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 work for ADHD mums.
• 3 mins: The moment I realised my values weren’t guiding my decisions.
• 7 mins: How to simplify planning and focus on what truly matters.
• 12 mins: The science behind value-aligned living – and how it boosts happiness.
• 18 mins: Easy strategies for building a flexible, ADHD-friendly planning system.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!

FOLLOW FOR MORE:

Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube

LEAVE A REVIEW:

Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.

COLLABS:

For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.

MORE RESOURCES:

Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

Key topics covered in this ep: ADHD mums Value based planning Overcoming overwhelm ADHD friendly planners Flexible planning strategies Prioritising what matters Guilt free resets ADHD mental load Task management for neurodivergent mums Reducing burnout Aligning actions with values Building an ADHD-friendly life Practical planning tips Neurodivergent productivity hacks Balancing family and priorities Simplifying daily routines

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-year friendship
• 6 mins: The reality of chaotic mornings: time blindness, transitions, and stress
• 16 mins: Meal prepping, visual calendars, and why “just make a list” doesn’t always work
• 21 mins: Parenting with neurodivergence: the added layers
• 27 mins: Work, life admin, and navigating the mental load
• 36 mins: Medicated vs unmedicated life
• 39 mins: How neurotypical strategies compare with ADHD approaches
• 42 mins: The key differences between mum life stress and ADHD challenges

Resources:

• Free ADHD and Autism Self-Assessment Tool recommendations here
• ADHD Pre-Diagnosis Workbook: Clear the confusion and discover your type
• ADHD Planner + Values Workbook: A system built for hyperactive brains

What to Listen to Next:

• S02E22: Is it ADHD or Motherhood? Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• S02E29: 6 Practical Tips for ADHD Mums to Reduce Stress and Create a Calmer Home - Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• S02E37: ADHD, Autism or Both? Kara’s Story of Burnout and Sensory Overload - Spotify or Apple Podcasts

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

Have questions or want to...

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 that can make it harder for girls to be diagnosed or supported.

This episode is here to give you practical tips and validation - whether you’re advocating for your child, yourself, or both.

In this episode:

• The unique ways ADHD and autism present in girls and why they’re often overlooked.
• How masking and perfectionism can make neurodivergent traits harder to recognise.
• Practical tips for navigating the diagnosis process and advocating effectively.
• Reframing ADHD and autism as strengths and building confidence in neurodivergent kids.

Important Resources:

• Learn more about Millie’s work at https://milliecarrbooks.com
• Explore my self-assessment tool for ADHD and Autism
• When and where to seek a diagnosis for your child - eGuide here
• My free resources are here
• My Workbooks and eGuides are here

Other Episodes with Mille Carr:

• Neurodiverse Classrooms: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• How to Tell Your Child About Their Diagnosis: Essential Do's and Don'ts: Spotify or 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...

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.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand how ADHD and autistic traits can overlap and mask each other.
• Explore the unique challenges of high-masking neurodivergent mums.
• Discover the subtle signs of autism that aren’t on Google.
• Learn why self-identification is valid and when a formal diagnosis might help.
• Get Jacinta’s neuro-affirming insights on embracing your identity.

• Learn more about Jacinta’s work at www.timetountangle.com.au.
• Read the blog version of this episode.

Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified health professional for personalised advice.

BOOK IN WITH JANE'S RECOMMENDED THERAPISTS

If you're looking to connect with a parenting specialist or psychologist for expert advice on parenting, please check out www.adhdmums.com.au/services. Your journey to more confident and supported parenting starts here!

CONNECT WITH ME...

If you’ve got a question or want to connect with other ADHD mums, we’ve got a whole community on our Facebook group. Click here to join and post your question. Don’t worry if it’s been asked before! I love to answer everyone in a group format.

LEAVE ME A REVIEW

Your review means the world to me! Your thoughts really help others discover my content that I genuinely (and passionately) hope could make a difference in their lives. Your support creates a ripple effect of spreading my show around and hopefully reaching the right people (especially Mums who may be at their wit’s end).

WANT TO COLLABORATE?

If you’re enquiring about a collaboration or speaking engagement – please email jane@adhdmums.com.au.

EXTRA RESOURCES:

Still not sure if you have ADHD or are Autistic? Get access to my recommended self-tests as a guide to whether you should go for an assessment or not. https://adhdmums.com.au/resources

Find more answers, resources and guides on my website at https://adhdmums.com.au/

Key Topics covered in this ep: ADHD in women Autism in women Overlapping traits of ADHD and autism High-masking mums Neurodivergent parenting AUDHD meaning ADHD traits in adults Autism traits in adults Sensory sensitivities in neurodivergence ADHD vs. autism Neurodiversity in mothers ADHD and autism overlap Routine and sensory challenges Supporting neurodivergent mums

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 your child’s confidence.

Whether you’re bracing for the next family gathering or still processing the last one, you’ll find practical strategies to handle these moments with clarity and confidence.

You’ll learn how to tell the difference between genuine curiosity and someone just stirring the pot - and where to draw the line.

Hit play for tools you can use right now to feel more prepared, more empowered, and less alone.

Related Episode:

• S02E50: Stop People-Pleasing: The ADHD Mum’s Guide to Boundaries, Balance, and Breaking Free

What to Listen Next:

• S02E46: ‘Tis the Season to Overspend: ADHD Mum vs. Impulse Shopping
• S02E48: Running Out of Time: Why ADHD Mums Feel Overwhelmed at Christmas (and How to Fix It!)
• S02E49: Christmas Chaos: Hacks for Surviving Family Drama, Sensory Overload, and Picky Eaters!

BOOK IN WITH JANE'S RECOMMENDED THERAPISTS

If you're looking to connect with a parenting specialist or psychologist for expert advice on parenting, please check out www.adhdmums.com.au/services. Your journey to more confident and supported parenting starts here!

CONNECT WITH ME...

If you’ve got a question or want to connect with other ADHD mums, we’ve got a whole community on our Facebook group. Click here to join and post your question. Don’t worry if it’s been asked before! I love to answer everyone in a group format.

LEAVE ME A REVIEW

Your review means the world to me! Your thoughts really help others discover my content that I genuinely (and passionately) hope could make a difference in their lives. Your support creates a ripple effect of spreading my show around and hopefully reaching the right people (especially Mums who may be at their wit’s end).

WANT TO COLLABORATE?

If you’re enquiring about a collaboration or speaking engagement – please email jane@adhdmums.com.au.

EXTRA RESOURCES:

Still not sure if you have ADHD or are Autistic? Get access to my recommended self-tests as a guide to whether you should go for an...

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 flaw - it’s how you learned to survive in a world that doesn’t get your brain.
• 4 mins: Why is people-pleasing so hard to shake? Let’s break it down.
• 6 mins: 3 reasons to stop people-pleasing - and a painfully relatable example of what happens when you don’t.
• 10 mins: Building your boundary muscle: Start small, say no with confidence, and stay strong when the pushback comes.
• 18 mins: Your kids are watching. Show them that standing up for themselves is not just okay - it’s essential.
• 20 mins: Setting a boundary is step one. Sticking to it is where the magic happens. Here’s how to avoid ‘boundary creep.’

Resources:

Sensory-Friendly Holiday Ideas: Need to create calm during chaos? Explore fidget toys, headphones, and weighted blankets in my Affiliate Amazon Shop.

The 5-4-3-2-1 Technique: A quick grounding exercise to manage emotional overwhelm.

Box Breathing Technique: Learn how to use this simple method to regulate stress in under a minute.

BOOK IN WITH JANE'S RECOMMENDED THERAPISTS

If you're looking to connect with a parenting specialist or psychologist for expert advice on parenting, please check out www.adhdmums.com.au/services. Your journey to more confident and supported parenting starts here!

CONNECT WITH ME...

If you’ve got a question or want to connect with other ADHD mums, we’ve got a whole community on our Facebook group. Click here to join and post your question. Don’t worry if it’s been asked before! I love to answer everyone in a group format.

LEAVE ME A REVIEW

Your review means the world to me! Your thoughts really help others discover my content that I genuinely (and passionately) hope could make a difference in their lives. Your support creates a ripple effect of spreading my show around and hopefully reaching the right people (especially Mums who may be at their wit’s end).

WANT TO COLLABORATE?

If you’re enquiring about a collaboration or speaking engagement – please email jane@adhdmums.com.au.

EXTRA RESOURCES:

Still not sure if you have...

Christmas - it’s the season of joy, right? Well, not always. Between the family drama, overwhelming sensory triggers, and the constant pressure to create magical moments, the holidays can feel more like chaos than cheer. For neurodivergent mums, it’s even trickier to juggle routines, expectations, and everything in between.

Timestamps (approx):

• 1 min: Why family tensions skyrocket at Christmas - and how to handle unspoken expectations before they spiral.
• 2 mins: Guilt-free boundaries that actually stick: How to say no with kindness and protect your energy.
• 6 mins: Beating sensory overload: Quiet corners, calm kits, and simple strategies to keep things manageable.
• 10 mins: Picky eaters and Christmas lunch.
• 14 mins: Handling criticism with confidence: What to say (or not say) when Aunt Karen gets passive-aggressive.
• 18 mins: Simplifying the season: Why connection and small traditions matter more than picture-perfect holidays.

This isn’t about creating a Pinterest-worthy Christmas - it’s about making the season work for your family, with all its quirks and chaos.

Resources

• Mel Robbins’ "Let Them" Concept: A mindset tool to let go of controlling others. Learn more on the Mel Robbins Podcast.
• Calm Kits for Sensory-Friendly Holidays: Stock up on fidget toys, headphones, and weighted blankets. Shop on Jane’s Affiliate Amazon Shop.

BOOK IN WITH JANE'S RECOMMENDED THERAPISTS

If you're looking to connect with a parenting specialist or psychologist for expert advice on parenting, please check out www.adhdmums.com.au/services. Your journey to more confident and supported parenting starts here!

CONNECT WITH ME...

If you’ve got a question or want to connect with other ADHD mums, we’ve got a whole community on our Facebook group. Click here to join and post your question. Don’t worry if it’s been asked before! I love to answer everyone in a group format.

LEAVE ME A REVIEW

Your review means the world to me! Your thoughts really help others discover my content that I genuinely (and passionately) hope could make a difference in their lives. Your support creates a ripple effect of spreading my show around and hopefully reaching the right people (especially Mums who may be at their wit’s end).

WANT TO COLLABORATE?

If you’re enquiring about a collaboration or speaking engagement – please email jane@adhdmums.com.au.

EXTRA RESOURCES:

Still not sure if you have ADHD or are Autistic? Get access to my recommended self-tests as a guide to whether you should go for an assessment or not. https://adhdmums.com.au/resources

Find more answers, resources and guides on my website at https://adhdmums.com.au/

Key Topics covered in this ep: Christmas family drama Holiday sensory overload Picky eaters at

The holiday season is supposed to be magical, but for many ADHD mums, it can feel like a chaotic, relentless sprint. Between managing school events, last-minute gift shopping, and endless holiday prep, it's easy to become overwhelmed and exhausted. In this episode, I go beyond the usual holiday tips and dive into proven strategies tailored for neurodivergent mums to help you reclaim your sanity and rediscover joy during the festive season.

What I cover in this episode:

• Outsmart your brain’s tendency to underestimate tasks and avoid the classic holiday scramble.
• Simplify gift wrapping, school event prep, and more - all without burning out.
• Identify the three key tasks that truly matter this season and feel empowered to let go of everything else (including the spring cleaning!).
• Learn how to sidestep common pitfalls like overcommitting, freezing under pressure, and chasing unrealistic expectations.
• Discover how to delegate effectively, use basic tools without falling into the "perfect app" trap, and leverage your support network.

What To Listen To Next:

• S02E47: ‘Tis the Season to Overspend: ADHD Mum vs. Impulse Shopping [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden

Resources Mentioned:

Buy Prepaid Satchels Online - Australia Post: Simplify your holiday shipping by purchasing prepaid satchels in bulk (not sponsored or affiliated).

BOOK IN WITH JANE'S RECOMMENDED THERAPISTS

If you're looking to connect with a parenting specialist or psychologist for expert advice on parenting, please check out www.adhdmums.com.au/services. Your journey to more confident and supported parenting starts here!

CONNECT WITH ME...

If you’ve got a question or want to connect with other ADHD mums, we’ve got a whole community on our Facebook group. Click here to join and post your question. Don’t worry if it’s been asked before! I love to answer everyone in a group format.

LEAVE ME A REVIEW

Your review means the world to me! Your thoughts really help others discover my content that I genuinely (and passionately) hope could make a difference in their lives. Your support creates a ripple effect of spreading my show around and hopefully reaching the right people (especially Mums who may be at their wit’s end).

WANT TO COLLABORATE?

If you’re enquiring about a collaboration or speaking engagement – please email jane@adhdmums.com.au.

EXTRA RESOURCES:

Still not sure if you have ADHD or are Autistic? Get access to my recommended self-tests as a guide to whether you should go for an assessment or not. https://adhdmums.com.au/resources

Find more answers, resources and guides on my website at https://adhdmums.com.au/

Key Topics covered in this ep: ADHD mums Neurodivergent parenting Holiday overwhelm Christmas planning tips Time management strategies Gift wrapping hacks Managing...