🤔 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 Episode

• Why school holidays feel impossible when ADHD mums start the day in energy deficit
• The “energy accounting” metaphor vs spoon theory — and why it finally explains burnout
• Real-life examples: Woolies meltdowns, kids refusing playdates, ARFID challenges
• How sibling fights, meal prep, and simple errands cost double for ADHD parents
• Why the comparison trap is a lie — different baselines, same marathon
• Practical survival strategies: connection anchors, boredom boards, and saying no without guilt

This Episode Is For You If…

• You’ve felt guilty for not “making memories” during school holidays
• You’ve compared yourself to other mums and thought you were failing
• Your kids refuse outings, playdates, or even to leave the house
• You’re managing ADHD, autism, ARFID, or high sensory needs on top of daily parenting
• You want to see burnout for what it is: biology, not bad parenting

📘 FREE Handout on Energy Accounting & Fighting Mum Burnout: Download HERE.

References & Resources Mentioned

• Spoon Theory and Energy Accounting — metaphors for invisible energy budgets
• Dr Devon Price — research on burnout and resilience
• Maggie Dent — on boredom, boys, and creativity

Related ADHD Mums Episodes

• The 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.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 YouTube

LEAVE 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/plan

Xmas: Sign Up Link