Having the mental load conversation is about as fun as stepping on LEGO barefoot. You want to explain how much you're carrying, but suddenly you’re “nagging.” You try to share how exhausted you are, and now you’re “overreacting.” Meanwhile, your partner is confused, defensive, and wondering why the conversation about the car getting booked in for a service turned into an existential crisis. Yeah. This episode is for you. PLUS get your episode companion guide for $10 – packed with scripts, valida...
Mar 26, 2025•23 min•Season 2Ep. 75
⚠️ Content Warning: This post discusses child sexual abuse, grooming, and child safety. If this is a difficult topic for you, please take care while listening. But if you're a parent, I encourage you to stick with it - because avoiding it won't make it go away. Most parents assume they’ll know if their child is unsafe. But here’s the reality: neurodivergent kids are more vulnerable - not because they’re unaware, but because they see the world differently. They assume people mean what they say. T...
Mar 24, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 74
You’re juggling everything, but no one seems to notice. You’re the one keeping track of school emails, therapy appointments, meal plans, and a million invisible tasks. Your brain never stops. The mental gymnastics of managing everything is exhausting. And when something doesn’t get done? That’s the only thing anyone notices. 🔥 This is the invisible mental load. And if it feels like it’s breaking you, you’re not alone. PLUS we've put together A Kit for Making the Mental Load Visible (and Finally...
Mar 19, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 73
⚠️ Content Warning: This post discusses child sexual abuse, grooming, and child safety. If this is a difficult topic for you, please take care while listening. But if you're a parent, I encourage you to stick with it - because avoiding it won't make it go away. Most of us assume we’d see the signs. We believe we’d know if someone was grooming our child. But the truth? Grooming is subtle, calculated, and often happens right under our noses . In this crucial episode, former detective and child saf...
Mar 17, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 72
If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling every detail while everyone else just lives their life , you’re not alone. The mental load is real , and so is the frustration of carrying it all. In Part Two, we’re unpacking why so many ADHD mums stop speaking up about the mental load - even when it’s pushing us to burnout. Maybe you’ve tried before and been met with defensiveness, guilt, or the feeling that it’s just easier to do it yourself. But what if the way you bring it up could actually lead to c...
Mar 12, 2025•24 min•Season 2Ep. 71
You know that moment when your kid is in meltdown mode, you’re barely holding it together, and before you can stop yourself "Just go to your room and think about what you’ve done!" flies out of your mouth? We’ve ALL been there. But time-outs don’t actually teach emotional regulation . They teach kids that their big feelings are too much, that they have to handle them alone, or that they just need to get better at hiding their struggles. In this episode, I chat with Gen Muir , parent educator, ob...
Mar 10, 2025•55 min•Season 2Ep. 70
Ever tried to have an uninterrupted shower, only to have Fight Club break out in your house the second you close the door? Meanwhile, your partner somehow gets their coffee, their phone time, their 35 minute toilet morning routine - completely untouched ? If you’ve ever thought: Why am I the only one absorbing the chaos? Why does everyone else’s needs seem to matter more than mine? Why does it feel like I have to do everything while being “grateful” for the occasional break? 🚨 THIS EPISODE IS F...
Mar 05, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 69
One day you’re fine. The next? Brain fog, rage, exhaustion, sensory overload - like your body has a mind of its own. It’s not just stress. It’s not all in your head. Perimenopause and PMDD hit neurodivergent women harder, turning ADHD and autistic traits up to full blast. And yet? Most doctors still dismiss it. In this episode, Dr Miranda Robinson, an obstetrician & gynaecologist with a special interest in neurodiversity, breaks down what’s really happening and what can actually help, so you...
Mar 03, 2025•34 min•Season 2Ep. 68
ADHD mums know the struggle - routines sound great in theory, but in reality? They fall apart before breakfast. If you’ve spent money on colour-coded schedules only to watch them crumble in days (or hours), this episode is for you. I break down why traditional routines don’t work for ADHD families and how to build a flexible system that actually sticks. You’ll hear relatable stories, practical strategies, and a refreshingly honest take on why routines aren’t about perfection - they’re about maki...
Feb 26, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 67
If your ADHD traits feel like they’ve gotten worse - with more anxiety, brain fog, rage, and exhaustion - you might be dealing with something no one warned you about: perimenopause. For late-diagnosed ADHD mum Haylee, hitting 40 brought a wave of unexpected struggles that left her questioning everything. Doctors dismissed her. Anxiety came out of nowhere. Her executive function took a nosedive. And the rage? Next level. It wasn’t until she became her own advocate that she found answers. In this ...
Feb 24, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 66
Ever walked away from school pick-up mentally exhausted from awkward small talk, unspoken social rules, or overthinking what you said? You’re not alone. For ADHD and autistic mums, pick-up isn’t just about collecting your child - it’s a social minefield that can leave you feeling wiped out, anxious, or like you somehow “got it wrong.” But what if school pick-up didn’t have to be so exhausting? In this episode: How to stop replaying conversations in your head for hours after pick-up. A simple way...
Feb 19, 2025•22 min•Season 2Ep. 65
Thousands of families are being blindsided by the latest NDIS cuts, with children losing essential support before new systems are in place. Parents are being told their child has “achieved their goals” - only to be left scrambling for therapy they still desperately need. If you’re feeling frustrated, exhausted, or just plain angry, you’re not alone. In this episode, Nicole Rogerson joins me for a straight-talking, no-nonsense conversation about what’s happening, why it matters, and what we can d...
Feb 17, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 64
Ever feel like you're the default manager of every school-related task - lunches, library books, permission slips, and last-minute costume days? The mental load of the school year is relentless, and if you're a neurodivergent mum, it’s even harder. This episode dives into why the school-year mental load feels so overwhelming and offers practical strategies to help lighten it - without burning out. In this episode: Why the mental load is so exhausting - the invisible, never-ending tasks that pile...
Feb 12, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 63
If you’re constantly running on empty, dealing with chronic pain, weird health symptoms, or crushing fatigue - this isn’t just mum life, and it’s not all in your head. ADHD doesn’t just affect the brain; it impacts the entire body. Add the mental load of motherhood, and it’s no wonder so many ADHD mums feel like we’re barely hanging on. In this episode: Why ADHD is linked to inflammation, chronic pain, gut issues, and immune dysfunction. How the mental load of parenting neurodivergent kids can p...
Feb 10, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 62
We tell ourselves we won’t do it again - won’t reach for that glass of wine after the kids go to bed, won’t fall into an hours-long scroll hole, won’t spend another $300 on a hyperfocus obsession we’ll drop in a month. And yet… here we are. Our ADHD brains crave dopamine, and sometimes that means turning to habits that feel good in the moment but leave us stuck in a cycle. This episode isn’t about willpower or self-blame - it’s about understanding why ADHD makes these habits so sticky and what w...
Feb 04, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 61
We tell ourselves it’s just one glass - we deserve it after a long day. But somehow, that glass turns into the easiest way to switch off. And if we’re honest, we’re not sure it’s working anymore. ADHD mums aren’t drinking just for fun - we’re drinking to cope with the mental load, the overstimulation, the relentless pressure to do it all. And while a glass of wine might feel like a quick fix, it could actually be making everything harder . This isn’t about guilt or never drinking again. It’s abo...
Feb 03, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 60
Feeling like you’re carrying the weight of the world? Whether it’s the invisible scars of trauma, the daily juggle of ADHD, or the pressure to hold it all together, this episode dives into what happens when life gets overwhelming - and how to start healing. Jess shares her deeply personal journey from life in the ADF to facing PTSD, navigating ADHD, and rebuilding her life with the help of EMDR therapy. This isn’t just another survival story - it’s about breaking free from the cycle of burnout, ...
Jan 29, 2025•27 min•Season 2Ep. 59
For many ADHD mums, explaining ADHD to loved ones can feel like speaking another language. Partners and family members might try their best but don’t always grasp the full picture - or might even feel overwhelmed or unsure how to help. This episode is for both ADHD mums and their loved ones - those who want to help but feel unsure about ADHD, feeling overwhelmed by what it means, or just want to provide better support. In This Episode: Understanding ADHD: Why ADHD isn’t about effort or being dis...
Jan 27, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 58
Important Context: Some of the changes I discuss in this episode aren’t officially announced or reflected on the NDIS website. However, feedback from a large number of parents who completed my survey suggests these changes are happening as the NDIS plans are reviewed or when new applications go in. There is a huge amount of inconsistency within the NDIS with unclear definitions and varying levels of expertise from NDIS planners who make eligibility decisions. Providers are witnessing these issue...
Jan 22, 2025•32 min•Season 2Ep. 57
Whether it’s the start of a new school year or a mid-term reset, managing routines and transitions as an ADHD family can feel overwhelming. From chaotic mornings to emotional regulation challenges, this episode is packed with practical strategies to support your family anytime you're looking to create a smoother school experience. This episode is here to help you: Reflect on what’s working and what needs adjusting. Simplify morning chaos with micro-routines and visual aids. Manage sensory sensit...
Jan 20, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 56
Being diagnosed with ADHD can bring a mix of emotions - grief, relief, confusion, and a whole lot of questions. It’s a lot to process, and you’re doing the best you can. In this episode: Grief, overwhelm, and imposter syndrome. Practical strategies designed for ADHD brains. Unmasking, managing the mental load, and finding what works for you. Most importantly, you’re not failing - you’re learning how to thrive. Resources Mentioned: ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook : ADHD-friendly calen...
Jan 15, 2025•18 min•Season 2Ep. 55
Are you unsure about how to talk to your child about ADHD? Feeling overwhelmed, second-guessing yourself, or worried you’ll get it “wrong”? Whether you’re just starting this conversation or fine-tuning your approach, this episode has the answers you’ve been searching for ( plus the validation you didn’t know you needed ). Download the free guide : “Explaining ADHD to Your Child: The Why and How” here In this episode: Age-appropriate explanations that just click. How to help your child own their ...
Jan 13, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 54
As mums, we want to protect our kids, but when it comes to ADHD or other neurodivergent diagnoses, silence can sometimes send the wrong message. This episode dives into the why behind having this big conversation with your child - why it’s important, how it can shape their self-confidence, and what happens when they don’t have the right information. If you’ve ever felt unsure about when or how to talk about ADHD with your child - or if you’re worried about labelling them - this episode is for yo...
Jan 08, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 53
Life in a neurodivergent household is full of noise, touch, and constant interruptions. Add the guilt of “not doing enough,” and it’s no wonder so many of us feel burnt out. This episode gives you the tools and validation you need to take care of yourself - because when you’re regulated, everything else gets a little easier. In this episode, I'm joined by Occupational Therapist and fellow ADHD Mum Rebecca Torpey to unpack what sensory overwhelm really is and how to find relief that works for you...
Jan 06, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 53
Feeling like traditional planners just don’t work for your ADHD brain? You’re not alone. This episode dives into why typical systems fail us and how value-aligned planning can help you ditch the guilt, reduce overwhelm, and focus on what really matters. 👉 Grab the ADHD Mums Planner – designed to work with your brain, not against it. It’s packed with tools for task management, guilt-free resets, and value-based planning. Get it here . Timestamps (approx.) 1 min: Why traditional planners don’t wo...
Jan 01, 2025•8 min•Season 2Ep. 52
Do you ever catch yourself wondering, “Is this just the chaos of mum life, or could it be something more?” Amanda (ADHD mum) and Sarah (neurotypical mum) share what life really looks like behind the scenes - messy mornings, endless to-dos, and those moments where it all feels too much. It’s an honest, funny, and eye-opening conversation about the differences and similarities between ADHD and neurotypical motherhood experiences. In this episode (approx. timestamps): 2 mins: Amanda and Sarah’s 24-...
Dec 30, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 54
If you’ve ever wondered why your daughter seems to struggle quietly while excelling on the surface - or if you’re reflecting on your own experiences as a neurodivergent mum - this episode is for you. I’m joined by Millie Carr, a passionate educator, author, and mum of three, to unpack the subtle and often misunderstood ways ADHD and autism show up in girls. With lived experience as part of a neurodivergent family, Millie shares her insights on recognising masking, perfectionism, and other traits...
Dec 25, 2024•47 min•Season 2Ep. 53
Wondering if there’s more to your neurodivergence beyond ADHD? In this episode, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Jacinta Thomson breaks down the overlap between ADHD and autistic traits in mums. Learn how masking works, why it’s so hard to tease them apart, and how to explore your identity with curiosity and self-compassion. This is the episode for you if you’ve ever thought, “Could I be autistic too?” This episode was originally released on 26th February 2024, and it’s one of our most popular episodes...
Dec 23, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 52
Worried about family comments on your child’s ADHD? The judgmental questions, the unsolicited advice, the pressure to explain your choices - it’s a lot. Get the guide : A Mum’s Guide to Support and Helping Others Get It is available on the website, filled with practical tips for advocating for your child while protecting your peace. This episode is here to help you: Respond calmly, even when caught off guard. Set boundaries that stick (without second-guessing yourself). Protect your peace and yo...
Dec 19, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 51
Sick of saying yes when you really want to say no? People-pleasing feels like keeping the peace, but it leaves you exhausted, resentful, and avoiding people you care about. If you’re ready to stop the cycle, protect your energy, and show your kids healthy boundaries - this episode is for you. Join our supportive FB community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/777102743903210/ Connect with me (Jane) on Instagram: https://instagram.com/adhd_mums Timestamps (approx.) 2 mins: People-pleasing isn’t a f...
Dec 18, 2024•25 min•Season 2Ep. 50
