ADHD Mums

Christmas isn’t “cosy magic” for many ADHD mums — it’s a high-pressure, high-sensory, invisible-load marathon that no one else sees. In this episode, Jane breaks down why holiday overwhelm hits harder, why silent rage feels frightening and unfair, and what your nervous system is actually doing long before the wrapping-night meltdown. You’re not failing Christmas — you’ve been carrying it.What We CoverWhy ADHD mums hit Christmas overwhelm weeks before the day arrivesThe collapse moment: when invisible load becomes unmanageableSensory + emotional overload during holiday tasksHow ADHD brains burn dopamine faster under combined pressureThe physiology behind “Christmas rage,” shutdown, and snappingWhy joy disappears when you’re the one creating the magicHow to shift the load, communicate earlier, and prevent holiday burnoutThis Episode Is For You If…You dread Christmas because you’re the one doing everythingYou crumble under the wrapping + fairness + noise + pressureYou feel guilty for not loving the seasonYou hit a snapping point you didn’t see comingYou wonder why one small question can tip you overYou want to understand what your body is actually trying to tell youKey TakeawayYour nervous system cannot enter joy while running executive load, sensory filtration, conflict prevention, and emotional labour. It’s not personal — it’s physiological.Resources & MentionsEnergy Accounting Guide — A tool to reduce invisible load and prevent overwhelmPerimenopause Self-Check (because hormonal load amplifies Christmas overload)🔗 Related Resources✨ Festive F*ck It Plan — your calm, realistic December planner 🆓 Free Resource: The Energy Accounting PDF🔗 Related EpisodesStop People-Pleasing This Christmas — The Year I Stopped Apologising for My ChildMentioned in this episode:🎁ADHD MUMS PROGRAM LINK🎄Four short audios. One simple workbook. Plan Christmas your way — calm, doable, and actually includes you in it. 👉 www.adhdmums.com.au/planXmas: Sign Up Link

If December already feels like you’re sprinting through wet concrete, this episode is your deep breath. Christmas asks ADHD mums to hold the magic and the mess — late-night wrapping, invisible labour, the Boxing Day guilt hangover — and still somehow feel like we’re not doing enough.This is the story of the year Jane finally said: good enough is enough. And maybe this is the year you get to say it too.💡 What We CoverWhy ADHD brains don’t recognise ‘done’The difference between maximising vs satisficing (and why one burns you out)The ADHD tax of “perfect Christmas” expectationsHow our reward loop drives over-performing and overwhelmHow to recognise your internal ding — when good enough is actually safe💬 For You IfYou’re carrying the emotional load + logistics + all the extras no one seesYou keep adding “just one more thing” to your already impossible listYou feel guilty resting, stopping, or being less “magical”You need permission to drop the bar, not raise it🎄 Resources & Mentions✨ Festive F*ck It Plan — your calm, realistic December planner 📘 The Paradox of Choice — Barry Schwartz on maximisers vs satisficers 🆓 Free Resource: The Energy Accounting PDF🔗 Related EpisodesStop People-Pleasing This Christmas — The Year I Stopped Apologising for My ChildUnhealthy Habits & ADHD: Why We Get Stuck & How to ShiftQUICK RESET: How We Survive the 3–6PM Sh*t Show When Kids Are Coming Down Off Meds🎧 Listen now: Spotify | Apple | adhdmums.com.auMentioned in this episode:🎁ADHD MUMS PROGRAM LINK🎄Four short audios. One simple workbook. Plan Christmas your way — calm, doable, and actually includes you in it. 👉 www.adhdmums.com.au/planXmas: Sign Up Link

Some days it feels like you need a medical degree just to parent a neurodivergent kid. The waitlists, the myths, the pressure to ‘get it right’ — it can all become overwhelming fast. In this episode, child psychiatrist Dr Mimi Xu finally gives mums clear, compassionate answers about ADHD meds for kids, without judgement or jargon.💡 What We CoverWhy ADHD medication is never a one-size-fits-all decision.When to see a paediatrician vs a psychiatrist — and why access is so broken.The truth behind ‘zombie kids’, personality changes, growth, appetite and sleep.What’s actually happening in the afternoon crash (and how to survive it).ADHD + Autism: does it change the medication conversation?What parents can do while they wait on endless public and private waitlists.💭This Episode Is For You If…You feel scared of meds, scared of not trying meds, or stuck between two parents who disagree.You’re drowning in the 3pm–6pm chaos when everyone’s meds (including yours) have worn off.You’re exhausted from uncertainty, judgement or mixed messages from professionals.You want clarity without shame, pressure or clinical coldness.You’re parenting a neurodivergent child and just need someone to explain things like a human.🧠 Resources & Helpful Tools📌ADHD Screening & Support Child ADHD Parent/Self-Test A good starting point for parents wondering whether ADHD traits are showing up at home or school. 🔗 https://form.jotform.com/251610961002444📌Medication-Specific Guides A Guide to ADHD Medication Perfect fit for this episode — covers stimulants, non-stimulants, side effects, appetite, sleep, titration and what’s expectedin the early weeks. 🔗 https://adhdmums.com.au/product/a-guide-to-adhd-medication/📌Related ADHD Mums Medication Episodes Stimulants vs Non-Stimulants – Solo Episode (S2E40) Jane’s clear breakdown of how different medications work and how they often feel in real life. 🔗 https://adhdmums.com.au/podcast_episode/episode-40-adhd-medication- stimulants-vs-non-stimulants-solo-episode-with-jane-mcfadden/ What Happens If You Don’t Have ADHD & Take ADHD Meds (S2E47) Important context for safety, myths, and co-parent disagreements. 🔗 https://adhdmums.com.au/podcast_episode/episode-47-what-happens-if-you-take-adhd-medication-without-adhd-solo-episode-with-jane-mcfadden/📝 About Dr Mimi XuDr Mimi Xu — Website (General Info + Resources)🔗 IG Account - https://www.instagram.com/drmimixu/🔗 https://www.child-psychiatrist.com.au/Lionheart Clinic 🔗 IG Account -...

If you’re already running on caffeine and obligation — this one’s for you. December has a way of convincing ADHD mums that magic only counts if it hurts. But what if “good enough” was actually enough?This week, Jane shares the story of the Christmas she finally stopped performing for everyone else — and started living it for herself.💡 What We CoverWhy ADHD brains struggle to know when to stopThe difference between maximising and satisfyingHow burnout hides under “just one more thing”The real cost of the ADHD tax at ChristmasWhy rest isn’t lazy — it’s regulation💬 For You IfYou’re drowning in invisible labour and still feel behindYou keep adding “just one more thing” to your listYou’ve ever spent more money, energy or guilt than you hadYou need permission to stop — before you collapse🧠 Resources & References🎄 Festive F*ck It Plan – Your ADHD-friendly Christmas plan: fewer tasks, more peace, and an actual vision for your Christmas too.🎄 Listener Question Form – Want to submit a question for the next episode? Share anonymously here.📚 Barry Schwartz – The Paradox of Choice🆓 Free Resource: The Energy Accounting PDF (Free Download)Kit Available: Managing Overwhelm During Busy Seasons🔗 Related EpisodesS2 E60 Stop People-Pleasing: The ADHD Mum’s Guide to Boundaries, Balance, and Breaking FreeS3 E17 QUICK RESET: How We Survive the 3–6PM Sh*t Show When Kids Are Coming Down Off MedsS3 E61 Unhealthy Habits & ADHD: Why We Get Stuck & How to Shift🎧 Listen now: Spotify | Apple | adhdmums.com.auJOIN THE COMMUNITY:Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!FOLLOW FOR MORE:Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or

If you’ve ever thought, 'I’m just tired,' but deep down you think it’s more than that — this conversation is for you. Perinatal Mental Health Week isn’t about hashtags or general awareness. It’s about honesty.Jane speaks with Julie Borninkhof, CEO of PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia), about the hidden crisis facing new parents. One in three new parents who complete PANDA’s mental-health checklist report thoughts of running away or self-harm. Yet most never say, 'I’m not coping.' Together they unpack why we downplay our pain, why neurodivergent mums face even higher risk, and what real support looks like — beyond 'self-care' slogans.What You’ll HearThe confronting reality of PANDA’s national data — and why so many parents suffer in silenceHow unrealistic expectations and glossy 'good mum' culture stop women from seeking helpWhy perinatal depression looks different for neurodivergent mums — and how to recognise the signsPractical ways to check on a friend (or yourself) when you sense something’s not rightThe truth about the word failure — and how PANDA reframes it into survival and strengthHow better funding — and normalising help-seeking — could change the future for Australian familiesThis Episode Is For You If …You’re a new parent who feels constantly 'on edge' or ashamed for not enjoying motherhood.You’re supporting a friend who’s not herself and don’t know how to help.You’re neurodivergent and struggling to separate exhaustion from depression.You’ve ever wondered why asking for help feels so hard.⚠️ Trigger WarningThis episode discusses perinatal mental health distress and self-harm.Please take care while listening.Key TakeawayYou’re not broken — you’re overwhelmed. Being a good parent doesn’t mean being okay all the time. It means recognising when you’re not okay and reaching out before the darkness deepens. Help-seeking isn’t weakness; it’s leadership.Resources MentionedPANDA Helpline: 1300 726 306 | www.panda.org.au | 9 am – 7:30 pm AEST Mon–Fri | 10 am – 4 pm SatMental-Health Checklist: Check how you’re really going → panda.org.au/checklistLifeline (24/7): 13 11 14Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636Gidget Foundation Australia: www.gidgetfoundation.org.auFor When — Free parent mental-health support: forwhenhelpline.org.auRelated ADHD Mums Episodes🎧 CONFESSIONS: I Don’t Always Like Being a Parent — A brutally honest look at the guilt, grief and relief of saying what most mums secretly feel.🎧 CONFESSION: Mums wrote in anonymously… and what they shared wrecked me — The raw, unfiltered truth about motherhood’s darkest moments, shared anonymously by real...

If you’ve already cried in a shopping centre car park — you’re not alone.In this raw and funny ADHD Mums Christmas episode, Jane breaks down why the season feels like an emotional Olympics for neurodivergent parents — and how to stop performing and start protecting your energy.This isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing less on purpose.Using the ‘Red Pen’ approach, Jane shows how to cross out what doesn’t deserve you, protect your peace, and rebuild your energy budget before the season eats you alive.What You’ll HearWhy Christmas feels like a group project where no one else is helpingThe emotional cost of being the peacekeeper and why it’s not sustainableUnderstanding ‘energy accounting’ — how much each task, event, and expectation actually costs your nervous systemWhy saying no is a nervous system upgrade, not a moral failureScripts for setting boundaries at Christmas without guilt or dramaHow to tell the difference between peacekeeping and real inner peaceThe myth of the ‘perfect Christmas mum’ — and how to reclaim joy by doing lessThis Episode Is For You If…You’re already dreading the family group chat.You’ve promised yourself a “simple” Christmas before… and still ended up crying in the pantry.You’re trying to keep everyone happy — and losing yourself in the process.You want a calmer, more meaningful holiday season without the guilt.Key TakeawayYou don’t need another list — you need a red pen. Peace doesn’t come from keeping everyone calm. It comes from choosing what actually deserves your energy.🧠 Resources MentionedThe ADHD Mums Festive Bucket List — A workbook to help you cross out everything that doesn’t serve you this Christmas. 🆓 Free Resource: Energy Accounting Guide (Free Download) — Learn how to track your daily energy budget and stop overspending it.Overwhelm & Busy Seasons Kit — Your practical toolkit for surviving December without burning out.✨ Sign up for: The Xmas Festive F*ck List — A workbook to help you cross out everything that doesn’t serve you this Christmas.Related ADHD Mums Episodes🎧 Christmas Chaos: Hacks for Surviving Family Drama, Sensory Overload, and Picky Eaters!🎧 Stop People-Pleasing: The ADHD Mum’s Guide to Boundaries, Balance, and Breaking Free🎧 How to Handle Family Criticism About ADHD: Boundaries and Keeping Your SanityListen Now🎧 Spotify | Apple Podcasts | ADHDMums.com.auJOIN THE COMMUNITY:Have questions or...

When a child melts down in public or refuses to eat, the world sees “bad behaviour.” But often, what looks like defiance or poor parenting is actually neurodivergence — and a family doing their best in a system that doesn’t understand them.In this deeply validating conversation, Jane sits down with Tracey Jewel — author, advocate, and mum of a neurodivergent family — to talk about reframing “bad parenting” through a neurodiverse lens. From ARFID and sensory overload to the grief and joy of parenting differently, this episode challenges the idea of what a “good parent” looks like and celebrates authenticity over appearances.What You’ll HearTracey’s journey from reality TV to raising an ADHD + autistic son — and discovering her own diagnosisThe hidden grief of parenting a child who doesn’t fit the mould — and how to hold both love and loss at onceWhat ARFID really looks like in real life (and why it’s not just “fussy eating”)Why “structure” isn’t always the solution for neurodivergent families — and when it can become oppressiveThe difference between co-regulation and control: what actually helps during a meltdownHow to reframe “fairness” in families where everyone’s needs look differentThis Episode Is For You If...You’ve ever felt judged in public for your child’s behaviourYou’re raising an ADHD or autistic child and constantly second-guessing yourselfYou’ve wondered why “routine” doesn’t work for your family the way it seems to for othersYou’re craving a conversation that feels real, not sugar-coatedKey TakeawayWhat looks like chaos is often communication. When we stop chasing “good parenting” and start embracing true connection, our families thrive in their own rhythm — even if it doesn’t look like anyone else’s.Resources MentionedInclusive Mums Club — Tracey Jewel’s Perth-based and online community for neurodivergent families. Free membership and sensory-friendly events.ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) information — Raising Children NetworkDr Brené Brown — Atlas of the Heart and The Power of Vulnerability (on emotional awareness and co-regulation).Check out Tracey's IG: @traceyjewel_ify Related ADHD Mums Episodes🎧 The Emotional Load of Raising Neurodivergent Girls — And How to Lighten It — Finding compassion for...

Trigger WarningThis episode includes mentions of intrusive thoughts and parental burnout. Please take care while listening.Episode OverviewHave you ever gone from wanting to run away to feeling overwhelming love for your kids — all within five minutes? You’re not delusional. You’re devoted.In this raw and deeply relatable episode, Jane unpacks the wild emotional contradictions of raising neurodivergent children — the chaos, the guilt, and the strange, feral kind of joy that sneaks in when you least expect it.Drawing on the latest neuroscience and parenting research, she shares how joy isn’t mythical — it’s mechanical. There’s a recipe for it, and ADHD mums can learn to bring it back even in the middle of messy mornings and meltdown chaos.What You’ll HearJane’s honest story of one chaotic morning that spirals from meltdown to meaningWhy joy and rage can coexist — and what it means for ADHD brainsHow Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000) shows us the three switches for joy: Autonomy, Competence, and RelatednessWhat the “Nowhere I’d Rather Be” study revealed about parents of autistic children finding real joy because of, not despite, their childrenPractical micro-shifts you can make today to feel joy again — even if your house is held together by hair ties and hopeThis Episode Is For You If...You love your child but sometimes feel like you’re losing your mindYou’ve ever cried in the car after drop-off, then felt deep love minutes laterYou’re craving joy but feel too exhausted to find itYou need a reminder that devotion, not delusion, drives your parentingKey TakeawayJoy isn’t a reward for getting everything right — it’s a survival instinct. It hides in micro-moments of choice, competence, and connection. When you flip those switches, joy finds its way back.Resources Mentioned Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). Self-Determination Theory: Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268.Schultz, W., Dayan, P., & Montague, P. R. (1997). Reward Prediction Error: Science, 275(5306), 1593–1599.Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow. Harper & Row.Dietrich, A. (2004). Neurocognitive Framing: Consciousness and Cognition, 13(4), 746–761.“Nowhere I’d Rather Be” (UK study on autistic parenting joy, 2023)Related ADHD Mums EpisodesThe Lipedema Op: The Invisible Illness You Weren’t Supposed to Notice — Finding identity beyond diagnosisListen Now🎧 Spotify | Apple | ADHDMums.com.auJOIN THE COMMUNITY:Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small,

💊 Why do ADHD meds seem like a miracle one week… and stop working the next?If you’ve ever sat there wondering if you’re failing because the meds don’t seem to work anymore — you’re not broken, and you’re not alone.In this episode, Jane tackles the most common questions ADHD mums ask about medication for kids. From appetite loss and 3PM crashes to puberty shifts and masking, we break down what’s really happening, why it feels so complex, and what meds can (and can’t) do.What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy ADHD meds can feel amazing at first — then glitch laterThe science behind appetite loss, afternoon crashes, and big emotionsPuberty, growth, and co-occurring conditions that change how meds landMasking at school vs meltdowns at home — and why it mattersWhy parenting burnout and school systems can’t be “fixed” by medicationReframing meds: support, not a cureThis Episode Is For You If…Your child’s ADHD meds felt like a miracle but “stopped working”You’re confused by side effects like loss of appetite or late-day crashesYou’ve blamed yourself for meds not doing enoughYou’re parenting through ADHD plus anxiety, autism, or sensory overloadYou need validation that you’re not failing — you’re navigating complexity✨ Listen now: ADHD Meds & Kids — Your FAQ Answered on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or adhdmums.com.au — because parenting ADHD with meds is hard enough without shame on top.Visit Dr Tommy Tran's website at https://www.drtommytran.com.au/JOIN THE COMMUNITY:Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!FOLLOW FOR MORE:Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTubeLEAVE A REVIEW:Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.COLLABS:For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.MORE RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.Mentioned in this episode:🎁ADHD MUMS PROGRAM LINK🎄Four short audios. One simple workbook. Plan Christmas your way — calm, doable, and actually includes you in it. 👉 www.adhdmums.com.au/planXmas: Sign Up Link

For ADHD mums, school pickup isn’t chit chat — it’s performance. The smiles, the nods, the weather talk. On the outside you look friendly. On the inside, you’re collapsing.In this Quick Reset, Jane unpacks why masking at the school gate feels so exhausting, how it impacts ADHD and autistic mums, and why it’s not about being unfriendly — it’s about survival.✨ What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy everyday small talk at school pickup can lead to masking, exhaustion, and car park tears.How chronic masking in social situations (play dates, birthday parties, pickup and drop off) leads to burnout and mental health struggles.Research on the Double Empathy Gap by Damian Milton, and why neurodivergent communication breakdowns are misunderstood.Jane’s ADHD Mum School Pickup Guide — practical insights for getting through without faking it.💛 This Episode Is For You IfYou’ve ever left school pickup early because you couldn’t fake one more smile.You collapse in the car after masking your way through birthday parties or play dates.You’ve been judged as rude, antisocial, or unfriendly — when you were just maxed out.You want to feel less alone in the invisible cost of social masking as an ADHD mum.📑 References & ResearchResearch on the Double Empathy Gap by Damian Milton.ADHD Mum School Pickup Guide.🎧 Listen now: Spotify | Apple | adhdmums.com.auJOIN THE COMMUNITY:Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!FOLLOW FOR MORE:Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTubeLEAVE A REVIEW:Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.COLLABS:For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.MORE RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.Mentioned in this episode:🎁ADHD MUMS PROGRAM LINK🎄Four short audios. One simple workbook. Plan Christmas your way — calm, doable, and actually includes you in it. 👉 www.adhdmums.com.au/planXmas: Sign Up Link

💊 They’ll sell you $60 gummies and promise calm — while your child is still wide awake at midnight.If you’ve ever handed over cash for gummies that didn’t work — you’re not the only one.In this episode, Jane sits down with clinical nutritionist Brittany Darling to unpack the minefield of supplements for ADHD and neurodivergent kids. From magnesium gummies to iron deficiency, we break down what’s legit, what’s hype, and how mums can avoid wasting money on sugar pills in shiny jars.Supplements aren’t magic. But with the right testing, the right dose, and support from a qualified professional, they can make a real difference.What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy supplements labelled “for ADHD kids” are a red flag in AustraliaThe hidden risks of cheap gummies and adult formulas marketed for childrenIron deficiency, magnesium, and saffron — what the research actually showsHow to spot unqualified “nutrition experts” and what credentials matterWhy supermarket supplements often don’t contain therapeutic dosesWhen to consider a “supplement holiday” and resetThis Episode Is For You IfYou’ve ever bought gummies online and wondered if they actually workYou’re tired of wasting money on supplements with no visible benefitYou want to know which nutrients matter most for ADHD and ND kidsYou’ve felt guilty for “not doing enough” when supplements don’t fix behaviourYou need clear, practical advice from someone who works with ND familiesReferences & Resources MentionedClinical Nutritionist Brittany Darling → @wholefoodhealingBrittany’s supplement line: www.imnutrients.comTGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) — guidelines on supplementsResearch on saffron and ADHD symptoms✨ Listen now: “Supplements for ND Kids: Calm Minds, Chaos Days, and What Actually Helps” — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and adhdmums.com.au — because mums deserve real answers, not expensive guesswork.JOIN THE COMMUNITY:Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!FOLLOW FOR MORE:Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTubeLEAVE A REVIEW:Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.COLLABS:For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.MORE RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.Mentioned in this episode:🎁ADHD MUMS PROGRAM LINK🎄Four short audios. One simple workbook. Plan Christmas your way — calm, doable, and actually...

🛁 Self-care feels nice… but self-regulation keeps you alive.Ever wondered why you feel calm after a walk but snap six minutes later? You’re not failing — that’s the difference between self-care and regulation.In this Quick Reset, Jane unpacks the crucial difference between bubble baths and nervous system regulation. Self-care soothes. Self-regulation catches you mid-climb and stops the burnout spiral.ADHD mums don’t need more scented candles. We need practical tools to notice when we’re about to tip over. This episode helps you understand what regulation looks like in real life, why self-care can feel like failure, and how to use both without guilt.What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy self-care feels good in the moment but doesn’t stop meltdownsThe difference between self-care (external) and self-regulation (internal)Signs you’re climbing toward dysregulation — and how to catch itFire extinguisher vs. scented candle: why regulation saves you mid-meltdownHow guilt and shame creep in when self-care “doesn’t work”Realistic regulation strategies for ADHD mums with zero spare timeThis Episode Is For You IfYou’ve ever felt calm after yoga, then yelled in the car 10 minutes laterYou blame yourself when “self-care” doesn’t stop the rageYou’re tired of influencer tips that don’t work in real ADHD mum lifeYou want small, practical strategies to regulate your nervous systemYou need solidarity: proof you’re not failing, you’re just humanRelated Episode:S3E22: QUICK RESET: Why self-care feels like another f*****g task | Spotify | Apple Podcast✨ Listen now: “QUICK RESET: Self-Care Feels Nice. Self-Regulation Keeps You Alive” — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and adhdmums.com.au — because calm isn’t failure, it just isn’t regulation.JOIN THE COMMUNITY:Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!FOLLOW FOR MORE:Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTubeLEAVE A REVIEW:Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.COLLABS:For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.MORE RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.Mentioned in this episode:🎁ADHD MUMS PROGRAM LINK🎄Four short audios. One simple workbook. Plan Christmas your way — calm, doable, and actually includes you in it. 👉 www.adhdmums.com.au/plana...

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses hormonal rage, burnout, and emotional overload that may feel intense for some listeners.Some days I don’t recognise myself.The rage hits first — then the guilt follows. 💔If you’ve ever cried over crumbs or felt calm slip away for no reason, this episode will make you feel seen.Because what looks like “losing control” is often ADHD, hormones, and burnout colliding.Jane sits down with Dr Sunita Chelva from Hero Menopause to unpack why perimenopause can feel like puberty all over again, how hormones intensify ADHD symptoms, and what you can do to find steadier ground when everything feels too loud, too fast, and too much.✨ What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy hormone fluctuations during perimenopause can trigger ADHD-like rage and emotional sensitivityHow estrogen and progesterone shifts impact focus, calm, and toleranceThe connection between histamine, mast-cell activation, and hormonal mood swingsWhat to know about HRT, supplements, and antihistamines — and how to talk to your GP about themThe overlap between trauma, neurodivergence, and hormonal chaosPractical tools for ADHD mums: sleep, movement, boundaries, and self-compassion💛 This Episode Is for You If …You’ve ever thought, “I don’t even know who I am anymore.”You’re juggling ADHD, hormones, and motherhood — and you’re exhausted“Just breathe” advice makes you ragey instead of relaxedYou want practical, ADHD-friendly ways to steady your nervous system📚 References & Resources MentionedHero Menopause — Dr Sunita Chelva Instagram:  @drsunitachelva @heramenopauseFacebook: @Heramenopause and Women’s HealthLinkedIn: @DrSunitaChelva and @HeramenopauseApps: Flo App, Balance App, Flo Partner AppSupplements Discussed: Magnesium, Vitamin D, DIM (cruciferous extract), Activated B vitamins (methylation support)Antihistamines Mentioned: Telfast, Claritin, Zyrtec, Famotidine (Zantac) — always consult your GP before useTherapies Referenced: EMDR, breathwork, weight training, sleep hygiene🔁 Related ADHD Mums EpisodesHORMONES: Histamine + Hormones – Why You Feel Like You’re Falling Apart with Kylie Smart

🎂 The birthday invite never came — and the heartbreak broke us both. Because when your kid is excluded, you carry that wound too.In this raw confession, Jane shares the reality of parenting a child who’s left out. From the quiet “Mum, what’s wrong with me?” to the fury of watching friendships collapse despite scaffolding, this episode validates the pain of social exclusion for ADHD and autistic kids — and the mums who love them.Research shows exclusion isn’t resilience-building. It’s trauma. The brain registers it as real pain, and for neurodivergent kids, it happens far too often .What We Cover in This EpisodeThe gut-punch moment when a child realises they weren’t invitedWhy “kids toughening up” isn’t resilience — it’s traumaHow hidden friendship rules and conditional inclusion leave ADHD/autistic kids on the edgeThe impact of social exclusion on children’s confidence, self-esteem, and nervous systemWhy mums feel grief, rage, and helplessness when scaffolding still failsPractical ways to validate kids, script social supports, and work with schools for inclusionThis Episode Is For You IfYour child has come home asking “Why don’t they like me?”You’ve hosted playdates, scaffolded friendships, and still watched your child get left outYou’ve been told “that’s just life” and felt unseen or dismissedYou want language and strategies to support a child who’s socially excludedYou need solidarity: proof you’re not alone in this heartbreakReferences & Resources Mentioned📑 Research: Social exclusion activates the same brain regions as physical pain📘 Playground Pickup Guide for ADHD Mums🎧 Related Episode: Raising Strong Children: How to Support Without Always Solving Their Problems with Emma Rose — Spotify | Apple Podcasts✨ Listen now: “CONFESSION: My Kid Didn’t Get Invited — And It Broke Both Our Hearts” — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and adhdmums.com.au — because no ADHD mum should be left to carry this heartbreak in silence.JOIN THE COMMUNITY:Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!FOLLOW FOR MORE:Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTubeLEAVE A REVIEW:Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.COLLABS:For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at...

⚠️ Content warning: This episode contains a brief discussion of suicidal ideation at 17mins.🚛 You survived pregnancy. You survived newborn chaos. You survived years of exhaustion.Then perimenopause hit — and it felt like your ADHD exploded overnight.If perimenopause has made your ADHD feel impossible — you’re not broken, and you’re definitely not the only one.In this raw and relatable episode, Jane sits down with Dr. Sunita Chelva (Hero Menopause & Women’s Health) to unpack what happens when fluctuating hormones collide with ADHD brains. From brain fog and rage to misdiagnosis and burnout, this conversation shines a light on what women are really experiencing — and why it’s not “just Mum life.”What We Cover in This EpisodeHow estrogen and progesterone shifts in perimenopause impact dopamine and ADHD symptomsWhy burnout, brain fog, rage, and emotional reactivity spike in the late 30s–50sThe overlap between ADHD and PMDD — and why up to 70% of ADHD women are affectedWhy women are often offered antidepressants instead of hormone supportHow masking, multitasking, and guilt fuel emotional depletionRed flags when seeking help — and why you may need second or third opinionsPractical steps: symptom tracking, seeking hormone-aware providers, and building supportThis Episode Is For You IfYou feel like your ADHD has worsened in perimenopauseYou’ve experienced brain fog, rage, exhaustion, or guilt that doesn’t feel like “just Mum life”You’ve been told to try antidepressants but suspect hormones are playing a roleYou want to understand why PMDD and perimenopause hit ADHD women so hardYou need validation, language, and next steps to advocate for yourselfReferences & Resources MentionedDr. Sunita Chalva — Hera Menopause & Women’s Health Hero Menopause Symptom Scorer - https://www.heramenopause.com.au/herasymptomscore Australasian Menopause Society — symptom tracking toolsADHD Mums Recommended Provider Tool — find GPs & specialists who understand ADHD + hormonesSuggest your own Women’s Health Provider if you have had a good experience. https://form.jotform.com/242630327577863Related ADHD Mums Episodes🎧 The Perimenopause Crash — Progesterone, Stress, and the Rage Nobody Warned Us About🎧 HRT, ADHD & Perimenopause: What No One’s Explaining to Women🎧 Histamine + Hormones — Why You Feel Like You’re Falling Apart✨ Listen now: HORMONES: When Hormones Hijack the Mind — ADHD, Perimenopause & Emotional Burnout — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and adhdmums.com.au — because hormones may hijack your brain, but they...

ADHD mums aren’t lazy — our homes just weren’t designed with our brains in mind. And no, piles aren’t proof of failure. In this episode, Jane unpacks why traditional “Pinterest-perfect” organising systems fail neurodivergent families, and how to design a home that actually supports ADHD working memory. From intentional landing zones to open storage, these ADHD-friendly hacks help you stop fighting your environment and start building scaffolding that works with your brain.What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy ADHD brains struggle with “out of sight, out of mind” systemsHow object permanence and visual cues shape daily life for ADHD mumsWhy Pinterest-worthy storage often fails in real homesADHD-friendly hacks: open storage, intentional landing zones, pairing items with habitsHow “piles” aren’t laziness — they’re often functional reminder systemsWhy the bare minimum is still a miracle when you’re parenting with ADHD — and why that doesn’t make you messy, it makes you resourcefulThis Episode Is For You IfYou’ve ever re-bought something from Kmart because you forgot you already owned itYou feel like you’re drowning in clutter but can’t stick to “minimalist” systemsYou’ve tried every Pinterest hack and still end up with piles everywhereYou’re tired of being told you’re lazy or messy when you’re actually adapting to how your brain worksYou want practical home design tips that are ADHD-friendly and realistic for mumsReferencesBarkley, R. A. What are the long-term health implications of ADHD? This paper/report covers how ADHD increases risks for poorer health outcomes and reduces life expectancy if untreated. ADHDAwarenessMonth 2025Tuckman, A. Wasting Time? Hyperfocusing? ADHD and Time Perception Problems (ADDitude, 2025) — explains how ADHD distorts time perception (time blindness), impacting productivity, relationships, self-esteem✨ Listen now: “I’m Not Lazy — My House Just Doesn’t Have a Memory” — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and adhdmums.com.au.JOIN THE COMMUNITY:Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!FOLLOW FOR MORE:Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTubeLEAVE A REVIEW:Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.COLLABS:For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.MORE RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your...

❌ “Not disabled enough.” ❌ “Not lifelong.”If you’ve ever been told your child is “not disabled enough” for support — you’re not alone. And you’re not failing them.That’s what too many families are hearing through NDIS reforms — while kids who mask or “hold it together” risk losing the supports that keep households afloat. This episode unpacks what the changes actually mean, where the gaps are, and how to push back with lived experience at the centre.What We Cover in This EpisodeWhat “not disabled enough” and “not lifelong” decisions look like on the ground for ADHD and autistic familiesHow NDIS reviews measure parental burnout instead of real needWhy kids who mask (or parents who try to stay positive in reviews) can be penalisedSenator Jordon Steele-John’s lived experience with ADHD and disability advocacyWhat the proposed Thriving Kids program could mean — and the unanswered questionsHow parents can use advocacy, templates, and submissions to push backThis Episode Is For You IfYour child has been told they’re “not disabled enough” or “not lifelong” for NDISYou’ve felt crushed by reviews that demand proof of struggle before supportYou’re scared your child’s ability to mask will cost them the help they needYou’re trying to make sense of the new Thriving Kids programYou want to hear from a politician with both lived experience and a plan to fight backReferences & Resources MentionedNDIS Free Resources → (guides, templates, and jotforms to help parents navigate the changes)NDIS Jot form - document your experienceParliamentary Inquiry into the NDIS — open for submissions nowFull webpage of all Jane's NDIS advocacy work hereRelated Episodes🎧 NDIS is making psychology support harder to access and the new budget rules: Spotify | Apple Podcast✨ Listen now: Not Disabled Enough — The NDIS Changes Every Parent Needs to Hear (with Senator Jordon Steele-John) — on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and adhdmums.com.au — because parents deserve support, not shame.JOIN THE COMMUNITY:Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!FOLLOW FOR MORE:Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook,

⚠️ This episode discusses disassociation and trauma responses. Please listen with care and step away if needed🧘‍♀️ Meditation apps promised calm — but for many ADHD mums, stillness doesn’t soothe. It shuts us down.If you’ve ever sat down to meditate and felt panic instead of peace — you’re not broken. You’re not the only one.In this Quick Reset, Jane explores why meditation, yoga, and “just breathe” advice can trigger dissociation instead of relaxation. When stillness feels unsafe, your nervous system isn’t failing — it’s protecting you.This episode unpacks the difference between resistance and survival, why dissociation is often misunderstood, and how ADHD mums can build regulation in ways that actually feel safe.What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy meditation and stillness can trigger dissociation instead of calmDissociation as a neurological survival response, not a mindset issueHow it shows up in kids (zoning out, robot-like compliance, emotional flatness)Why “letting go” feels impossible without safety and scaffoldingPractical alternatives: movement, sensory tools, music, micro-pausesHow to reframe meditation as presence, curiosity, and building tolerance slowlyThis Episode Is For You IfYou’ve ever felt panic, not peace, when trying meditationYou blame yourself for failing at yoga, mindfulness, or “relaxing”You want to understand dissociation as survival, not weaknessYou’re raising a neurodivergent child who zones out or seems “not present” at schoolYou need validating, practical strategies that meet ADHD brains where they areReferences & Resources MentionedThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk — on trauma, the body, and survival states✨ Listen now: “No, I Can’t Meditate. I’m Too Busy Disassociating” — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and adhdmums.com.au — because calm shouldn’t feel unsafe, and you deserve tools that actually work for your brain.JOIN THE COMMUNITY:Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!FOLLOW FOR MORE:Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTubeLEAVE A REVIEW:Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.COLLABS:For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.MORE RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.Mentioned in this episode:🎁ADHD MUMS PROGRAM LINK🎄Four short audios. One simple workbook. Plan Christmas your way — calm, doable, and actually includes you in it. 👉 www.adhdmums.com.au/plana...

⚠️ Content Warning This episode contains discussion of eating disorders, food restriction, and medical trauma, including misdiagnosis, inpatient treatment, and NG tube feeding. These themes may be triggering if you’ve experienced eating disorders, hospitalisation, or trauma in medical settings. Please listen with care and step away if you need to.🥄 Your child isn’t “picky.” They’re hungry, terrified — and too often, the world still blames parents.In this raw and validating episode, Jane speaks with Marie Camin, autistic clinical psychologist and researcher, about ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), eating disorders, and why neurodivergent bodies are consistently misunderstood and mistreated.Marie shares her own lived experience alongside her clinical insights, unpacking how trauma, sensory needs, medical neglect, and stigma collide to create deeper harm — and why curiosity, agency, and neuro-affirming care are essential for healing.What We Cover in This EpisodeThe difference (and overlap) between ARFID, anorexia, and other eating disordersWhy ARFID is misdiagnosed and why body image isn’t the driverMarie’s lived experience: being mislabelled with anorexia, medical trauma, and refeeding through an NG tubeHow restriction cycles worsen when safe foods are lostThe role of sensory overload, anxiety, and co-occurring health conditions (POTS, MCAS, celiac)Why dieticians, trauma-informed care, and curiosity matter more than controlReframing progress: eating “enough” vs eating “everything”Identity, food, and family culture — and why pressure around mealtimes backfiresThis Episode Is For You If…You’re parenting a child with ARFID, “extreme picky eating,” or food refusalYou’ve been blamed or dismissed by professionals who don’t understand neurodivergent feeding differencesYou’ve experienced medical trauma tied to eating or food treatmentYou want to understand how trauma, sensory needs, and stigma intersect with eating disordersYou need solidarity and language that validates your lived experienceReferences & Resources MentionedMarie Camin’ website: https://www.mariecamin.com/ Hermeneutical Injustice — concept by philosopher Miranda Fricker on the harm of missing language for lived experienceRelated ADHD Mums EpisodesCould it be ARFID? Spotting the Signs + Why It’s Not Just Fussy EatingBeyond ‘Picky Eating’ — What ARFID Feels Like: Claire Britton’s Personal StoryYou’ve Tried Everything… They Still Won’t Eat: Real Strategies for ARFID at HomeNavigating Psychology Assessments: Avoiding Key MistakesIf you’re struggling, you don’t have to go through it alone. In Australia, you can call...

🤔 Are school holidays not what you imagined? You thought they’d be fun — but instead you’re tired, burnt out, and blaming yourself for not enjoying them.In this Quick Reset, Jane unpacks the hidden truth about parenting through school holidays with ADHD: not all mums start the day with the same energy budget. When you’re managing sensory overload, executive dysfunction, picky eating, or kids who refuse playdates, you’re spending double the energy before lunch. This isn’t failure. It’s maths that makes sense to ADHD mums .What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy school holidays feel impossible when ADHD mums start the day in energy deficitThe “energy accounting” metaphor vs spoon theory — and why it finally explains burnoutReal-life examples: Woolies meltdowns, kids refusing playdates, ARFID challengesHow sibling fights, meal prep, and simple errands cost double for ADHD parentsWhy the comparison trap is a lie — different baselines, same marathonPractical survival strategies: connection anchors, boredom boards, and saying no without guiltThis Episode Is For You If…You’ve felt guilty for not “making memories” during school holidaysYou’ve compared yourself to other mums and thought you were failingYour kids refuse outings, playdates, or even to leave the houseYou’re managing ADHD, autism, ARFID, or high sensory needs on top of daily parentingYou want to see burnout for what it is: biology, not bad parenting📘 FREE Handout on Energy Accounting & Fighting Mum Burnout: Download HERE.References & Resources MentionedSpoon Theory and Energy Accounting — metaphors for invisible energy budgetsDr Devon Price — research on burnout and resilienceMaggie Dent — on boredom, boys, and creativityRelated ADHD Mums EpisodesThe ADHD Mum’s Guide to Surviving School Mornings Without Tears (Theirs or Yours)The Hallway Hook That Saved My Sanity🎧 Listen now: QUICK RESET: The Biggest Lie Parents Believe During School Holidays — on Spotify, Apple, or adhdmums.com.auJOIN THE COMMUNITY:Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!FOLLOW FOR MORE:Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on...