E271: Parenting a Struggling Child with ADHD: Where to Start When Your Kid is in Crisis
Release Date: 08/07/2025
Motherhood in ADHD – Parenting with ADHD, Productivity Tips, Brain based Science, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Education to Help Moms with Adult ADHD
Ever wonder why so many women with ADHD end up in relationships that drain them? You’re not alone -- and it’s not a coincidence. After hosting another magical ADHD moms’ retreat, I couldn’t shake the conversations we had around partners -- some amazing, others... deeply painful. In this episode, I’m sharing the patterns I’ve seen over and over: women with ADHD stuck in emotionally abusive relationships, often with narcissistic partners. And honestly, it makes me furious. We’re digging into why this happens, how low self-esteem and a lifetime of gaslighting make us vulnerable, and...
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Do you ever second guess every decision until you freeze? Same here for the first few years I ran my business. In this episode, I answer Jacki Hayes’ question from her podcast, Here’s What I’ve Learned: How have you evolved as a business owner over the years? The funny thing is, my response wasn’t really a “business” answer. My hard won wisdom fits most situations when ADHD folks are trying something new. Or just trying to live. Chasing a goal, no matter the size or complexity, requires a lot of the same foundational skills. I bet you’ll find at least one nugget helpful, no...
info_outlineMotherhood in ADHD – Parenting with ADHD, Productivity Tips, Brain based Science, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Education to Help Moms with Adult ADHD
Are you running late before you even start getting ready? That’s time blindness at work, mama. And wow, does it make everyday life harder! In this episode, I’m sharing the real talk from conversations with two different coaching clients this week about how ADHD brains process time—and why “it’s time to go” means something totally different for us than it does for people who are naturally on time. Walking out the door isn’t one task; it’s a whole project. From shoes and water bottles to wrangling kids and finding the missing lunchbox, no wonder we’re always scrambling....
info_outlineMotherhood in ADHD – Parenting with ADHD, Productivity Tips, Brain based Science, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Education to Help Moms with Adult ADHD
Meet my friend Crystal Haitsma, host of the Parenting Coach Podcast. In this episode, Crystal and I dive into an honest conversation about balancing motherhood, parenting, and constant to-do lists with a neurodiverse brain. Crystal, The Parenting Coach, is a Certified Life Coach and Canadian homeschooling mama who just got back from travelling the world with her family of 6. She combines her background in Psychology with helpful coaching tools, to help moms and couples with shame-free, connection-based parenting (aka ditching the 1980s parenting style, and adding in a hefty dose of connection...
info_outlineMotherhood in ADHD – Parenting with ADHD, Productivity Tips, Brain based Science, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Education to Help Moms with Adult ADHD
Have you ever wondered if you’re doing enough to support your ADHD child? Or maybe you’ve questioned if what you’re trying is even working. You’re not the only one. When I saw that last year’s most downloaded episode was about supporting your ADHD child, I knew I wanted to share this conversation from 2022 with you! In this episode, I’m sharing a Q&A session from when I was a guest expert in the Mothers Together community, for parents of neurodivergent children. The moms in Megan’s community share vulnerable and raw struggles that I know you’ll relate to. We dive into some...
info_outlineMotherhood in ADHD – Parenting with ADHD, Productivity Tips, Brain based Science, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Education to Help Moms with Adult ADHD
Do you feel like you're already running on fumes – and it’s barely breakfast time? You’re not alone. In this conversation from the Happy Mom Summit, I talk with JoAnn Crohn of the No Guilt Mom Podcast about what really drains our energy as ADHD moms – and how to recharge in realistic, doable ways. Spoiler alert: it’s not about naps and bubble baths (unless you love those). It’s about understanding your own patterns, recognizing the difference between physical, mental, and emotional energy, and creating a rhythm that actually works for your brain. We also dig into how ADHD makes...
info_outlineMotherhood in ADHD – Parenting with ADHD, Productivity Tips, Brain based Science, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Education to Help Moms with Adult ADHD
You start the day with good intentions. “This afternoon, I’m going to drop off this return real quick.” But then you can’t find the box. Or the tape. And now your printer is out of ink. Suddenly, the whole day’s gone, and the box is still sitting by the door. Sound familiar? In this episode—recorded from my car in full chauffeur-mom mode—I’m breaking down why your ADHD brain struggles to finish simple tasks. Spoiler: it’s not because you’re lazy. It’s because what looks like one small task is actually a full project with multiple steps... and no one told us that. I’ll...
info_outlineMotherhood in ADHD – Parenting with ADHD, Productivity Tips, Brain based Science, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Education to Help Moms with Adult ADHD
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...
info_outlineMotherhood in ADHD – Parenting with ADHD, Productivity Tips, Brain based Science, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Education to Help Moms with Adult ADHD
Ever feel like if you say no to a good opportunity, you’ll regret it forever? Like the next big thing is right around the corner... and you’ll miss it if you stop moving? I’ve been there. Saying no is hard, especially when your ADHD brain loves chasing shiny new ideas. In this episode, I’m sharing a clip from my friend Jacki Hayes’ podcast where I answered, “What’s the biggest business lesson you’ve learned lately?” And spoiler alert: it wasn’t about business strategy. It was about letting go—of plans, of good ideas, of the fear that saying no means missing out. ...
info_outlineMotherhood in ADHD – Parenting with ADHD, Productivity Tips, Brain based Science, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Education to Help Moms with Adult ADHD
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...
info_outlineWatching 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. Because among the chaos, you're already a fantastic mom who’s trying her best, and you're not alone in this bumpy journey.
***Note: This episode originally aired in March of 2024. As I write my book on Motherhood in ADHD while my boys are at home all summer (send prayers and patience), I'm sharing past episodes that topped the charts last year. I know these episodes will support you with some integral skills for ADHD and lots of virtual hugs.
Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-271-kid-struggling-with-adhd-how-to-help-adhd-child-in-crisis
Links mentioned in this episode:
Free ADHD resource:
Get my ADHD Symptoms Checklist here
Super stressed and need a break? Come along on our 4th annual ADHD Moms Weekend Retreat, October 10-12, 2025 in the Texas countryside, located at the Happy Goat Retreat!
“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 well when you’re in a healthy place. It’s time to get your ticket: www.patriciasung.com/retreat