21 Tips for Parents with ADHD: A Late-Diagnosed Mom’s Guide
Parenting is a challenging journey, and when you’re a parent with ADHD raising children who also have ADHD, the challenges multiply. As a late-diagnosed mom with AuDHD, I’ve learned through experience, trial, and error. My 23-year-old daughter shares this neurodivergent path, and I highly suspect my 10-year-old daughter has ADHD too. Here are 21 tips to help you navigate this unique parenting landscape with humor, heart, and a touch of nostalgia.
1. Explain ADHD Symptoms to Your Family
Open communication is key. Explain ADHD symptoms to your family so they understand what they can do to help. It’s a family issue, and everyone should be on the same page. Think of it as your own version of “Family Ties,” where everyone plays a role in supporting each other.
2. Get Rid of Guilt
Having ADHD doesn’t make you a bad parent. It gives you the ability to empathize with your children and come up with creative solutions. Remember, “Parenthood” taught us that there’s no perfect way to raise a child, just love and patience.
3. Create a Household that Accommodates Your ADHD Patterns
Make your home ADHD-friendly. This might mean hiring outside help for chores or creating an easy-to-clean environment. Hardwood floors hide crumbs, and sponge-painted walls cover fingerprints. Channel your inner “DIY Network” and make your space work for you.
4. Learn Communication Strategies
Post household rules and consequences in a prominent place. Keep explanations short and take a timeout if you’re losing your cool. It’s like having your own family meeting from “The Brady Bunch” – clear rules and consistent enforcement.
5. Anticipate Problems and Find Solutions
Plan for potential meltdowns by thinking ahead. If running errands triggers your child, arrange for a babysitter. It’s like being MacGyver – always ready with a solution.
6. Keep a Calendar with Different Colored Inks
Color-coding schedules can help keep everyone on track. Establish routines and write them down. This simple “Rainbow Brite” trick can bring a bit of order to your chaotic days.
7. Set a Timer
Timers are your best friend. Set them for regular intervals to check on your kids or to keep track of your tasks. It’s like having a “Back to the Future” DeLorean – keeping you on schedule through time.
8. Do as Much as You Can the Night Before
Avoid morning chaos by preparing the night before. Create a “ready-set-go” site for all items needed the next day. Think of it as your own “Inspector Gadget” routine – ready for any mission.
9. Create Quiet Time Zones
Designate a quiet space in your home for downtime. Make it a house rule that this room is for solitude or quiet conversation only. It’s your “Fortress of Solitude” – a place to recharge.
10. Keep Clutter at Bay
Use a recycling basket for newspapers and magazines, and a garbage bag trick for unneeded items. Keep clutter in check like you’re a contestant on “Supermarket Sweep” – fast and efficient.
11. Deal with Everyday Mail
Open mail daily by the trash can. Immediately discard junk mail and sort important correspondence. It’s your own “Mission: Impossible” – tackling small tasks before they become overwhelming.
12. Adjust Medication Dosage
Consult with your doctor about adjusting medication to cover your entire day, not just work hours. This is crucial for managing household chores and evening activities.
13. Work as a Team
Involve the whole family in finding solutions to everyday problems. It’s like “The Goonies” – everyone working together to overcome challenges.
14. Write Everything Down
Keep a notebook or use apps to jot down phone messages, to-do lists, and grocery lists. This “notebook” strategy is your modern-day “CliffsNotes” – keeping track of important information.
15. Simplify Grocery Shopping
Create index cards of meals with ingredient lists. Bring them to the store to stay focused and avoid impulse buys. This is your “shopping playlist” – sticking to the essentials.
16. Use Humor
Laugh at the ADHD gremlins. If you burn dinner or forget something, make light of it. Remember, “I Love Lucy” showed us that laughter is the best way to handle life’s little mishaps.
17. Take Time to Be Alone with Your Spouse
Schedule regular date nights to reduce stress and reconnect. It’s like having your own “Love Boat” – a mini escape from the daily grind.
18. Find What Works for You
Don’t parent by the book. Use a system that works best for your family. It’s like being your own “Bill Nye the Science Guy” – experimenting to find the best solutions.
19. Establish a Routine for Self-Care
Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it’s yoga, reading, or a hobby, find what recharges you. Remember, even superheroes need downtime.
20. Delegate Tasks
Learn to delegate tasks that overwhelm you. Assign chores to family members and accept help from friends. It’s like running a “Cheers” bar – everyone knows their role and contributes.
21. Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge and celebrate small achievements. Every step forward is a victory. Think of it as your personal “Rocky” montage – every little triumph gets you closer to your goals.
Conclusion
Parenting with ADHD, especially when your children have ADHD too, is a unique challenge. But with humor, practical strategies, and a bit of 80s/90s nostalgia, you can create a loving and supportive environment for your family. Embrace the chaos, find what works for you, and remember – you’ve got this!
Ready to embrace your strengths as a neurodivergent mom? Download the Neurodivergent Mom’s Self-Discovery and Empowerment Toolkit and start your journey toward empowerment today.
Kori
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