Moms with ADHD Reveal Lessons They ’ ve Learned in Handling Parenting Challenges

You’re a mom who has ADHD, and you’re in the thick of mothering. Maybe you’re in the thick of toddlerhood, besieged by big tantrums and bleary-eyed after one-too-many sleepless nights. Maybe you’re in the thick of adolescence, trying to traverse schedules and emotional roller coasters. Maybe you have several kids, and find yourself frustrated and stressed out over all the logistics. Maybe none of the above describes your situation. But you still feel utterly inadequate and unsure and panicked that you’re parenting all wrong. You’re not alone. Terry Matlen, an ADHD coach, author and mom to two daughters, vividly remembers regularly feeling overwhelmed just getting through the day. Even though one of her daughters has ADHD, both were hyperactive. She needed quiet and downtime. Instead her kids couldn’t stop moving and making noise. Matlen had a hard time keeping the house clean and organized. “As [the girls] got a tad older, making meals that everyone would eat put me right over the edge,” she said. When they started school, Matlen found it difficult to stay on top of the endless paperwork. For ADHD coach Dana Rayburn, the hardest part about parenting her now 18-year-old daughter, Aja, was her lack of consistency. Especially when kids are younger, consistency is king, whether it’s bedtime, mealtime or discipline. “I am so spontaneous and in the moment. It’s hard enough for me to keep myself on track let alone manage her as well.” Suzi Highet, a divorce...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Attention Deficit Disorder Disorders General Parenting Personal Stories Self-Help Women's Issues ADHD and parenting Adhd Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD gifts ADHD tips creative solutions Creativity kids with ADHD Source Type: news