moms with ADHD

What’s more challenging than raising a child with ADHD? Doing so — plus managing a household, balancing a career, and getting everyone fed — when you have ADHD as well.

“The Terror of Filling Out My Child’s Permission Slip”

A mom holding a clock to demonstrate her need for me-time

Five Ways for Moms to Grab Some Me-Time

Woman with ADHD smiling at the sky on a clear day

75 Life Tricks for Women with ADHD

A woman wonders about the safety of ADHD medication and pregnancy

ADHD Doctors Weigh in on Taking Medication While Pregnant

Mark the calendar with your departure date, and tell kids in advance. Give your children an itinerary. Include a schedule that covers meals, bathroom breaks, and naps. Children with ADHD do best with structure and routine; travel will go the most smoothly when you create it. Explain if you'll be spending the night, where your child will sleep, and how long you'll stay.

Living for the Weekend? Not Me! Too Many Choices to Make

Popular in moms with ADHD

A messy floor covered in clothes that can't fit in a shared closet

Take Back The Floor (Or: When Sharing a Closet Goes Bad)

A dart flying at a target, representing Dr. Amen's specialized strategies for healing ADHD

Forget Meds! Shopping at Target Is the Best Therapy for ADHD Moms

A board with sticky notes outlining a morning routine

The Secret to No-Nag, Never-Late Mornings

Green Therapy for ADHD: How Nature Eases Symptoms Like Inattentionand Hyperactivity

Wonder Where He Gets That From?

Is your child making friends? Or does she avoid other children? Does she struggle in groups? Does she act inappropriately and say awkward things? These social challenges are outward signs of a problem caused by ASD, ADHD, or anxiety.If a child is withdrawn, plays alone, and lacks interest in other kids, we sometimes associate those behaviors with ASD. Children with ASD also sometimes have trouble interpreting social cues, and distinguishing between teasing, playfulness, and bullying. Or, it could be that your child's ADHD-related inattention or hyperfocus make it harder for her to cooperate, take turns, or play a game. Fear of being embarrassed or excluded could also keep an anxious child from trying to join in with peers.

10 Things I Wish I Knew As a Kid With ADHD

A good college tip is to write all important deadlines and chores down, like this student is doing.

The Gift of an ADHD Diagnosis — No, Really

Laughing matters! It can cut back on stress at home, and make every ADHDer feel more connected."In our ADHD family, when things are tense, someone will do something crazy silly and lighten the mood! We're by no means normal, but I wouldn't trade the goofiness for anything!" –Carrie"No matter how frustrating things can be, my daughter always uses her sense of humor to make others laugh. She can diffuse anything with a few words." –Michele H."My son's sense of humor keeps me grounded... and reminds me not to take life too seriously!" –An ADDitude reader

“His Mom Is to Blame for Her Son’s Misbehaviors”

A mom braids her daughter's hair as part of their morning routine

Not Neurotypical: A Survival Kit for ADHD Moms

Boy with ADHD eating nutritious breakfast at table with bowl in front of him

Guest Blogs

Forbidden Foods: I’ve Become a Food Cop for My Son

It's difficult maintaining a special diet for ADHD children, but worth it when avoiding their food...

An organized bookshelf to help an adult with ADHD feel less overwhelmed

Guest Blogs

Everything in Its “Place”

One ADHD mom explains the organization system that works for her family, "places" in each room for...

An illustration of the room of a messy child

Guest Blogs

There’s No New Normal in Our House — Just the Old Chaotic One

Embarrassed to invite your son's friend over for a play date? Fuhgeddaboudit. Here's why ...

Child with ADHD points finger covered with red paint at camera

Guest Blogs

ADHD Makes Me (and You) a Cool Mom

I'm not your a...

A mother plays frisbee with her son with ADHD and SPD

Guest Blogs

Play Date Nightmares: ADHD Edition

From forgetting snacks to double-booking myself, this is why play dates are so hard for thi...

Holiday gift ideas for children and adults with ADHD

Guest Blogs

Send Scrooge Packing: How ADHD Mamas Can Love Christmas

Do you struggle to keep your house clutter free, especially after all the gifts from Santa? Read...

A pregnant woman with ADHD wondering ADHD medication is linked to birth defects

Ask the Experts

Birth Defects and Stimulants

"I was recently told that ADHD stimulants cause birth defects, possibly even the loss of the baby. My...

Use an area near the door that your child uses to go to school. Equip it with open cubbies/shelving, baskets and/or hooks. This is home to books, homework, backpack, notes, sports bag, keys, lunches, and other school-related articles. Hang a large white board to help her remember tasks and items. An alarm clock or timer will help her get out the door in time.

Ask the Experts

Getting My Child Organized

"How can I organize my 10-year-old for school when I have terrible organizational skills? We both ...

A mother with ADHD, struggling to hold all her children and juggle responsibilities

ADHD Moms

When ADHD (Literally) Runs in the Family

"Mothering a child with ADHD is not for the faint of heart — and it becomes more daunting when you,...

An overwhelmed mom with ADHD tries to do it all while taking good care of her baby.

Parenting

Bringing Up Baby: Motherhood with ADHD

Eight strategies for staying sane — and even enjoying yourself — as a parent...

Mother and Infant and medication tips for nursing

Ask the Experts

ADHD Meds for Nursing Moms: Is It Safe?

Thinking about breastfeeding while on ADHD medication? Use this safety scale to determine the...

Stimulants

Meds and Motherhood: Is It Safe to Take a Stimulant During Pregnancy?

Stimulant medications like Ritalin or Adderall help many people with ADHD function normally — but...

An overwhelmed mom decides to block out everything else, and just enjoy time with her daughter in the park.

ADHD Moms

Like Mother, Like Child: When ADHD Is a Family Affair

It's one thing to be a parent to a child with ADHD, but when you also have the condition, it ups the...

How moms with ADHD can organize back to school transportation, supplies, lunches, and everything else

Managing Time

Mom’s School Survival Guide

Organizational strategies for mothers with ADHD trying to manage school children...

6. It’s okay to take a break when I’m overwhelmed. There were times when I felt that I needed to run and hide to be alone. If there was too much noise, too much commotion, or too many people, I needed time to find some calm amid the chaos. I found serenity in my books, crafts, and favorite movies. The ADHD mind is active and exhausting. It’s important to know when to release the pressure and take a break. I wish I knew then that “zoning in” — when people thought I was “checking out” — had serious benefits.

Support & Stories

The ADHD Aha! Moment

A mother of five recalls the emotional moment when she realized sh...

Show More Stories

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