***Note that today’s episode is not for little ears, so grab your headphones or listen away from the kids.

Intimacy is more than what happens in the bedroom. When things are not going well in the bedroom, it shows up in everyday life too. 

Relationship problems fester when ignored, seeping into the way you and your partner prioritize each other and communicate in your relationship. Throw ADHD in the mix and you’ve got advanced relationship needs, too.

For ADHD Awareness Month, we’re talking to a new ADHD guest expert every week. 

Today’s guest is Ari Tuckman, PsyD, a psychologist, author, international presenter and ADHD thought leader. He has been widely quoted in media and has appeared on countless podcasts. He is the conference committee co-chair CHADD. He is the author of “ADHD After Dark: Better Sex Life, Better Relationship” 

In this episode, Dr. Tuckman and I discuss frequent struggles in ADHD relationships, including awkward conversations about intimacy, and where you might struggle with communication. We talk about real life solutions and suggestions on how to stay connected and prioritize your relationship. 

You’re certainly not alone in these relationship struggles. 

Let’s jump into a much-needed conversation about how to keep your romantic partnership strong in the trying stages of life and be present in the little moments that matter, so that you can both work toward a lasting and fulfilling relationship for both partners.

Find Dr. Tuckman here:

Website:  adultADHDbook.com

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-244-prioritizing-intimate-moments-adhd-couples-communication-relationships-dr-ari-tuckman

It can feel super intimidating to show up to a party where you don’t know anyone. Well, I don’t want that fear to keep you from finding your people. 

I want to make this super low risk for you to come, try it out, and get a sneak peek before you join our ADHD mom community. 

You’re invited to the next Successful Mama Meetup Open House!

Join us on Zoom on November 6th to body double for the first 30 minutes, then hangout and meet the other moms in the community for the second half. (Hint hint, we’re pretty amazing IMHO.)

No charge, no pressure. Just come hang out!

Let me know you wanna come right here and I’ll send you the Zoom link. 

And since it's on Zoom, everyone can come no matter where you live. Self-diagnosis and ADHD-curious moms welcome. 

It’s time to hang out with other moms who get you and make you feel like you’re at home. So come in your comfy clothes and let’s hang out! See you soon!

We can be successful with ADHD when we start living purposefully like we have ADHD.

The obstacles pop up like weeds when we try to live life like we don’t have ADHD. I pretended like I could be "ADHD-free" for many years. And I failed over and over.

I finally realized that THIS is what I needed in order to successfully plan my day with ADHD.

When we think about what systems we should have in place, we need to consider what works for an ADHD brain. If we don't consider how our brains process differently, we will always be trying to jam a round peg into a square hole.

Creating a plan that actually WORKS for the ADHD brain means sometimes we have to chisel out a square hole on our own! "Neurotypical planning" is difficult for many of us - because it wasn't meant for us!

The system I've created with the ADHD brain in mind makes planning actually achievable.

Now, I'm not saying it's easy...and I'm not saying it doesn't take some guided effort. What I am saying is there is a way, a system, that I can show you that will help!

Join me, and more ADHD mamas, in my **Daily Planning for ADHD Moms** course and weekly accountability group. Let's get your calendar and to-do list organized and create a plan for your day.

Click here: bit.ly/adhdplan and grab our 20% off Back to School Bonus through Aug 27th!

Click here for the Show notes and transcription.

Are you tired of Declined!, Overdraft Fee!, Money slipping through our fingers like sand? Managing our money is a huge struggle for the ADHD brain. In this series, we are straight talking strategies to keep ourselves in control of our dollars and out of trouble! After years in the banking industry, I've seen my share of overdrawn accounts and fees. I share my tried and true tricks and tips to keep your account above zero. Have a listen to see which ones will work for you and then set up that back up plan for when the doodoo hits the fan.

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

Feeling like your body is staging a mutiny? Join the club! 

I’ve been dealing with autoimmune issues for over a decade. 

The majority of my clients also have autoimmune and chronic health issues, from chronic fatigue, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, to arthritis… the list goes on.  I don’t think that’s a coincidence!

It’s not just the physical toll that illness takes on you, but also the mental battle. I grappled often with the impact my health had on my parenting.

While I’m sharing a lot of my struggles today, it’s not a whine-fest. I’m also sharing insights on how I see the relationship between autoimmune issues, inflammation, and ADHD. Plus, I’m dishing what has helped me lower my stress levels and take care of myself so that I could take care of my family as best I could, even when all I had were scraps.

Self-care isn't selfish; it's a lifeline for the whole family.

Although I can’t heal you with my words, I hope to provide an empathetic space and support, shedding light on the intricate dance of health, stress, and parenting with chronic illness. 

You’re not alone, Successful Mama.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor. This is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare team for specifics on your individual care. I'm sharing my own experience with autoimmune disease and working with others who also have ADHD and chronic illness. 

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-239-are-autoimmune-disease-inflammation-stress-and-adhd-related

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.

Super stressed and need a break? We’re learning more about your stress response and how it relates to treating your ADHD symptoms at our annual ADHD Moms Luxury Weekend Retreat, October 11-13, 2024 in Houston, Texas! 

“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. I take care of you while you learn how to take even better care of yourself, in a way that’s sustainable for real momlife. 

Because you can take care of your family when you’re in a healthy place. Sign up here: https://patriciasung.com/retreat

Last day to get your ticket: Tuesday, September 24th!

When you think of doing something for yourself, do you jump in with both feet? Or do you think about aaaaaaaaallllllll the reasons you shouldn’t?

Meet my actual real-life friend, Tami Hackbarth, host of 100% Guilt-Free Self-Care. In this episode, Tami and I chat about an honest look at motherhood through the lens of ADHD.

Tami shares:

I am so excited to introduce you to my guest this week! I met Patricia at Mom2 Summit last year in Scottsdale. We bonded quickly over having both been classroom teachers and now coaches. I was in the midst of my ADHD evaluation so I had so many questions for her. 

Patricia Sung helps moms with adult ADHD work with their unique brains and get their ish together one step at a time and feel confident running their family life. She hosts Motherhood in ADHD, a Top 5 Parenting podcast, encouraging mamas with practical strategies and relatable missteps. She’s a hobby-hopping, anxious adventurer willing to try almost anything once. A Midwesterner at heart, she reluctantly adopted the word "y'all" and lives in Houston with her husband and two young sons. You can grab free resources and get your crap together with other ADHD moms in Successful Mama Meetups at www.motherhoodinadhd.com.

100% Guilt-Free Self-Care because we all need it in order to create the world we want to live in. Self-care isn’t selfish and you are not broken. Modern life is built on the unpaid labor of caregivers and women. This show is a mix of interviews, practical tips and a good natured kick in the pants to get you into action. It will help you build more energy and remind you that you matter too. Hosted by author, speaker, coach and Fair Play Facilitator Tami Hackbarth. 

Tami loves a good swear word, so pop in your headphones.

Be sure to subscribe to the 100% Guilt-Free Self-Care Podcast!

Tami’s website

Tami’s instagram

Join Tami’s free class Reduce the Mental Load: https://www.tamihackbarth.com/reduce-mental-load

Find our episode details here:  https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-233-is-it-me-or-adhd-guilt-free-self-care-tami-hackbarth

Welcome to the Best of Friends Series, where you are meeting a few of my favorite friends in the podcast community. I’m sharing interviews that I have done on other friends’ podcasts. Not only do you get a new episode, I hope that you’ll find a few shows to add to your podcast queue. There’s a wide variety of topics coming your way, so keep an eye out for a new friend every other week of the summer.

Super stressed and need a break? We’re learning more about your stress response and how it relates to treating your ADHD symptoms at our annual ADHD Moms Luxury Weekend Retreat, October 11-13, 2024 in Houston, Texas! 

“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. I take care of you while you learn how to take even better care of yourself, in a way that’s sustainable for real mom life. 

Because you can take care of your family when you’re in a healthy place. Sign up here: patriciasung.com/retreat

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-233-is-it-me-or-adhd-guilt-free-self-care-tami-hackbarth

When you have ADHD, you often know what you should do and why you should do it. And yet, you still don’t do it. Ugh.

This week on the podcast, I’m sharing a mini-series on Goal Setting with ADHD. But I’m not talking about the usual advice about consistency and breaking it down into steps. You’ve heard all that before. We’re talking about how to make Goal Setting an ADHD-friendly process.

Today is Part 2, finding your motivation. When you just don’t want to do the thing, how can you tap into that elusive motivation?

If you haven’t already listened, go back one episode and listen to Part 1 about planning when you’re not good at planning: Episode 167: How to Make a Plan When You Stink at Planning: Goal Setting with ADHD Part 1

Stay tuned for Part 3 when we’ll discuss follow-through.

It is possible to learn how to set a goal, like planning your week, and achieve it, even with ADHD. For the accompanying questions for this mini-series, download the worksheet here: patriciasung.com/adhd-goal-setting

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

How do we get ourselves and our children ready for school among the chaos and stress of the pandemic? We can prepare for a good portion of the craziness by making a plan and helping our kids (and ourselves) know what differences to expect this year. Listen as I share what you can do at home to be ready for both walking back into the school building, as well as setting up at home for virtual learning (24:50)! Grab your checklist for free!

bit.ly/pandemic-school-checklist

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

It's ridiculously hard for people to understand what they can not see.  So what can we do to help our loved ones understand what's going on in our ADHD brains? Spoiler Alert: It is not an easy answer.

When you've got PMS on steroids, the rage and depression are exponential.

Ever hear of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

They call it PMDD for short, and it's a very real and serious hormonal disorder that affects up to 10% of women! And it’s much more common when paired with ADHD.

Symptoms include things like mood swings (aka rage attacks), sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, depression, and even severe panic attacks.

Many women with PMDD are either extremely tired or have bouts of insomnia. And then there's excessive crying and other emotional swings. Not to mention all the bloating, gastro issues, food cravings, and possible weight gain.

Phew. I need a nap after writing that alone!

Today my guest Heidi and I unpack what PMDD is, the symptoms of PMDD, how PMDD can be linked to postpartum issues, and how to talk to your doctor about getting a diagnosis.

If you've been following along in 2022, we've talked a lot about menstrual health, hormones, and cycle syncing. We've uncovered numerous ways our menstrual cycle relates to ADHD symptoms in women. It's fascinating and disturbing at the same time. But there is hope, Successful Mama!

Heidi Hogarth is a naturopath, a mom of two, and a PMDD survivor. She's on a mission to support women who suffer from PMDD and help them find the best natural health tools so they can get off the hormonal emotional rollercoasters & back to their calm, positive, and loving selves.

She's a wealth of knowledge when it comes to understanding symptoms of PMDD. She offers insight into what supplements and dietary changes can help you when you feel like you are suffering from PMDD.

A big thank you to Heidi for helping women understand their bodies so they can do what they can to live a happy and healthy life.

Find Heidi here: https://fundamentalwellbeing.life/

Follow Heidi on instagram: @heidihogarth_naturopath

If you are looking for more resources to help you along in your ADHD journey, grab my free ADHD Mama Toolkit. It’s full of great resources, including support for emotional regulation, taking care of yourself, and a checklist of ADHD symptoms to bring to your diagnosis appointment.

Go to patriciasung.com/toolkit. Not only will you be able to download ADHD resources on the spot, but you'll also get more ADHD mom tips right to your inbox. :)

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-199-feeling-rage-before-your-period-pms-symptoms-treatment-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-adhd-pmdd-heidi-hogarth 

Need an Energy Recharge after your unending fickle energy fluctuations, mama?

There's a new workshop coming just for Successful Mama Meetup mamas called ADHD Energy Recharge.  

I’ll explain how I set up my days to work WITH my “unpredictable” energy fluctuations, so I’m not burnt out, overwhelmed, and canceling last minute plans.

You’ll walk away knowing how to uncover your patterns and work with your fickle energy levels, so you can quit guiltily cancelling plans last minute and kick some booty when you're feeling good!

Successful Mama Meetups' September theme is all about energy regulation and supporting your natural energy patterns! Come join us!

Join us at patriciasung.com/meetup before the workshop goes live and it's yours as a welcome bonus for joining. 

With a community of ADHD moms to lift you up when you’re struggling, you’re ready to take a baby step forward, even with ADHD.

Part 2 of thiis episode is located in episode 128

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.

Do your deep thoughts turn in to thought spirals?

Today we’re talking about rumination: what it is, when it’s a problem, and what to do when your thoughts turn anxious, negative, or obsessive. 

I used to spend a lot of my energy what if-ing, worrying, and planning for the 37 possibilities that could possibly occur. If this is you, too, you don’t have to stay in that thought prison! 

Let’s talk about how rumination interplays with ADHD, how to use it for your good, and what to do when it turns into a problem.

Work with Patricia to get unstuck, exceed your goals, and be happy with ADHD.

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-247-rumination-adhd-stop-obsessive-negative-thought-spirals

**************

Stop anxiety in its tracks! 

Join me in my upcoming workshop: The ADHD Anti-Anxiety Workshop. In less than an hour, I'll teach you 3 ways to stop anxiety and immediately feel more relaxed and calm. 

Cherry on top - it’s free. For now. Sign up today: patriciasung.com/workshop 

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

In all my years of parent conferences, most parents asked about their child's grades & that's it. That's a wasted opportunity! You can learn so much about your child from their teacher, as can the teacher learn about your child from you. You, mama, set the priorities for your child's growth, so it's time to team up & build that relationship. Everyone is on Team (your child's name). Ready, Set, Goal! Here are the questions I wished parents would ask me, covering preschool to high school.

Do you ever feel like an emotional sponge, absorbing the feelings of others around you?

Especially when you’re with someone you care about?

Especially when you’re in certain parts of your cycle?

Extra especially when they are agitated, frustrated, angry, or anxious?

In this episode, we dive deep into understanding emotional regulation, stress management, and the unique challenges faced by moms with ADHD. From absorbing everyone else's emotions to navigating the stress ladder, we'll explore the struggles and I’ll offer practical strategies for finding balance and grace in the midst of the storm. 

You CAN learn to hear your own signals and trust them, as well as build your stress tolerance to help you regulate during the day, in spite of the rest of your and your family’s stressors!

And once you know how, you can teach your kids how to increase their stress tolerance, too.

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: https://www.patriciasung.com/medusa-mom.

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-221-frustrated-easily-adult-adhd-meltdown-mood-swing

Today is my 40th birthday! As I celebrate a new decade, I'm taking a moment to appreciate all of you, and say thank you for your support.

I want your 2022 to be start off with you feeling confident and capable about how you approach your day. As Annie Dillard says,

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."

This is why I created Daily Planning for ADHD Moms for you. To build a life that you love - and that starts by knowing how you want to run your day, using a system that is set up by an ADHD brain for your ADHD brain. And fits mom life.

We learn how to keep up with our calendar and tackle the mile-long to do list, so that you can stop feeling the shame of forgetting appointments or "not doing anything today" and start feeling good about yourself again.

My birthday flash sale starts today and runs through Thursday, December 16th, so use the coupon code HAPPY40 and snag Daily Planning for ADHD Moms for $40 off in honor of my 40th trip around the sun.

Sign up at bit.ly/adhdplan 

Next year is going to be your year to bloom, so let's see where you go, and how you change and grow!

Click here for transcription.

“Is this an ADHD thing?”

This question comes up a lot!

It’s hard to say because there is a wide spectrum on how ADHD symptoms present in your day to day activities. At the same time, there is so much value in knowing you aren’t the only one struggling with something. 

In today’s episode, I’m sharing the themes that I see in the symptoms of ADHD in women that I work with so that you can feel comfortable in knowing how ADHD shows up in women in real life.

Included in this episode is a checklist of ADHD symptoms that you can fill out and take with you to your doctor appointment, so you can feel confident and prepared to ask about an ADHD diagnosis.

For more resources and to read the transcript and view the show notes visit Motherhood in ADHD blog.

No one pushes your buttons like your kids or partner can! Angry moms unite! 

Jokes aside, when anger gets out of hand, nothing good happens. Not only do we hurt ourselves and the people around us, the shame and guilt add on even more weight. 

This was a huge problem for me for the first few years of parenting. I still yell sometimes cuz I’m not perfect. You can be free of the angry red eyed monster, too.

How can you tell you’re about to lose your cool? 

What can you stop taking your anger out on your family?

How can you show up as the caring, calm mom you want to be?

Let’s discuss. 

Read more on this topic on my blog: https://www.patriciasung.com/adhd-blog/adhd-and-anger

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-248-adhd-warning-signs-you-are-about-to-lose-your-cool

New workshop alert! 

Join me in my upcoming workshop: The ADHD Anti-Anxiety Workshop.

In under an hour, I'll teach you how to —

>> use 1 simple movement to disrupt growing anxiety so you can avoid a total shutdown
>> save yourself the embarrassment of panicking in public with a subtle move to pull yourself together
>> stop anxiety in its tracks quickly and easily with repeatable skills so peace can be yours long term

Just this one time, I’ll be offering the ADHD Anti-Anxiety Workshop live at no cost. It’ll come back in February as a paid course. 

Sign up today: patriciasung.com/workshop

As we enter ADHD Awareness Month, our theme is “Do Less to Lower Your Stress.” 

You have an overflowing plate as a mom with ADHD. How do you take things off your plate? *panic ensues*

Good question! I’m giving you permission to scrap some stuff and make your life easier today.  Tell me what you did to lighten your load, Successful Mama!

Free resources & sign up for courses: motherhoodinadhd.com

When were you diagnosed with ADHD?

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Dawn Kamilah Brown, “The MD with ADHD” joins us to share her advice on what to ask and disclose during your ADHD diagnosis appointment. She also explains what she wishes everyone knew about what’s next after leaving their ADHD diagnosis appointment. We cover the value of a full spectrum care plan: including your doctor, therapist, coaching, behavior management, medicine, ADHD-friendly strategies, and mental wellness care. 

Late diagnosis of ADHD is increasingly common as we learn more about ADHD and how it shows up in adult women.  Dr. Dawn knows well, as she was diagnosed well into her journey to becoming a psychiatrist. As she vulnerably opens up about the grief of a late ADHD diagnosis, Dr. Dawn shares how she picks herself up when she’s feeling low and how she balances being a multi passionate multiple business owner. 

As one of the nation’s most acclaimed ADHD experts, double-board certified Child, Adolescent, Adult and Sports Psychiatrist, Dr. Dawn Kamilah Brown (aka Dr. Dawn Psych MD and "The MD with ADHD"), is an internationally recognized two-time #1 best-selling author, Forbes Writer, Blogger, Podcaster, Producer, Keynote / Corporate Speaker, and On-Air/Media-influencer. 

She is also the Founder and CEO of Mental Healthletics PLLC ™ and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the ADHD Wellness Center PLLC. 

I can't wait for you to meet my ADHD doctor!

Find Dr. Dawn on Instagram here:

@drdawnpsychmd

@adhdwellnesscenter

@mentalhealthletics

Join Dr Dawn’s online Facebook support and empowering group for female caregivers who parent children with ADHD: supermoms.group

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-188-how-life-was-changed-by-late-adhd-diagnosis-with-psychiatrist-dr-dawn-kamilah-brown

What do you say when people ask you: What Is ADHD? I didn't have a good answer, so I dug into the scientific research. We're talking about the neuroscience of ADHD, what happens in your brain between the neurotransmitters, neurons, and synapses, that make up this neurological medical condition. I'll also debunk some ADHD myths and common misconceptions, as well as explain how stimulants affect the ADHD brain. There is so much more to ADHD than meets the eye. When you understand how your brain works, you can be far more confident that your decisions fit your lifestyle and choices. Let's learn about our ADHD brains!

www.patriciasung.com/resources for more info & free resources.

But my baseboards haven’t been dusted in 3 years!

I can’t let them see my doom piles!

It’s way too much work!

If these kinds of reasons pop into your head whenever you think of hosting, this episode is for you!

On today’s episode, I’m sharing a discussion from Successful Mama Meetups on how to make entertaining easy and ADHD friendly.  

It’s time to have that new friend over for a playdate or host that holiday get together you’ve been wanting to have for the last decade.

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-249-host-easy-adhd-friendly-party-playdate

New free workshop alert! 

Join me in my upcoming workshop: The ADHD Anti-Anxiety Workshop.

In under an hour, I'll teach you how to —

>> use 1 simple movement to disrupt growing anxiety so you can avoid a total shutdown
>> save yourself the embarrassment of panicking in public with a subtle move to pull yourself together
>> stop anxiety in its tracks quickly and easily with repeatable skills so peace can be yours long term

Just this one time, I’ll be offering the ADHD Anti-Anxiety Workshop live at no cost. It’ll come back in February as a paid course. 

Sign up today: patriciasung.com/workshop

How do you choose the perfect planner? The one that will solve all your ADHD woes…

In this episode, we’re discussing:

• All the brands of planners I have tried (the list is long),

• The two major mistakes people with ADHD make when choosing a planner,

• How to differentiate between your calendar and to-do list for optimal planning,

• Questions to help you assess what your perfect planner needs,

• And why even the best planner won't solve everything… without the right skills!

If you have a stack of planners gathering dust on your shelf, this episode will help you rethink your approach and find a system that fits your unique brain and your family’s lifestyle.

PLUS: We're celebrating with a special birthday sale! 🎉

1) Grab the pdf for my simple Weekly Planner for only $5.00
and/or
2) Jump into the Daily Planning for ADHD Moms course for a $50 discount with code BIRTHDAY

Snag these deals by December 17th, 2024.

Together, let's build your external brain system so you can manage all the details of mom life with confidence and ease.

Tune in now and start 2025 with a fresh, effective planning strategy you’ll actually use!

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

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-251-how-to-buy-the-perfect-adhd-planner 

Struggling to start? ADHD brains easily feel overwhelmed by big projects and too many options. When I'm feeling stuck, here's what I do to calm the chaos, overcome fear, and break down big projects: I do one action. That's it. Just one. Join me for a pep talk on baby steps, because YOU can do one thing, too!

A podcast of encouragement and strategy on how to make your motherhood with ADHD better day by day. Today on Motherhood in ADHD, we are discussing first steps. Part 2 discusses outlining what your success story will look like with vision boards and goal setting.