ADHD Mums

What if the calm you felt last Christmas wasn’t a fluke — but a clue?In this episode, Jane responds to a listener who accidentally lost her Christmas list… and felt calmer than she ever had in December. Not because she stopped caring — but because the mental load finally dropped.This conversation explains why ADHD mums hit capacity faster at Christmas, why letting go feels terrifying, and why you’re allowed to be done even when the list never ends.What you’ll hear in this episodeWhy losing the list created instant calmThe difference between dropping tasks and dropping loadWhat allostatic load is — and why ADHD mums carry more of itWhy your body knows you’re done before your brain agreesHow to stop before you shatter, not afterFree Resources Listed:🎁 Get the Energy Accounting Guide: Download hereRelated EpisodesChristmas Is the Finish Line — And ADHD Mums Are Crawling There👉 Click here to listenWhy am I bracing for impact when nothing is wrong?👉 Click here to listenQUICK RESET: Why Self-Care Feels Like Another F*ing Task👉 Click here to listenListener Question BoxHave a moment, question, or December story you can’t quite put into words?👉 Send a listener question or story here:Submit your question anonymously

I thought I was being polite.I thought I was keeping my options open.But somewhere between exhaustion, people-pleasing, and old survival habits, I abandoned myself — again.In this episode, I share the exact moment it clicked: my 'soft no’s' weren’t boundaries at all. They were apologies wearing polite outfits. And when everything finally caught up with me, my nervous system had already run out of fuel.This is a deeply human conversation about people-pleasing, the fawn response, ADHD overwhelm, and why saying no can feel genuinely unsafe — even when you desperately need to.Key TakeawaysWhy 'maybe' is not a neutral response when you’re exhaustedHow people-pleasing is a nervous-system survival strategy, not a personality flawWhat the fawn response actually looks like in ADHD mumsWhy overwhelm makes boundaries collapseThe hidden cost of keeping the peace🔗 Related Episodes & Recommended ListeningIf this episode landed for you, these conversations explore the same patterns of people-pleasing, masking, self-sacrifice, and nervous-system survival:Stop People-Pleasing: The ADHD Mum’s Guide to Boundaries, Balance, and Breaking Free👉 Listen hereYou Were the Good Girl. That’s Why You’re Falling Apart Now.👉 Listen hereHigh Camouflaging ADHD and ASD👉 Listen hereSelf-Sacrifice Is Not Your Friend (And Here’s Why)👉 Listen hereQUICK RESET: I Cancel Plans Because I Don’t Have the Energy to Fake My Personality👉 Listen here🤍 FB Group:If you want a space where you don’t have to explain yourself:👉 Join the ADHD Mums Facebook Group

December brings presents… and pressure. Family dynamics get loud, expectations get heavier, and suddenly you’re managing everyone’s feelings and your ADHD child’s reactions — all while trying not to implode.This episode answers a powerful listener question: How do I handle gift-opening with my ADHD/PDA child without feeling ashamed, judged, or like I’m failing? It’s not just about presents. It’s about generational conditioning, people-pleasing, masking, and the old belief that ‘being liked = being good.’What We CoverWhy ADHD/PDA kids may not react the “expected” way to giftsThe inherited ‘good girl’ conditioning mums carry into adulthoodFawning as a trauma response (and why it flares during Christmas)How masking is taught — and why many of us learned adult comfort > child honestyHow to script boundaries with family without apologisingWhat to do before, during and after gift-opening to reduce conflictWhy guilt shows up (and why it doesn’t mean you’re wrong)This Episode Is For You If…Your stomach drops any time someone comments on your child’s reactionsYou’re torn between protecting your child and appeasing adultsYou feel responsible for everyone’s comfort — except your ownYou want to break the ‘good girl’ cycle, but December makes it hardYou need language, scripts, and validation for navigating family eventsResources & Links Related Podcast EpisodesThe Good Girl EpisodeThe Red Pen Christmas: How to Stop Editing Yourself for Everyone ElseChristmas Is the Finish Line — And ADHD Mums Are Crawling ThereRelevant Tools & ProgramsFestive F* It Plan** — your calmer, kinder December blueprintADHD Mums Guide to Boundaries & Breaking Free from People-PleasingADHD Mum’s Guide to Managing Overwhelm During Busy Seasons Navigating Impulse Spending During the Holidays with ADHDCommunity & FormsListener Question Form  ADHD Mums Facebook Community — collective wisdom + real-life scriptsContent WarningThis episode touches on masking, childhood invalidation, and trauma-related people-pleasing patterns.Listen NowSpotify | Apple | adhdmums.com.au

Silent rage at Christmas isn’t a personality flaw — it’s a nervous system collapse.In this episode, we unpack why ADHD mums hit overwhelm earlier and harder during December, why the “tiny straw” moments feel massive, and how the invisible mental load of Christmas pushes your brain into shutdown mode long before anyone notices.This is a compassionate, nervous-system-first explanation of why you’re so tired, so overstimulated, and so close to snapping… and why none of this is your fault.Key TakeawaysSilent rage = a responsibility overload response, not “being grumpy.”ADHD brains spend more effort on planning, remembering, switching tasks and emotional labour — Christmas multiplies all of these.The “tiny” trigger never is tiny — it’s the final task hitting a system already at capacity.Your body reads “too much responsibility” as danger, shifting into tension, heat, and shutdown.Sensory load + task load + emotional load = the perfect storm that makes Christmas feel impossible.You’re not the problem — the load is.Micro-shifts can interrupt the bracing response before it becomes collapse.Listen & LinksListen: www.adhdmuns.com.au/magic-of-christmas-but-im-grumpyFree resource: 👉 Download the Energy Accounting Guide🔗 Related Episodes‘The Red Pen Christmas: How to Stop Editing Yourself for Everyone Else’👉 Listen here‘The Year I’ve Decided Good Enough Is Enough’👉 Listen here‘Christmas Is the Finish Line — And ADHD Mums Are Crawling There’👉 Listen here💬 Share / Vent / AskADHD Mums Facebook CommunityPost a #vent, get solidarity, and be witnessed by other mums who get it.👉 Join the Facebook groupListener Question BoxSend in your own ‘washing machine’ or ‘silent rage’ moment for future episodes.👉 Submit a listener question

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 Child

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.au

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 - https://www.instagram.com/lionheartclinic_au/Mimi’s telehealth child & adolescent psychiatry clinic supporting kids and families across NSW, ACT and beyond.🔗 https://www.lionheartclinic.com.auChild & Adolescent Resource Mental Health LibraryAn evidence-based resource library curated by Dr Mimi Xu — perfect for parents wanting reliable information without the panic headlines.🔗 https://www.child-psychiatrist.com.au/🎧Listen NowSpotify | Apple | adhdmums.com.au

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 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

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 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

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 yourself in the middle of invisible labour.🎧 Surviving the Mental Load of the School Year — How to stop blaming yourself when the system isn’t built for you.Listen Now🎧 Spotify | Apple Podcasts | 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

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, 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

💊 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

💊 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

🛁 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

⚠️ 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 SmartHORMONES: The Perimenopause Crash – Progesterone, Stress, and the Rage Nobody Warned Us About with Kylie SmartHORMONES: HRT, ADHD & Perimenopause: What No One’s Explaining to Women with Lara BridenHORMONES: When Hormones Hijack the Mind: ADHD, Perimenopause & Emotional Burnout with Dr. Sunita Chelva If this brings up anything for you, please reach out for support:Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636Outside Australia: contact your local crisis serviceAlways talk with your healthcare provider before making any medication or supplement changes.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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

🎂 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.Topics CoveredADHD kids social exclusion, ADHD birthday party invites, ADHD mums heartbreak, autism exclusion at school, ADHD friendship struggles, ADHD emotional resilience, neurodivergent kids left out, supporting ADHD children’s friendships, parenting ADHD kids social skills, ADHD school inclusion

⚠️ 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 don’t get to define your life — and you deserve support that actually works.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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

❌ “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, 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

⚠️ 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

⚠️ 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 Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Butterfly Helpline on 1800 33 4673. If you’re outside Australia, please reach out to local crisis supports in your area.🎧 Listen now: ARFID, Eating Disorders & the Neurodivergent Body: What We Got Wrong — 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 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

🤔 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 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

⚡ Sticker charts, punishments, time-outs — most ADHD mums have tried them. And most of us have felt the gut-punch of guilt when they “don’t work.” But here’s the truth: what looks like “bad behaviour” is usually a dysregulated nervous system asking for help, not a child trying to make life harder .In this episode, Jane speaks with psychologist Leanne Tran about why conventional behaviour strategies fail ADHD kids, how shame sneaks in, and what parents can do instead. Together, they reframe “naughtiness” as communication — and offer practical tools for scaffolding, connection, and regulation .What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy ADHD behaviour challenges are about regulation, not defianceThe limits of sticker charts and why they often backfirePunishment vs reinforcement: why one creates shame, the other builds skillsHow to support kids before chaos — scaffolding, structure, and skill-buildingQuick-win strategies for meltdowns: novelty, humour, and breaking stress loopsBoundaries vs values: why flexibility matters when ADHD is in the mixWhy behaviour isn’t a reflection of your parenting — and how to drop the shameThis Episode Is For You If…You’ve spent money on sticker charts, pens, and rewards — only to feel like you failed when they didn’t workYou’re sick of judgment from schools, family, or strangers about your child’s behaviourYou want alternatives to punishment that don’t just pile on shameYou struggle with consistency yourself and feel guilty for not “parenting perfectly”You need tools that actually work for ADHD kids — and for ADHD mums who can’t parent like robotsReferences & Resources MentionedLeanne Tran’s Website → https://www.leannetran.com.auFollow Leanne on Instagram → @leannetranpsychologyFree resources → learn.leannetran.com.au/freeLean’s Upcoming Webinar: Next steps for parents of neurodivergent kids - 10th of every month at 7pmPsychoeducation Courses (50% off with code ADHDMUMS):Supporting Your ADHD Primary SchoolerSupporting Your ADHD TeenagerJOIN 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

Meal planning was built for neurotypicals. That’s why it breaks ADHD mums.In this Quick Reset, Jane calls out the shame trap of “just get organised” and explains why meal planning feels impossible when it demands six executive functions at once. From frozen meat to kids refusing everything you bought, this episode offers ADHD-friendly hacks for surviving dinner when you’re already on the edge .What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy meal planning is an executive function overload, not lazinessThe invisible cost: six domains firing at once — predict, remember, plan, shop, cook, cleanWhy “future you” can’t be trusted to follow perfect systemsHow to design a “burnout menu” for your worst daysTheme nights, breakfast-for-dinner, and recurring online orders as ADHD-friendly toolsWhy bubble baths don’t fix brain fog — but survival food doesThis Episode Is For You If…You hate meal planning, cooking, or even thinking about foodYou keep forgetting key ingredients or end up with “nothing to cook” after shoppingYour kids’ picky eating, ARFID, or sensory issues make one-meal-fits-all impossibleYou feel guilty for not sticking to meal plansYou want hacks that actually work on burnout days, not Pinterest fantasy boardsClaim: “Meal planning reduces executive function load, supports emotional regulation, and creates predictability for ADHD households — especially when meals are visually structured, repetitive, and simplified.”🔍 Research & References for Show Notes:Executive Function and Planning Impairments in ADHD Barkley, R. A., & Murphy, K. R. (2006). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Clinical Workbook (3rd ed.).Highlights impairments in planning, organisation, and future thinking in ADHD adults and families. Recommends routines and external structures for managing daily demands. Decision Fatigue and ADHD Baumeister, R. F., et al. (2008). Ego Depletion: Is the Active Self a Limited Resource? Journal of Consumer Research, 36(4), 543–556.Explains how repeated decision-making (like “What’s for dinner?”) leads to emotional exhaustion and poor impulse control — especially in people with existing cognitive load issues.Routine and Predictability Reduce StressPelham, W. E., Fabiano, G. A. (2008). Evidence-Based Psychosocial Treatments for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 37(1), 184–214.Shows that structured routines like planned meals and consistent eating times reduce behavioural stress in ADHD children.Visual and Repetitive Meal Systems Help ADHD HouseholdsTuckman, A. R. (2009). More Attention, Less Deficit: Success Strategies for Adults with ADHD. Recommends simplifying meals, using visual lists or repeating favourite foods to limit overwhelm and improve follow-through in ADHD adults.Link Between Blood Sugar Stability, Nutrition, and Emotional RegulationBenton, D., & Donohoe, R. T. (1999). The Effects of Nutrients on Mood. Public Health Nutrition, 2(3a), 403–409.Stable meals reduce mood swings and emotional volatility — crucial for ADHD individuals who are more sensitive to blood sugar fluctuations.Dr Sharon Saline’s research — on ADHD working memory and “if-then” fatigue🎧 Listen now: QUICK RESET: Mum hack meal planning for when you're already burnt out. — 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 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

Night sweats, meltdowns, migraines, brain fog — and still dismissed as “mum stress.” For ADHD women, perimenopause isn’t weakness — it’s biology colliding with a system that refuses to notice.In this episode, Jane speaks with Dr Lara Briden, naturopathic doctor and author of Hormone Repair Manual, to unpack what perimenopause really looks like for ADHD women, why blood tests often come back “normal,” and how body-identical hormone therapy can help.What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy blood tests often miss perimenopause — and why “normal” doesn’t mean wellHow ADHD and hormones collide to intensify brain fog, rage, and sleep problemsThe role of histamine, thyroid, and iron in brain fog and exhaustionWhat HRT actually is — body-identical vs synthetic hormonesWhy antidepressants are over-prescribed when perimenopause is misdiagnosedPractical survival tools: progesterone, circadian rhythm resets, and magnesium — because bubble baths don’t fix brain fogWhy perimenopause is puberty 2.0 — a transition, not a failureThis Episode Is For You If…You’re over 37 and struggling with new rage, brain fog, or sleep issuesYou’ve been told your blood tests are “normal,” but you feel brokenYou’ve been dismissed with antidepressants when your body was screaming hormonesYou’re curious about how HRT interacts with ADHD and stimulantsYou want validation that perimenopause isn’t hysteria — it’s biology in transition🧠 Resources for YouPerimenopause Symptom Tracker – Free self-check to see if what you’re experiencing might be perimenopause. Download here →Perimenopause ADHD Brain Fog Kit – Practical tools for mums dealing with brain fog, memory slips, and hormone chaos. Find it hereReferences & Resources MentionedDr Lara Briden website: https://www.larabriden.com/ Hormone Repair Manual — Lara’s book on navigating perimenopause:Lara Briden’s guide to natural treatment ideas for premenstrual mood symptoms: larabriden.com/top-6-natural-treatments-for-premenstrual-mood-symptomsInsights from Dr Jerilynn Prior in the final bonus session of The Hormone Whisperers: tanyaborowski.com/shop/p/the-hormone-whisperers-may25-recordingsRelated ADHD Mums EpisodesThe Perimenopause Crash — Progesterone, Stress, and the Rage Nobody Warned Us AboutHistamine + Hormones: Why You Feel Like You’re Falling Apart🎧 Listen now: HORMONES: HRT, ADHD & Perimenopause — What No One’s Explaining to Women — 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 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

⚠️ Content Warning : This episode contains heavy confessions. These themes may be triggering for listeners with trauma histories or postnatal depression. Please listen with care and step away if you need to.These confessions prove you’re not broken, you’re not failing — and you’re definitely not alone.For the first time, Jane reads out anonymous confessions from ADHD mums — funny, dark, and painfully honest. These stories reveal the rage, exhaustion, shame, and survival that so many mums carry in silence. Instead of being dismissed as “bad parenting” or “not coping,” these confessions remind us: you’re not alone.What We Cover in This EpisodeFunny confessions that prove executive dysfunction runs the household (baby wipes on benches, noise-cancelling headphones at dinner)Heavier truths: rage in the chemist carpark, yelling at toddlers, dreams of driving awayHow shame grows in silence — and why saying it out loud breaks its gripEmotional dysregulation as central to ADHD, not a personal flaw (Dr Russell Barkley’s research)Why rage, dissociation, or shutdowns are survival responses — not weaknessHow sharing these confessions created relief, validation, and solidarityThis Episode Is For You If…You’ve screamed in the car or fantasised about running awayYou feel guilty for yelling, but can’t seem to stopYou’ve wondered if you’re the only mum who feels this wayYou crave relief from the shame spiral of “I should be coping better”You want to hear the raw, unfiltered truths other ADHD mums finally said out loudIf you’ve carried shame in silence, this episode will feel like exhale.References & Resources MentionedDr Gabor Maté — parenting doesn’t create dysfunction, it exposes where we’ve been unsupportedDr Russell Barkley — emotional dysregulation is central to ADHD, not secondaryADHD Mums Confession Box — share your truth anonymously and reduce the shameADHD Mums Facebook Group — connect with mums who get itRelated ADHD Mums EpisodesQuick Confession: 10 Things That Scare Me as an ADHD MumQuick Confession: I Don’t Always Like Being a ParentQuick Confession: Can You Love Someone and Still Dread Sex?🎧 Listen now: CONFESSION: Mums wrote in anonymously… and what they shared wrecked me — on Spotify, Apple, or adhdmums.com.auOptional Support If you’re struggling, you don’t have to go through it alone. In Australia, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or PANDA on 1300 726 306. If you’re outside Australia, please reach out to local crisis supports in your area.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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

Perimenopause can feel like being blindsided by a hormonal crash no one prepared you for. Mood swings, rage, insomnia, and anxiety get dumped in the ‘mum stress’ basket — as if biology crashing is just bad attitude.For ADHD mums, the mix of perimenopause and neurodivergence is like juggling knives while the floor gives way. This episode calls out the silence around perimenopause, explains the real biological shifts at play, and validates the lived experience of being dismissed when your body is in crisis.What We Cover in This EpisodeHow plummeting progesterone and rising stress hormones fuel rage and anxietyWhy ADHD + perimenopause is a double hit to emotional regulationThe invisible cost of being told ‘it’s just motherhood’Why the system ignores women’s health at this stage of lifeThe importance of recognising biology, not blaming characterThis Episode Is For You If…You’ve felt overwhelming rage or mood swings that don’t make senseDoctors, family, or friends have minimised your perimenopause symptomsYou’re an ADHD mum exhausted by exhaustion, sleepless nights, and slammed doorsYou need language that validates your experience instead of pathologising itYou’re ready to understand what’s really happening to your body🎧 Listen now: The Perimenopause Crash — on Spotify, Apple, or adhdmums.com.au🧠 Resources for YouPerimenopause Symptom Tracker – Free self-check to see if what you’re experiencing might be perimenopause. Download here →Perimenopause ADHD Brain Fog Kit – Practical tools for mums dealing with brain fog, memory slips, and hormone chaos. Find it here📚 Related Resources:Kylie Smart (ADHD & women’s health naturopath) — DIY Your ADHD course with ADHD Consultation Package Dr Lara Bryden’s book on perimenopause — one of the few that actually explains what’s happening instead of gaslighting youADHD Mums Shop — resources and free assessment tools for ADHD and autism🎧 Other Episode with Kylie Smart:S1 E43 PMS and ADHD S1 E48 Supplements and ADHDJOIN 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.Topics CoveredADHD and perimenopause, ADHD mums and hormones, progesterone crash, perimenopause rage, neurodivergent women and menopause, stress hormones and ADHD, insomnia perimenopause, ADHD women’s health, hormone regulation in neurodivergence, menopause anxiety and rage, women’s health dismissal, ADHD mums podcast hormones series

‘Not tonight’ isn’t rejection — it’s survival. You can be deeply in love, feel safe and connected, and still feel absolutely no desire for sex. For neurodivergent mums, it’s not about being broken. It’s about being depleted. Burnout, overstimulation, resentment, and chronic executive load all take a toll — and desire doesn’t grow in captivity.This episode names the unspoken truth: you can love your partner and still dread intimacy when your nervous system is tapped out.What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy love and desire aren’t the same thingHow ADHD, burnout, and motherhood impact libidoThe difference between rejection and depletionVoices from ADHD mums on how sex feels in burnoutWhy desire needs space, safety, and energy to returnSmall ways to honour yourself without guilt or shameThis Episode Is For You If…You’re in a healthy relationship but feel no desire for sexEven the thought of being touched feels like one more demandYou’ve been told ‘sex is proof of love’ but feel otherwiseYou’re burnt out, touched out, or running on emptyYou want to know you’re not broken for feeling this wayReferences & Resources MentionedEsther Perel — Psychotherapist and author whose work on intimacy highlights that desire needs space and autonomy to thrive — two things ADHD mums are rarely afforded.ADHD Mums Facebook Group — A safe, supportive space where thousands of mums share the unfiltered truth about ADHD, burnout, intimacy, and the realities of daily life.ADHD Mums Jotform Confession Box — An anonymous space where mums contributed raw, honest experiences about sex, exhaustion, and survival with ADHD.🎧 Other Episode with Kylie Smart:S1 E43 PMS and ADHD S1 E48 Supplements and ADHDIf you’ve ever felt alone in this, these episodes prove you’re not.🎧 Listen now: Can You Love Someone and Still Dread Sex? — 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 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

School mornings feel like hostage negotiations — not routine. Missing shoes, weird sock meltdowns, vanishing library bags… and still the world says ‘just get more organised’. But ADHD families don’t run on habits — we run on cues.In this Quick Reset, Jane shares the one simple change that turned mornings from chaos into something survivable: the hallway hook. More than a place for bags, it’s an environmental accommodation that reduces the daily executive function tax every ADHD mum knows too well.What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy ADHD mums pay an ‘executive function tax’ every morningHow visual cues beat willpower when it comes to routinesThe difference between neurotypical habits vs ADHD-friendly environmentsWhy a hallway hook (or any visual system) can save your sanityPractical tips for setting up ADHD-friendly launchpads at homeThis Episode Is For You If…You’ve aged 100 years by 9am thanks to school chaosYour kids’ bags, shoes, or library books disappear into another dimension dailyYou’ve been told you just need to ‘get organised’You know reminders and willpower aren’t enough — you need cues that workYou want one ADHD-friendly change that makes mornings survivableRelated ADHD Mums EpisodesS3 E31 The ADHD Mum’s Guide to Surviving School Mornings Without Tears (Theirs or Yours)S3 E10 QUICK RESET: Why am I bracing for impact when nothing is wrong?Check out School mini-series if you haven’t yetIf school mornings leave you burnt out before 9am, these episodes will hit close to home. Claim: “Neurodivergent people often rely on visual memory and object permanence strategies — like hallway hooks — to reduce executive function demands.”🔍 Research and References:Object Permanence & ADHD Barkley, R. A. (2014). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment.– Barkley discusses how deficits in working memory and internal visualisation affect how ADHD individuals manage time, tasks, and memory. Without visual cues (like hooks, labels, laid-out clothes), the brain can “forget” the task exists.Visual Cues and Home OrganisationTuckman, A. R. (2009). More Attention, Less Deficit: Success Strategies for Adults with ADHD.– Emphasises that visual systems (clear bins, hooks, laid-out outfits) help compensate for weak prospective memory and object permanence.Environmental Modifications for ADHDCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Parenting Children with ADHD.– Recommends home modifications including visual schedules, labelled areas, and consistent placement for items (e.g. a hook for every bag or jacket) to support task follow-through and independence.Executive Function Supports in Home Environments Dawson, P., & Guare, R. (2010). Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents: A Practical Guide to Assessment and Intervention.– Notes the need for external structures like visual reminders and routine anchors for kids with ADHD who struggle with task initiation and transition.🎧 Listen now: Quick Reset: The Hallway Hook That Saved My Sanity — 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 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.Episodes CoveredQuick Reset hallway hook ADHD mums, ADHD school mornings survival, executive function tax in families, ADHD-friendly morning routines, ADHD cues vs habits, ADHD parenting hacks, school chaos ADHD strategies, ADHD environmental accommodations, ADHD mums podcast quick reset

Doctors said anxiety. It turns out, for many ADHD mums, it’s actually hormones colliding with histamine.This episode kicks off our hormone mini-series with ADHD & women’s health naturopath Kylie Smart, exploring how histamine interacts with oestrogen, stress, and ADHD — and why so many mums are dismissed as “hysterical” or “anxious” when the truth is biochemical.What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy doctors often misdiagnose hormone-related issues as anxietyWhat histamine is — and why it matters for ADHD and autistic womenHow histamine interacts with oestrogen, dopamine, and serotoninSymptoms linked to histamine issues: migraines, insomnia, heavy bleeding, rage, gut problemsThe overlap between histamine intolerance, mast cell activation, and ADHDSimple things you can try — from symptom tracking to food tweaks — while pushing for proper medical supportThis Episode Is For You If….You’ve been told your migraines, rage, or exhaustion are “just stress”You experience PMS/PMDD that feels like a breakdown weekYou notice mood swings, insomnia, or gut issues before your periodYou’re curious why “self-care” doesn’t touch hormone-related burnoutYou want to understand the real biology behind ADHD, hormones, and histamine🎧 Listen now: HORMONES: Histamine + Hormones – Why You Feel Like You’re Falling Apart — on Spotify, Apple, or adhdmums.com.au🧠 Resources for YouPerimenopause Symptom Tracker – Free self-check to see if what you’re experiencing might be perimenopause. Download here →Perimenopause ADHD Brain Fog Kit – Practical tools for mums dealing with brain fog, memory slips, and hormone chaos. Find it hereReferences & Resources MentionedADHD & women’s health naturopath who actually takes neurodivergent women seriously. Online clinic + courses: kyliesmart.com.au🎧 Other Episode with Kylie Smart:S1 E43 PMS and ADHD S1 E48 Supplements and ADHDJOIN 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

‘Don’t label her,’ they said. Now she cries herself to sleep, wondering why she’s too much. 💔That’s what happens when kids grow up different but unsupported. The world never calls it ADHD — it calls it bossy, weird, difficult. And children believe it.In this Quick Reset, Jane McFadden unpacks the real cost of avoiding diagnosis. Parents often fear labels, but silence does more harm. Kids who don’t get language and support end up creating their own labels: dumb, lazy, unloveable.💬 In This Episode:Why silence teaches children they’re the problemHow kids self-label when their struggles go unseenThe hidden pain of quiet, internalising ADHD kidsWhy early diagnosis isn’t limiting — it’s liberatingHow support changes outcomes for neurodivergent kids and families💭 This episode is for you if: – You’ve been told ‘don’t label your child’ – You worry a diagnosis will box them in – You’re raising a quiet ADHD or autistic child who ‘never causes trouble’References and Related Resources:ADHD Mums Facebook Group – Join here Research on Identity Formation– Studies highlight how early diagnosis supports stronger self-identity in neurodivergent childrenKristin Neff’s Research on Self-Compassion – Self-Compassion resourcesResearch on Early Identification of ADHD – Evidence shows early identification improves long-term mental health and resilienceRelated Episodes:S2E54 How to Talk to Your Child About ADHD – practical language and scripts for conversationsJOIN 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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.Topics covered: ADHD diagnosis stigma, internalising ADHD kids, ADHD self-esteem, ADHD parenting support, quiet ADHD, early intervention

You keep the house running. You hold the emotions. You never say no. And still, part of you wonders if you’re doing enough.This solo episode isn’t just about perfectionism or people pleasing — it’s about the deeper pattern so many ADHD mums live inside without realising it: good girl conditioning. Jane peels back the layers of expectation, guilt, trauma, and survival-mode coping that lead neurodivergent women to break down quietly behind closed doors.From childhood masking to motherhood martyrdom, this one hits deep — and offers five strategies to start peeling off the pressure without losing yourself in the process.💡 What We Cover:What ‘good girl conditioning’ actually is (it’s not just a personality quirk)Why ADHD + perfectionism = emotional burnout on steroidsThe five signs you’ve internalised good girl roles — and how they sabotage you dailyWhy neurodivergent women are more vulnerable to this dynamic (even if they’re high achieving)The invisible ways this shows up in parenting, partnership, and school settingsThe conditioning phrases we grew up hearing — and how they shaped our self-worthHow to start unlearning without upending your whole life (yet)Five daily strategies to gently shift from martyrdom to self-worth (without adding more to your to-do list)🔗 Resources & Links:🧠 Research cited:Sanders & Munford (2008) – ‘Good Girl Identity as a Social Strategy’🧰 Tools & kits mentioned:Mental Load Reset Kit ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook✍️ Submit feedback, questions or stories via the listener jotform: https://form.jotform.com/251238118486864🎧 Listen NowIf your nervous system feels like it’s fraying — but you can’t stop making lists, saying yes, or “just getting on with it” — this episode is for you. Listen in, let it crack something open, and start building a life that includes you in the equation.📲 Hit play. Send to a friend. Save it for the next moment you wonder if it’s just you (it’s not).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 [email protected] RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.Topics Covered In This Episode:ADHD and perfectionism, people pleasing ADHD mums, masking in girls, emotional labour of motherhood, internalised ableism ADHD, ADHD and good girl syndrome, rejection sensitivity and burnout, parenting while neurodivergent, perfectionism trauma response, motherhood martyrdom, ADHD mum fatigue, boundaries and ADHD, late-diagnosed ADHD women, masking exhaustion, Sanders and Munford 2008 study, neurodivergent self-worth, ADHD social conditioning, ADHD mums mental health, ADHD emotional suppression, ADHD values planner

You can’t ‘train’ a brain to enjoy being flooded with noise, light, smells, and chaos. You can only push it until it shuts down — or shuts you out. Yet families are told every day that ‘exposure therapy’ will fix sensory overwhelm. In this episode, we talk about why that’s not just wrong — it’s dangerous. You’ll learn: How to tell the difference between fear-based and processing-based struggles. Why getting the label right matters for getting the support right. The long-term impact on trust and resilience when supports are mismatched. What meltdowns in public spaces really mean (hint: it’s not bad behaviour). Practical ways to adapt environments so kids can thrive without being pushed past breaking point. If you’ve ever dragged your child through a noisy, bright, overwhelming place and watched them unravel, this episode will make you feel seen — and give you the language to advocate for real change. 💛 Listen now: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: Website: adhdmums.com.au References & Related Resources Amanda Moses Psychology – Upcoming Event: Understanding Masked Autism Amanda Moses on Instagram: @amandamosespsychology Related ADHD Mums Episodes: S2E82 ADHD or PTSD? Why So Many Women Are Misdiagnosed (with Amanda Moses) – one of the most downloaded episodes referenced in this discussion S2E20 The Worst Assessment Process Ever (with Dina Robertson) – story of a 10-year fight for a diagnosis ADHD Mums Free Resource: ADHD & Autism Assessment Tool – check under the Free Resources section 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 [email protected]. MORE RESOURCES: Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here. Topics Covered sensory overwhelm autism ADHD and sensory processing exposure therapy for autistic child fear-based vs processing-based anxiety sensory overload in children autism and public meltdowns trauma from exposure therapy supporting sensory sensitive kidsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes parenting feels like being pecked to death by tiny, unstable chickens. We love our kids fiercely — but that doesn’t mean we have to love every single moment of raising them. In this unfiltered Quick Reset, Jane says the thing so many ADHD mums are scared to admit out loud: I don’t always like being a parent. And no — that doesn’t make you a bad mum. It makes you human. From the endless to-do lists and medical appointments to the sensory overload and invisible labour, parenting as a neurodivergent mum is a full-body, full-time emotional marathon. And when you’re doing it without enough support, it’s no wonder your nervous system is running in the red. Jane breaks down the science of parental burnout, the myths that make mums feel guilty for struggling, and the quiet ways we can reclaim honesty, capacity, and space — without toxic positivity or pretending everything’s fine. 💬 In this episode, we cover: Why it’s normal to feel touched-out, overstimulated, and over it The clinical research on parental burnout — especially for ADHD mums How gratitude and burnout can coexist (and why ‘but you chose this’ is unhelpful) Scripts for asking for space — with or without telling the truth Why emotional honesty helps our kids more than pretending to be happy 💭 This episode is for you if: – You’ve ever thought, I can’t do this for one more second — and then kept going anyway– You’re tired of feeling guilty for not loving every moment of motherhood– You want permission to name the hard stuff without fear of judgment 📥 Add your own anonymous confession: 👉 https://form.jotform.com/251238072679867 🔗  References Parental Burnout (2021 Study)  - A clinical study found that 12.9% of parents met clinical levels of parental burnout, with symptoms most common in mothers—especially those with perfectionism, neurodivergence, or low social support. Regret in Parenthood (2015 Study, British Parents) - Research revealed that 8% of British parents regret having children, highlighting how unprepared many were for the realities of parenting. Torn in Two: The Experience of Maternal Ambivalence by Rozsika Parker - This book explores how it is completely normal to love your child while disliking aspects of motherhood, offering a compassionate look at maternal ambivalence. Unequal Care Work (2022 Study on Heterosexual Households) - A recent study showed that women in heterosexual households do 2.5x more unpaid care work than men, often paired with feelings of guilt for not fully enjoying it. 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 [email protected]. MORE RESOURCES: Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here. Topics covered in this episode: ADHD mums, parental burnout, parenting shame, invisible load, executive dysfunction, emotional honesty, sensory overwhelm, overstimulation, parental regret, perfectionism, trauma triggers, motherhood myths, parenting capacity, neurodivergent parenting, chronic stress, guilt cycles, self-compassion, scripts for space, toxic positivity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your child comes home from school withdrawn, teary, or exploding in rage — and you’re expected to stay calm. Every cell in your body wants to burn the system down, but the school says ‘We’re handling it’. You can see your child’s spark dimming, and you’re being told to keep your emotions in check so you’re not labelled ‘the emotional mum’. Psychologist Mona Delahooke reminds us that children’s behaviour is a direct reflection of their nervous system regulation. If your child shuts down, lashes out, avoids, cries, or seems ‘off’, it’s often their nervous system saying: I’m not safe. And safety isn’t about compliance — a child can ‘behave’ all day and still be in distress. Dr Gabor Maté talks about how children’s experiences can activate a parent’s own unresolved trauma — especially for mothers. If you grew up feeling unprotected or disbelieved, protecting your child may feel like your number one mission. But when you’re operating from that deep trigger, the intensity can sometimes lead to mistakes — not because you’re wrong to protect them, but because the system forces you to fight while dysregulated yourself. This episode is for every parent sitting in that impossible gap between fury and strategy. Jane unpacks the nervous system science, the emotional triggers, and the practical advocacy steps that actually protect your child — without burning yourself out in the process. You’ll learn: How to recognise when your child’s behaviour is a nervous system ‘distress signal’ Why staying calm isn’t about ignoring your emotions — it’s about using them effectively What to do before approaching the school, so you’re heard instead of dismissed How to document incidents and escalate without losing trust or credibility The fine line between resilience-building and retraumatising Scripts and safety plans that support both you and your child Because protecting your child and staying grounded aren’t opposites — they’re both part of getting results that last. 🔗 ADHD Mums Resource The 4 F's FREE Resource & the Bullying Response Kit – A step-by-step guide to navigating school bullying, with scripts, documentation templates, and emotional regulation tools for both you and your child. Get the Kit here Making School Work - Your go-to advocacy guide for when your neurodivergent child isn’t coping — and the school says they’re fine. Packed with scripts, templates, and clarity for IEPs, school refusal, and shutdowns, it helps you hold your ground in the rooms that matter. Get it here A Kit for Making the Mental Load Visible - This kit gives you practical, ADHD-friendly ways to offload invisible tasks and delegate in a way that actually sticks – without micromanaging, nagging, or having it boomerang straight back onto you. Get the Kit here 🎧 Related Episodes Raising Strong Children: How to Support Without Always Solving Their Problems – Emma Rose Spotify: Listen here Apple Podcasts: Listen here QUICK RESET: Advocating for Your Child Shouldn’t Break You — But It Often Does  Spotify: Listen here   Apple Podcasts: Listen here SCHOOL SERIES: When School Stops Feeling Safe Spotify: Listen here   Apple Podcasts: Listen here 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 [email protected]. MORE RESOURCES: Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here. Topics Covered in This Episode bullying prevention, ADHD parenting, school advocacy, nervous system regulation, fight-flight-freeze-fawn, co-regulation, trauma triggers, Dr Mona Delahooke, Dr Gabor Maté, documenting incidents, resilience vs trauma, protecting trust with teens, emotional safety in schools, trauma-informed parenting, parent nervous system repairSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If school mornings in your house feel like a high-stakes obstacle course — socks missing, bags unpacked, emotions running high — this episode will feel like a deep breath you didn’t know you needed. Jane is joined by Sharon Collon from The Functional Family to talk about how to survive those brutal pre-school hours without burning every ounce of patience you have before 9am. This isn’t about colour-coded charts or impossible routines — it’s about understanding ADHD brains, setting realistic expectations, and making mornings less about conflict and more about connection. Sharon shares her game-changing tips for managing transitions, reducing overwhelm, and creating a morning rhythm that actually works for neurodivergent kids (and parents). Expect real-life stories, scripts you can try tomorrow, and the relief of knowing you’re not the only family wrestling with mismatched socks at the worst possible time. In This Episode Why “just get ready” doesn’t work for ADHD kids — and what to say instead How to identify and remove the hidden triggers that derail mornings The one small change that can stop meltdowns before they start Why your own regulation matters more than your schedule How to use connection as a tool (without adding to your mental load) Rethinking reward charts, punishments, and morning “discipline” This Episode Is For You If – You dread the school run before you’ve even opened your eyes– Your mornings are a mix of tears, yelling, and frantic searches for missing shoes– You want calmer starts without sacrificing your sanity About Sharon Collon Sharon is the founder of The Functional Family, helping families with ADHD create systems that work in the real world.🌐 Website: thefunctionalfamily.com  📸 Instagram: @thefunctionalfamily Related Episodes S1 E34: Being Neurotypical in a Relationship with an ADHD Person 🎧 Spotify | Apple Podcasts S1 E42: ADHD and Parenting 🎧 Spotify | Apple Podcasts 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 [email protected]. MORE RESOURCES: Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ADHD school mornings, parenting burnout, neurodivergent routines, emotional regulation, school run stress, ADHD parenting tips, transitions for ADHD kids, low-demand mornings, connection before compliance, realistic family systems, executive function support, parenting scripts, reducing morning meltdowns, ADHD-friendly routines, self-regulation strategies, school preparation tips, functional family systems, neuroaffirming parenting, behaviour without punishment, practical ADHD strategies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve already heard MY UPDATE: What Happens When You Lose the Meds That Helped You Survive, you know Part 1 ended on the decision to have lipedema surgery after years of chronic pain, medical dismissal, and the sudden loss of ADHD medication. This is what happened next. In this follow-up episode, Jane takes you behind the curtain of the surgery itself — the reality of navigating a system that still sidelines women’s pain, the complications that no one warns you about, and the rare heart condition that made recovery far more complex than expected. From confronting family history to managing without ADHD meds during the most physically demanding season of her life, Jane shares the messy truth of advocating for your health when the system isn’t built for you. It’s raw, unfiltered, and painfully familiar for anyone who’s ever been left to fight for care they shouldn’t have to beg for. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: What surgery for lipedema is actually like — and what recovery demands of your body The rare heart finding that changed everything mid-recovery The emotional toll of being unsupported in hospital The overlap between lipedema, neurodivergence, and chronic illness How losing ADHD medication in the middle of recovery amplified every challenge Why women’s health advocacy has to start with telling the full, unvarnished story 💭 This episode is for you if: – You listened to Part 1 and want to know the full story– You’ve experienced surgery or medical treatment without adequate support– You’re living with invisible illness and fighting to be believed– You’ve faced the grief of losing tools that helped you function Listen to Part 1: What Happens When You Lose the Meds That Helped You Survive Check out IG posts here. 📚 Resources & References Related Episodes: Connection Between ADHD, EDS and POTS Listen here on Spotify Listen here on Apple Lipedema surgery information ADHD Mums blog post  — Photos, personal journey, and practical tips for navigating the lipedema surgery system. Check your symptoms – Lipedema Foundation — Clear, accessible checklist to help identify potential signs of lipedema and start informed conversations with health providers. 💓 SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia) Heart Foundation – Heart Arrhythmia & SVT — Evidence-based info on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for heart rhythm conditions including SVT. 🦓 Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)  Ehlers-Danlos Society Australia — Advocacy, support, and medical resources for people with EDS. Episode 41: ADHD + EDS and POTS – Spotify | Apple Podcast — How these conditions overlap, with expert and lived-experience insight. Episode 62: Burnout, Pain & Weird Symptoms? The ADHD Link No One Told Us About – Spotify | Apple Podcast — The hidden ADHD links to chronic pain, fatigue, and “mystery” symptoms. 🧬 RYR2 rare heart gene MedlinePlus – RYR2 Gene Information — Plain-language explanation of this rare genetic variant linked to heart rhythm issues. 💬 Community  ADHD Mums Facebook Group — A safe, neuro-affirming space to connect with other ADHD mums, share resources, and get support. 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 [email protected]. MORE RESOURCES: Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here. 🧠 TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: lipedema surgery, invisible illness, women’s health gaslighting, rare heart conditions, SVT, RYR2 gene, ADHD medication access, stimulant withdrawal, chronic illness grief, hypermobility, ARFID, anorexia history, medical trauma, neurodivergent women’s health, hospital recovery, emotional regulation, executive dysfunction, parenting with chronic illness, survival mode, neuroaffirming support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This isn’t just about medication. It’s about the pattern so many ADHD mums find themselves in — chasing answers, finding partial relief, and then hitting a wall you never saw coming. In this raw, unfiltered episode, Jane shares the deeply personal story of what happened when her body could no longer tolerate ADHD medication — and how a lifetime of overlapping diagnoses, chronic conditions, and medical gaslighting shaped the road to that moment. From discovering she had lipedema after years of pain, to navigating a brutal and underfunded surgery system, this is an honest account of resilience, privilege, and the fight to be taken seriously in a medical landscape that often dismisses women’s health. It’s about grief for the tools you lose, hope for the ones you gain, and the messy truth of managing ADHD when your options suddenly shrink. 💬 In this episode, we cover: The moment ADHD meds stopped being an option — and what came next The hidden connection between neurodivergence and lipedema What lipedema actually is (and why it’s so often misdiagnosed) The physical and emotional toll of chronic pain What it’s like to navigate an inaccessible surgery system in Australia Why women’s pain is still minimised, dismissed, and underfunded The real cost — financial, physical, emotional — of managing an “invisible” disability What needs to change so ADHD mums aren’t left without safe, effective support 💭 This episode is for you if: – You’ve ever had to choose between functioning and your health– You’ve been dismissed or told to “just lose weight” when something was wrong– You want to understand the overlap between ADHD, autism, chronic pain, and women’s health neglect– You’re tired of hearing “we can’t help you” from the systems meant to support you Check out IG posts here. Listen to Part 2: The Lipedema Op: The Invisible Illness You Weren’t Supposed to Notice 📚 Resources & References Related Episodes: Connection Between ADHD, EDS and POTS Listen here on Spotify Listen here on Apple Lipedema surgery information ADHD Mums blog post  — Photos, personal journey, and practical tips for navigating the lipedema surgery system. Check your symptoms – Lipedema Foundation — Clear, accessible checklist to help identify potential signs of lipedema and start informed conversations with health providers. 💓 SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia) Heart Foundation – Heart Arrhythmia & SVT — Evidence-based info on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for heart rhythm conditions including SVT. 🦓 Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)  Ehlers-Danlos Society Australia — Advocacy, support, and medical resources for people with EDS. Episode 41: ADHD + EDS and POTS – Spotify | Apple Podcast — How these conditions overlap, with expert and lived-experience insight. Episode 62: Burnout, Pain & Weird Symptoms? The ADHD Link No One Told Us About – Spotify | Apple Podcast — The hidden ADHD links to chronic pain, fatigue, and “mystery” symptoms. 🧬 RYR2 rare heart gene MedlinePlus – RYR2 Gene Information — Plain-language explanation of this rare genetic variant linked to heart rhythm issues. 💬 Community  ADHD Mums Facebook Group — A safe, neuro-affirming space to connect with other ADHD mums, share resources, and get support. 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 [email protected]. MORE RESOURCES: Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here. 🧠 TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: ADHD medication side effects, ADHD mums, stimulant intolerance, lipedema, neurodivergence and chronic illness, women’s health funding, medical gaslighting, ADHD alternatives, chronic pain management, surgery access Australia, disability advocacy, invisible disability, health privilege, neuroaffirming care, ADHD burnout, emotional resilience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Special Guest: NSW Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson 💬 “It shouldn’t cost thousands of dollars and 12 months on a waitlist just to feel like a functioning parent.” For years, ADHD families have been begging for change — and this time, someone in government actually listened. In this landmark conversation, Jane is joined by NSW Minister Rose Jackson to talk about what’s finally shifting in ADHD healthcare access — and why it matters for every overwhelmed family, not just those in Sydney. They cover everything from GP prescribing reforms to the national medication shortage, and what’s really happening behind the scenes on the ADHD policy agenda. This isn’t just a political update — it’s the emotional and systemic reality check that neurodivergent families deserve. 🔥 WHAT’S INSIDE THIS EPISODE 🧠 Diagnosis Access is Changing Why NSW is opening up ADHD diagnosis + prescribing to GPs (finally) — and what that means for you. 💊 The ADHD Medication Crisis Where things stand with the stimulant shortage, and what states are (and aren’t) doing about it. 📍 Rural + Regional Families How these reforms are finally recognising the postcode penalty for ADHD care. 📉 Breaking the Specialist Bottleneck Why removing repeat script requirements from psychiatrists could free up the whole system. 🧾 The Cost of Getting Help The quiet injustice of being forced to ‘start from scratch’ (and pay for it) every time you change providers. 🏫 Support in Schools Why we can’t keep waiting for kids to ‘fail badly enough’ before they get help — and what’s changing in NSW classrooms. 💭 FOR YOU IF:– You’ve been stuck on a 12-month waitlist and wondering if anyone in power actually understands– You’ve had to choose between groceries and an ADHD consult– You want policy change that’s built on lived experience — not more red tape 📢 WE NEED YOUR VOICE Jane and Rose talk openly about how real change doesn’t start in Parliament — it starts in platforms like this. If this episode fired you up, share it with someone who needs to know they’re not alone in the fight for accessible ADHD care. 📢 Advocacy + Petitions • 🏫 Schools in Crisis Petition – Sign here • ⚖️ NDIS Cuts Petition – Sign here 👊 Because families shouldn’t have to burn out just to access basic care. 🧰 RELATED RESOURCES ADHD Medication Advocacy Guide ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook Find an ADHD-affirming paediatrician or psychiatrist TGA Medication Shortage Portal Blog Version 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 [email protected]. MORE RESOURCES: Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.   🧠 TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: ADHD medication access, stimulant shortage Australia, ADHD mums, GP prescribing reforms, ADHD diagnosis barriers, rural healthcare inequality, mental health policy, Rose Jackson, neurodivergent families, ADHD advocacy, government reform, school support for ADHD, medication equity, ADHD specialist bottleneck, parenting burnout, invisible disability, ADHD and cost of living, PBS restrictions, TGA stimulant updates, accessible diagnosis, ADHD health crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode isn’t polished. It’s not another “mum guilt” talk with a tidy little bow. It’s a confession — 10 brutally honest fears that live under the surface of parenting with ADHD. The kind you lie awake thinking about. The kind you’re scared to say out loud. From burnout to school calls, masking to medical forms — this Quick Reset is for the mums who are terrified of missing something important. Who love their kids fiercely, but carry a quiet dread that they’re not doing enough. Jane gets real about what it feels like to parent while managing executive dysfunction, health issues, shame spirals, and a system that was never built for us. This isn’t weakness. It’s truth. And you’re not the only one thinking it. 🧠 What’s Inside:• The panic of forgetting library day… again• School calls that make your stomach drop• The invisible mental load of paperwork, NDIS, permission slips, admin• Fears you’ll burn out — and not bounce back this time• Wondering if teachers think you’re the problem• The heartbreak of feeling like chaos will outshine your love• Masking with friends and fearing rejection if you're fully yourself• Medical neglect, chronic fatigue, and fearing you're running out of time 💬 This isn’t just a list. It’s a reckoning.Each fear is unpacked through the lens of ADHD neurology, emotional time travel, rejection sensitivity, and the legacy of being told to ‘just try harder’. Jane also tackles four common myths ADHD mums are told — and gives you the actual research to push back. 💥 This episode is for you if:– You live with a constant, low-level fear of forgetting something vital– You feel like your brain is fighting a system built against you– You want to know that someone else gets it — fully, honestly, no fluff 📥 Share your own:This episode is part of the CONFESSIONS series. If you’d like to add your own anonymous confession (or be featured in a future episode), submit it here:👉 https://form.jotform.com/251238072679867 📚 Mentioned in this episode:• ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook — a practical, non-performative way to anchor your week when everything feels like a blur. https://adhdmums.com.au/product/adhd-planner-and-values/ 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 [email protected]. MORE RESOURCES: Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:ADHD mums, parenting fear, school anxiety, rejection sensitivity, executive dysfunction, school trauma, mental load, invisible labour, masking, burnout, internalised shame, school admin stress, permission slip guilt, hypervigilance, chronic fatigue, parenting overwhelm, ADHD parenting truths, self-worth, vulnerability, real motherhood, emotional honesty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever jolted awake at 3:11am spiralling over something you said in 2019 — you are not alone. This Quick Reset is for the mums lying in bed, exhausted but wired, wondering if their brain is broken. (Spoiler: it’s not.) In this raw and validating episode, Jane unpacks the real reasons so many neurodivergent women are waking up in the middle of the night. It’s not just anxiety. It’s hormones, cortisol spikes, perimenopause, trauma, overstimulation — and nervous systems that have been stuck in survival mode for years. This episode gives you permission to stop blaming yourself for ‘bad sleep’ and start exploring what your body might actually be trying to say. ✨ IN THIS RESET:• Why you might wake up at the exact same time every night• What progesterone and GABA have to do with your 3am brain spiral• Cortisol spikes, perimenopause, and stress-pattern sleep• Why lying in bed makes it worse — and what to do instead• The ‘entree thought’ that leads to a full-blown shame tornado• Real stories, lived experience, and no-pressure ideas to try• What actually helped Jane stop dreading the night 💭 This episode is for you if:– You wake up at 3am and feel like your brain is on fire– You spiral through every mistake you’ve ever made — and then still have to parent all day– You’ve tried all the sleep hygiene hacks and nothing works 📥 Grab free ADHD resources at: https://adhdmums.com.au/resources/  📖 Read Blog Version HERE. Other Quick Reset Episodes: S3E8 Advocating for Your Child Shouldn’t Break You — But It Often Does: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E10 Why am I bracing for impact when nothing is wrong?: Spotify  | Apple Podcast S3E12 I can’t stop snapping when my child does this one thing: Spotify | Apple Podcast  S3E14 I Cancel Plans Because I Don’t Have the Energy to Fake My Personality: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E15 He wants the Maldives but we can't even manage the park: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E16 No meds, No plan, and no help..... but yet they're still calling us undiagnosed: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E17 How we survive the 3- 6:00 PM shit show when kids are coming down off meds: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E18 Why you are bad at asking for help and what to do instead: Spotify | Apple Podcast S2E22 Why self-care feels like another fucking task: Spotify | Apple Podcast S2E24 The ADHD Myth of 'Just try Harder': Spotify | Apple Podcast 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 [email protected]. MORE RESOURCES: Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:3am wakeups, ADHD insomnia, perimenopause, neurodivergent women, cortisol spikes, progesterone crash, GABA regulation, executive dysfunction, trauma-affected sleep, emotional overload, hormone dysregulation, ADHD parenting, internalised anxiety, rejection sensitivity, hypervigilance, shame spiral, ADHD women, sleep and trauma, chronic stress patterns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the exhaustion you're carrying isn’t about your daughter’s needs — but about the systems stacked against her? In this fiercely honest conversation, Jane sits down with Katie Koullas, founder of Yellow Ladybugs, to unpack the invisible weight neurodivergent mums carry while raising autistic and ADHD girls. From masking to missed diagnoses, perfectionism to protection — this episode doesn’t shy away from the real stuff. It validates the hell out of the lived experience of raising girls who internalise everything and explode only when no one’s watching. Katie shares her experience as a mum, advocate, and changemaker, giving voice to the deep guilt, relentless fear, and raw love that shape this reality — and what she’s learned about lightening the emotional load without selling your soul in the process. 💡 What We Cover: • Why the emotional load isn’t about your daughter — it’s about the world she’s navigating• The heartbreak of watching your daughter mask to survive• The reality of invisible struggles in schools, friendships, and diagnosis• How society gaslights and minimises internalising neurodivergent girls• How mums can reframe guilt, lean into radical acceptance, and still model strength• What burnout looks like when you're carrying it all — and how to catch it before it knocks you out• How we actually start changing the systems (hint: stop waiting for the neurotypicals)• What Katie wishes every mum raising a neurodivergent daughter had access to 🔗 Resources & Links: Learn more about Yellow Ladybugs and register for the June conference: yellowladybugs.com.au Follow Katie and Yellow Ladybugs on Instagram  Related episodes: When School Becomes the Trauma (S3E2) | Spotify | Apple Podcast Burnout Starts in the Classroom (S3E3) | Spotify | Apple Podcast RSD & Emotional Intensity (S2 Ep 81) | Spotify | Apple Podcast 🎧 Listen Now: If you’ve ever felt like you’re parenting in secret, constantly translating your daughter’s needs to people who just don’t get it — this is the episode you didn’t know you needed. Tune in, share it with another mum carrying too much, and remind yourself you’re not failing — you’re unsupported. 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 [email protected]. MORE RESOURCES: Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: ADHD masking, autistic girls, neurodivergent parenting, emotional burnout, ADHD and guilt, internalisers, invisible needs in school, Yellow Ladybugs, neuroaffirming support, autism diagnosis, teenage girls and shutdowns, parent burnout, sensory overload, radical acceptance parenting, co-regulation exhaustion, ADHD shame, internalised ableism, school system failure, masking and meltdown, ADHD mum support, ADHD podcast Australia, Katie Koullas, neurodivergent self-advocacy, changing the system as a mum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever stood frozen in the kitchen, fully aware of what needs doing — and still couldn’t start — this episode is for you. This week’s Quick Reset tears apart the toxic myth that ADHD mums just need to “try harder.” Jane unpacks what’s actually happening when your brain stalls, and why shame, not laziness, is often the real culprit. From inner critics echoing old failures to the neuroscience behind executive dysfunction, this is a raw, validating, and darkly funny call to stop blaming effort — and start working with your brain instead. You’ll learn practical, low-pressure strategies to get started (no, not with a new app), and finally understand why “just do it” advice doesn’t just fail ADHD mums — it hurts us. ✨ IN THIS RESET: The damaging myth of laziness and willpower How shame shuts down executive function Why ADHD is not about motivation — it’s about regulation What to say to yourself instead of “I just need to focus” Brain-based strategies for task initiation that actually help Real talk about fridge purchases, hyperfocus, and starting vs finishing Why “trying harder” never fixed burnout — and never will 💭 This episode is for you if:– You keep thinking, “I should be able to do this” — but can’t start– You’ve got planners, lists, and alarms… and still feel stuck– You want to stop spiralling into shame and start using strategies that work for your brain 🔗 Sources & Citations: Brown, T. E. (2006). Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults. Yale University Press. Barkley, R. A., Murphy, K. R., & Fischer, M. (2006). The ADHD Report, 14(6), 6–11. Volkow, N. D., Wang, G.-J., Kollins, S. H., Wigal, T. L., Newcorn, J. H., Telang, F., ... & Swanson, J. M. (2011). “Motivation deficit in ADHD is associated with dysfunction of the dopamine reward pathway.” Molecular Psychiatry, 16(11), 1147–1154. Sonuga-Barke, E. J. S. (2005). “Causal models of ADHD: From common simple deficits to multiple developmental pathways.” Biological Psychiatry, 57(11), 1231–1238. 📚 Mentioned Resource: ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook — Designed to help you rebuild capacity, re-centre your day, and stop measuring your worth by productivity. Explore more ADHD-friendly resources: https://adhdmums.com.au/resources/ Other Quick Reset Episodes: S3E8 Advocating for Your Child Shouldn’t Break You — But It Often Does: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E10 Why am I bracing for impact when nothing is wrong?: Spotify  | Apple Podcast S3E12 I can’t stop snapping when my child does this one thing: Spotify | Apple Podcast  S3E14 I Cancel Plans Because I Don’t Have the Energy to Fake My Personality: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E15 He wants the Maldives but we can't even manage the park: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E16 No meds, No plan, and no help..... but yet they're still calling us undiagnosed: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E17 How we survive the 3- 6:00 PM shit show when kids are coming down off meds: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E18 Why you are bad at asking for help and what to do instead: Spotify | Apple Podcast S2E22 Why self-care feels like another fucking task: Spotify | Apple Podcast 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 [email protected]. MORE RESOURCES: Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here. TOPICS COVERED:ADHD executive dysfunction, task initiation, parenting with ADHD, emotional regulation, ADHD shame spiral, performance parenting, burnout, trauma-informed self-support, neuroaffirming strategies, inner critic, motivation myths, hyperfocus, late diagnosis, ADHD overwhelm, doing things differently, permission to rest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With special guest: Jayde Couldewell from Beyond the Bump If you thought finally getting a diagnosis and trying meds would be the end of your chaos — but you’re still overwhelmed, melting down, or yelling into the void — this one’s for you. In this raw, funny, and emotionally honest episode, Jane is joined by Jayde Couldewell to talk about what really happens after diagnosis. Spoiler: the meds help, but they’re not the whole story. Together, they unpack what comes next — from executive function and exercise, to morning meltdowns and postnatal rage, to finally being able to hear your own thoughts. Jayde shares the real-life before-and-after: what it took to make consistent change after starting meds, why boundaries mattered more than bubble baths, and how she learned to parent herself while parenting three kids. ✨ IN THIS RESET: Why ADHD meds are a powerful tool — but not a magic fix The grief and clarity that comes with late diagnosis How self-understanding created space for real change Building habits with ADHD (without making it a full-time job) Why it’s normal to need more than just one script The difference between the ‘old you’ and your real self underneath the chaos How to start small — and stay kind to yourself when it feels hard 💭 This episode is for you if: – You’re newly diagnosed and wondering what now?– You’re still waiting for the mythical “life-changing moment” after meds– You want to see how someone made it work — without toxic positivity or 5am bootcamps Follow Beyond the Bump Podcast on IG. 📥 Related Resources: • Free ADHD Medication Advocacy Guide • TGA Medication Shortage Portal 🎧 Related Episodes: S2E38 How ADHD medication revealed my Autistic traits | Spotify | Apple Podcast S2E39 Misdiagnosis in ADHD and Bipolar Disorder with Georgia Poletti-Moulds | Spotify | Apple Podcast S2E61 Unhealthy Habits & ADHD: Why We Get Stuck & How to Shift | Spotify | Apple Podcast S2E82 ADHD or PTSD? Why So Many Women Are Misdiagnosed with Amanda Moses | Spotify | Apple Podcast Beyond the Bump Episode 208: ADHD - is it mum overwhelm or could it be something more? Talking ADHD in women | Spotify | Apple Podcast 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 [email protected]. MORE RESOURCES: Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: ADHD diagnosis, stimulant medication, late-diagnosed women, executive dysfunction, self-care with ADHD, postnatal rage, parenting burnout, creating new routines, morning overwhelm, neurodivergent mums, co-regulation, antidepressants, sensory processing, shame recovery, trauma-informed support, adult ADHD, performance burnout, self-trust, ADHD and exercise, nervous system healing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If someone tells you to take a bubble bath one more time, you might scream. This Quick Reset is a no-filter, nervous-system-level rant for every ADHD mum who’s been told that a massage will fix her burnout. Jane unpacks why the whole self-care industry is fundamentally mismatched to neurodivergent mums — and how pretending we feel better after one ‘treat’ just leads to more shame, not recovery. From sensory overload and executive dysfunction to the rage of being handed a “Mother’s Day spa voucher” after 364 days of unpaid emotional labour, this episode calls out the delusion of performance rest — and offers honest alternatives that might actually increase your capacity to survive. ✨ IN THIS RESET: Why typical self-care advice feels like a slap in the face How ADHD brains struggle to “relax on command” The truth behind fake rest, survival mode, and executive dysfunction What to do when even the bath feels too hard How to find five-minute moments that actually help (without a full routine) A very real story about walking 50 metres to put the bins out — slowly 💭 This episode is for you if:– You’re drowning in responsibility and someone suggests yoga– You’ve tried rest but felt more resentful than rested– You want to stop surviving a system that breaks you, blames you, and offers a bubble bath as compensation References 📚Brown, T. E. (2013). A New Understanding of ADHD in Children and Adults: Executive Function Impairments. Routledge. 📚 *Price, D. (2021). Laziness Does Not Exist. Atria Books. 📚 Barkley, R. A. (2012). Executive Functions: What They Are, How They Work, and Why They Evolved. Guilford Press. Other Quick Reset Episodes: S3E8 Advocating for Your Child Shouldn’t Break You — But It Often Does: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E10 Why am I bracing for impact when nothing is wrong?: Spotify  | Apple Podcast S3E12 I can’t stop snapping when my child does this one thing: Spotify | Apple Podcast  S3E14 I Cancel Plans Because I Don’t Have the Energy to Fake My Personality: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E15 He wants the Maldives but we can't even manage the park: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E16 No meds, No plan, and no help..... but yet they're still calling us undiagnosed: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E17 How we survive the 3- 6:00 PM shit show when kids are coming down off meds: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E18 Why you are bad at asking for help and what to do instead: Spotify | Apple Podcast 🔁 SHARE THIS RESET:If this one hit hard, send it to a mum friend who’s also stuck in survival mode. Let her know: she’s not broken, she’s bracing. Read the blog version of this episode: https://adhdmums.com.au/quick-reset-why-self-care-feels-like-another-fcking-task/  TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: ADHD mums, performance parenting, fake rest, executive dysfunction, parenting burnout, self-care shame, chronic dysregulation, ADHD and motherhood, cortisol overload, trauma-informed parenting, invisible load, overfunctioning, resentment cycle, Mother's Day rage, self-care myths, rest as survival, emotional labour, ADHD sensory processing, real recovery, neurodivergent rest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever walked out of a school meeting wondering how it could all feel so wrong — this episode is for you. In the powerful final instalment of the ADHD Mums School Series, Jane is joined by neurodivergent educator Millie Carr to reimagine what school could be — if we stopped prioritising performance over people. Together, they unpack how traditional education models are burning out not only our kids, but also the parents, teachers, and professionals trying to hold it all together. From sensory trauma to compliance-driven behaviour plans, this episode explores the uncomfortable truth: our current system isn’t broken — it was built this way. But that doesn’t mean we can’t shift it. You’ll hear stories, systems critique, and practical frameworks for creating school environments that don’t just tolerate neurodivergence — but truly honour it. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: Why behaviour plans and positive reinforcement often fail neurodivergent kids The myth of “readiness” and why regulation must come before learning Trauma-aware, neuro-affirming practice — what it actually looks like Why ‘calm’ doesn’t mean regulated, and how masking is rewarded in school What schools misunderstand about sensory needs, social withdrawal, and shutdown How parents, teachers, and allied professionals can challenge the system together The role of leadership, training, and funding in making lasting change Why fixing school is about collective regulation, not individual resilience 💭 This episode is for you if:– You’ve had to choose between education and emotional safety– You’re tired of being told “they’re fine here” when your child is unraveling at home– You want to understand how schools could work — and what has to shift for that to happen Related Episodes with Millie Carr How to Tell Your Child About Their Diagnosis: Essential Do's and Don'ts. | Spotify | Apple Podcast Camouflaging ADHD and Autistic Traits in Girls | Spotify | Apple Podcast The Neurodiverse Classroom | Spotify | Apple Podcast SCHOOL SERIES: When School Becomes the Trauma — What No One Tells ADHD Parents | Spotify | Apple Podcast SCHOOL SERIES: Burnout Starts in the Classroom — And Follows Them Home | Spotify | Apple Podcast SCHOOL SERIES: The Great Gaslighting: When Schools Say We Don’t See It | Spotify | Apple Podcast SCHOOL SERIES -IEP Meetings Are Broken — Here’s What to Say Instead | Spotify | Apple Podcast SCHOOL SERIES: When School Stops Feeling Safe | Spotify | Apple Podcast SCHOOL SERIES:  How to Choose a School That Won’t Break Your Kid (or You) | Spotify | Apple Podcast 📥 Related Resources:– The School Choice Kit: A neuro-affirming guide to help you choose a school that works for your child — not against them. Includes school tour scripts, red flag/green flag checklists, and practical planning tools.– Read the blog version of this episode HERE. 🔗 References & Resources from Millie Carr Frameworks & Programs: Berry Street Education ModelBerry Street Education Model – Learning and Resources Social Stencil (Neurodiversity-affirming social and emotional program)Social Stencil Website Mental Health Fund and Menu – VIC Department of Education(Schools can access mental health programs tailored to student needs; menu attached where available)Mental Health Menu Overview – VIC DET Universal Design for Learning (UDL) GuidelinesCAST UDL Guidelines 📚 Recommended Books: The Neurodiverse Classroom: A Teacher's Guide to Individual Learning Needs and How to Meet Themby Victoria HoneybourneAvailable on Amazon Creating Trauma-Informed, Strengths-Based Classroomsby Tom BrunzellAvailable on Booktopia Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supportedby Emily Kircher-MorrisAvailable on Booktopia The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mindby Dr Daniel J. Siegel and Dr Tina Payne BrysonAvailable on Amazon Need support navigating school chaos?Making School Work is your go-to advocacy guide for when your neurodivergent child isn’t coping — and the school says they’re fine. Packed with scripts, templates, and clarity for IEPs, school refusal, and shutdowns, it helps you hold your ground in the rooms that matter.Get it here: https://adhdmums.com.au/product/making-school-work-parent-guide/  Resources Mentioned: 🔗 To find out more about Millie Carr or purchase her books please click on her website or check out her IG 🔗 Sign our Change Petition here 🔗 Submit your experience with schooling here 🎧 Listener Questions please send here 🔗 Free Guides and Resources: https://adhdmums.com.au/resources/ Disability & Education Laws Referenced (Qld Human Rights Act, DSE 2005, UN CRPD) 👩‍⚖️ Human Rights Commission: humanrights.gov.au �

If you're a neurodivergent parent staring down the impossible decision of where to send your child to school — this episode is for you. Forget the glossy brochures and test score spreadsheets. In this raw, strategic conversation, Jane and Millie Carr walk you through the real questions to ask, the red flags to watch for, and how to trust your gut when it comes to choosing a school that won't retraumatise your kid — or you. We unpack the hidden barriers ADHD and autistic families face during school enrolment, what buzzwords to interrogate (hello “inclusive” and “resilient”), and how to decode a school’s culture beneath the surface. Because being told “we’ve got neurodivergent kids here too” isn’t the same as knowing how to support them. You’ll walk away with scripts, insight, and the confidence to stop people-pleasing your way into another educational crisis. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: Why “inclusive” doesn’t always mean safe The buzzwords that signal masking, not belonging Questions to ask on a school tour that don’t flag your child as “the hard one What to look for beyond classrooms: playgrounds, posters, and teacher training The role of trauma-informed, neuroaffirming values in everyday school lif When to walk away (even if it’s inconvenient) How to weigh up private vs public when the real issue is leadership Real-life stories of switching schools — and what finally worked 💭 This episode is for you if:– You’ve been burned by schools that promised support and delivered shame– You’re overwhelmed by the decision and scared to get it wrong– You want your child to feel safe, regulated, and seen — not just compliant 📥 Download the free School Choice Kit — includes a walk-through guide, green/red flag checklist, school tour scripts, and more:👉 https://adhdmums.com.au/product/the-school-choice-kit/ 📝 Want to go deeper? Read the blog version of this episode:👉 https://adhdmums.com.au/how-to-choose-a-school-that-wont-break-your-kid-or-you/  Need support navigating school chaos?Making School Work is your go-to advocacy guide for when your neurodivergent child isn’t coping — and the school says they’re fine. Packed with scripts, templates, and clarity for IEPs, school refusal, and shutdowns, it helps you hold your ground in the rooms that matter.Get it here: https://adhdmums.com.au/product/making-school-work-parent-guide/  Other Quick Reset Episodes: S3E8 Advocating for Your Child Shouldn’t Break You — But It Often Does: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E10 Why am I bracing for impact when nothing is wrong?: Spotify  | Apple Podcast S3E12 I can’t stop snapping when my child does this one thing: Spotify | Apple Podcast  S3E14 I Cancel Plans Because I Don’t Have the Energy to Fake My Personality: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E15 He wants the Maldives but we can't even manage the park: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E16 No meds, No plan, and no help..... but yet they're still calling us undiagnosed: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E17 How we survive the 3- 6:00 PM shit show when kids are coming down off meds: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E18 Why you are bad at asking for help and what to do instead: Spotify | Apple Podcast Resources Mentioned: 🔗 To find out more about Millie Carr or purchase her books please click on her website or check out her IG 🔗 Sign our Change Petition here 🔗 Submit your experience with schooling here 🎧 Listener Questions please send here 🔗 Free Guides and Resources: https://adhdmums.com.au/resources/ Disability & Education Laws Referenced (Qld Human Rights Act, DSE 2005, UN CRPD) 👩‍⚖️ Human Rights Commission: humanrights.gov.au 📚 References & Further Reading Disability Standards for Education 2005Read via the Department of Education – Australian Government Disability Discrimination Act 1992View the full legislation on the Federal Register 🎧 Listen Now If you’ve ever sat through a 15-minute IEP meeting where nothing changed, or wondered how much louder you have to get before someone listens—this episode is your script, your validation, and your reminder: You’re not too much. The system is too underprepared. Hit play. Forward it to your child’s support coordinator. Save it for your next meeting. 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 spe

If your child holds it together at school but falls apart at home — this episode is for you. In this raw and deeply validating conversation, Jane is joined again by educator Millie Carr to unpack what happens when school is no longer emotionally or psychologically safe for neurodivergent kids. From missed warning signs to outright shutdown, we explore how subtle distress gets overlooked — and how easily parents are made to feel like they’re overreacting. You’ll learn what to watch for, what to say to schools without getting dismissed, and how to hold your ground when your gut says something’s not right. Whether your child is masking, refusing, or silently burning out, this episode gives you tools to recognise what’s happening — and advocate without losing yourself in the process. 🧠 What We Cover in This Episode: What it looks like when school stops feeling safe for your child How stomach aches, fatigue, and ‘bad behaviour’ are often nervous system distress Why behaviour plans focused on compliance miss the point The invisible trauma of forced attendance How to approach schools without being labelled the ‘difficult parent’ Repairing a broken relationship with school staff — and when not to bother Why sitting on the floor too long can be the final straw The difference between refusing school and not coping What to do when your child can’t tell you what’s wrong — and no one at school is listening 💭 This episode is for you if:– You’ve ever sat in the car after drop-off wondering if you’re doing the right thing– You’ve been told your child is ‘fine’ at school while you’re watching them unravel at home– You want to stop walking on eggshells with the school and start backing yourself 📥 Related Resource:➡️ The School Choice Kit — A neuro-affirming guide to help you choose the right school for your child. Includes questions to ask, red flags to watch for, and planning tools to support your decision-making. Download the Kit 📖 Read the blog version of this episode: 👉 https://adhdmums.com.au/when-school-stops-being-safe/  Need support navigating school chaos?Making School Work is your go-to advocacy guide for when your neurodivergent child isn’t coping — and the school says they’re fine. Packed with scripts, templates, and clarity for IEPs, school refusal, and shutdowns, it helps you hold your ground in the rooms that matter.Get it here: https://adhdmums.com.au/product/making-school-work-parent-guide/  Other Quick Reset Episodes: S3E8 Advocating for Your Child Shouldn’t Break You — But It Often Does: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E10 Why am I bracing for impact when nothing is wrong?: Spotify  | Apple Podcast S3E12 I can’t stop snapping when my child does this one thing: Spotify | Apple Podcast  S3E14 I Cancel Plans Because I Don’t Have the Energy to Fake My Personality: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E15 He wants the Maldives but we can't even manage the park: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E16 No meds, No plan, and no help..... but yet they're still calling us undiagnosed: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E17 How we survive the 3- 6:00 PM shit show when kids are coming down off meds: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E18 Why you are bad at asking for help and what to do instead: Spotify | Apple Podcast Resources Mentioned: 🔗 To find out more about Millie Carr or purchase her books please click on her website or check out her IG 🔗 Sign our Change Petition here 🔗 Submit your experience with schooling here 🎧 Listener Questions please send here 🔗 Free Guides and Resources: https://adhdmums.com.au/resources/ Disability & Education Laws Referenced (Qld Human Rights Act, DSE 2005, UN CRPD) 👩‍⚖️ Human Rights Commission: humanrights.gov.au 📚 References & Further Reading Disability Standards for Education 2005Read via the Department of Education – Australian Government Disability Discrimination Act 1992View the full legislation on the Federal Register 🎧 Listen Now If you’ve ever sat through a 15-minute IEP meeting where nothing changed, or wondered how much louder you have to get before someone listens—this episode is your script, your validation, and your reminder: You’re not too much. The system is too underprepared. Hit play. Forward it to your child’s support coordinator. Save it for your next meeting. 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

If the words ‘let me know if you need anything’ make you panic instead of feel supported — this one’s for you. This Quick Reset is a nervous system-level sigh of relief for the mums who feel safest surviving in silence. If you’ve ever shut down instead of speaking up, snapped when someone finally offered to help, or felt like asking for support meant erasing your worth — this episode will hit home. Hard. We unpack the trauma behind “I’ve got it,” the invisible legacy of pathological self-reliance, and how masking your needs became part of your personality. But it’s not who you are — it’s what you learned. It’s time to stop waiting until burnout to be visible. This episode offers small scripts, mindset shifts, and reframes that make asking for help feel less like failure — and more like a form of love. ✨ IN THIS RESET: Why asking for help feels like failure (especially for high-functioning women) How ‘good girl conditioning’ trained you to suppress needs Why no one notices you're struggling — and why that’s not your fault The trauma loop of independence, silence, and resentment Scripts to ask for support without shame When your meltdown isn’t about dinner — it’s about years of invisible labour Rewiring your worth away from being useful Real-life strategies to pre-negotiate support (before the spiral) Giving yourself the grace to stop performing strength 💭 This episode is for you if:– You say “I’m fine” when you’re not — and no one calls your bluff– You wait for a breakdown to finally say “I need help”– You want to rest before you collapse, but don't know how to start 🔬 References  Dr. Kristin Neff, Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself (2011) – particularly chapters on caregiving and gendered expectations. Neff, K. D., & Germer, C. K. (2018). The Mindful Self‐Compassion Workbook. Guilford Press. 📚 RELATED RESOURCES: Free ADHD Medication Advocacy Guide 🔁 SHARE THIS RESET:If this one hit hard, send it to a mum friend who’s also stuck in survival mode. Let her know: she’s not broken, she’s bracing. Other Quick Reset Episodes: S3E8 Advocating for Your Child Shouldn’t Break You — But It Often Does: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E10 Why am I bracing for impact when nothing is wrong?: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E12 I can’t stop snapping when my child does this one thing: Spotify | Apple Podcast  S3E14 I Cancel Plans Because I Don’t Have the Energy to Fake My Personality: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E15 He wants the Maldives but we can't even manage the park: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E16 No meds, No plan, and no help..... but yet they're still calling us undiagnosed: Spotify | Apple Podcast S3E17 QUICK RESET: How we survive the 3- 6:00 PM shit show when kids are coming down off meds. Spotify | Apple Podcast 🧠 TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: asking for help, ADHD mums, good girl conditioning, emotional labour, burnout, pathological self-reliance, support scripts, parenting shutdown, masking, trauma-informed parenting, help refusal, co-regulation, overfunctioning, performance parenting, ADHD and motherhood, emotional suppression, boundaries, unmet needs, meltdown cycle, maternal overload, neuroaffirming support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.