Home

Discover

Sign up for free to listen for longer

Get unlimited radio, access to exclusive and original podcasts and non-stop music stations.

Control the way you listen to your favourite music, podcasts and radio.

Already have an account?

Log in

Home

Discover

Sign up for free to listen for longer

Get unlimited radio, access to exclusive and original podcasts and non-stop music stations.

Control the way you listen to your favourite music, podcasts and radio.

Already have an account?

Log in

ADHD Mums

ADHD Mums

Welcome to The ADHD MUMS Podcast, a lifeline for Australian mums navigating ADHD and motherhood. Perfect for struggling, burnt out mums who want to drop perfectionism.

Follow
Share
Episodes
You might also like
35 min•
Monday

74. Keeping Children Safe from Tricky People & Unsafe Situations with Kristi McVee

⚠️ 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.They trust familiar adults - even when they shouldn’t.They think being ‘polite’ means saying yes.They struggle to spot manipulation, pressure, or coercion.They keep quiet when they feel uncomfortable - because they’re not sure if it ‘counts.’If you’ve never thought about it this way, this episode is a must-listen.What You’ll Get From This Episode:How to teach body safety without making it scaryThe ‘What If?’ method – Simple ways to help kids recognise & react to unsafe situationsThe biggest safety mistake parents don’t realise they’re makingHow to help your child set boundaries & say no - even when it’s hardRed flags your child might be missing (and how to help them notice)The right way to talk about online safety - without isolating them from social life🔗 Missed Part 1? Understanding the Risks – Neurodivergent Children, Social Safety & Grooming dives into why neurodivergent kids are more vulnerable & what parents often overlook. Listen to that first, or jump straight into this episode for practical, real-world strategies.👉 Because keeping kids safe isn’t just about protecting them - it’s about making sure they can protect themselves.RESOURCES MENTIONED: Kristi's websiteKristi's Instagram Kristi's Conversations with KidsKristi's book - Operation KidSafeMy Tricky Eye SpySTART HERE: https://adhdmums.com.au/start-here/ Sometimes, the hardest part is knowing where to start – especially when your brain already feels like it’s juggling a hundred tabs at once. That’s why this space was built to make things easier, not harder. No fluff, no wasted time – just resources designed to meet you exactly where you are.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]. MORE RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODEneurodivergent child safety, ADHD child safety, PDA child boundaries, body safety for kids, teaching consent to kids, tricky people awareness, social safety for neurodivergent kids, helping kids say no, red flags for kids, grooming prevention for parents, online safety for ADHD kids, digital safety for tweens, social boundaries for neurodivergent kids, child advocacy skills, how to teach kids about consent, helping neurodivergent kids recognise manipulation, self-advocacy for kids, stranger danger alternatives, protecting kids from unsafe situations, parenting neurodivergent tweens, safety conversations for kids, child safety skills, teaching kids about red flags, neurodivergent kids and social cues, ADHD kids and boundaries, empowering kids to speak up, personal safety for neurodivergent children, recognizing unsafe adults, parenting PDA kids, practical safety strategies for kids, helping kids trust their instinctsMentioned in this episode:ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook Grab your copy now at www.adhdmums.com.au ADHD PlannerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

74. Keeping Children Safe from Tricky People & Unsafe Situations with Kristi McVee
Mark as played
Share
Share
30 min•
19 Mar

73. Making the Invisible Mental Load Visible: How to Share the Load Without the Stress [Part 3]

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 Sharing it). Download HERE.In this episode, we’re breaking it all down:Why ADHD mums feel the weight of the mental load harder than anyone elseThe unseen tasks that no one else even thinks aboutWhy your partner isn’t stepping in - and how to finally shift the balancePractical ways to make the invisible load visible - without it turning into another argumentSmall, realistic changes that actually helpThis isn’t about doing more - it’s about making sure you don’t have to carry it all alone.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Why Mums Are Always the Backup Plan - Part 17 Brutally Honest Reasons ADHD Mums Stay Silent About the Mental Load - Part 2 Family Meeting Template Mental Load CardsSTART HERE: https://adhdmums.com.au/start-here/ Sometimes, the hardest part is knowing where to start – especially when your brain already feels like it’s juggling a hundred tabs at once. That’s why this space was built to make things easier, not harder. No fluff, no wasted time – just resources designed to meet you exactly where you are.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]. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:ADHD mental load, invisible mental load, sharing the mental load, ADHD mums, burnout, overwhelm, emotional labour, neurodivergent relationships, partner support, ADHD and parenting, mental load resentment, executive function challenges, ADHD household balance, relationship struggles, ADHD and marriage, division of labour, cognitive hyperactivity, unseen tasks, ADHD family dynamics, mental load exhaustion, practical strategies for ADHD mums, ADHD mum burnout, balancing responsibilities, neurodivergent parenting, ADHD-friendly household management, supporting an ADHD partner, communication in ADHD relationships, household workload, ADHD decision fatigue, ADHD overwhelm solutions.Mentioned in this episode:ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook: A System for ADHD MumsSimplify your chaotic ADHD mum life with the ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook. Designed to help you brain dump the chaos, prioritise what truly matters, and stop the guilt spiral, these tools are 100% fluff-free and built for real-life use. Start anytime, pick up and put down as needed, and create a system that works with your ADHD, not against it.ADHD PlannerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

73. Making the Invisible Mental Load Visible: How to Share the Load Without the Stress [Part 3]
Mark as played
Share
Share
36 min•
17 Mar

72. Understanding the Risks – Neurodivergent Children, Social Safety, and Grooming [Part 1] with Kristi McVee

⚠️ 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 safety advocate Kristi McVee discusses the unique risks neurodivergent children face in social situations, online spaces, and within their communities. Many parents worry about keeping their kids safe, but for parents of neurodivergent children, the challenges can be even greater - especially when it comes to understanding social cues, setting boundaries, and recognising unsafe situations.PLUS we've put together a free Kit on Body Safety & Child Protection. Download HERE.🚨 This is the conversation we all wish we didn’t have to have. But we can’t afford not to.💥 Coming next week: The practical strategies every parent needs to protect their child - what to say, what to teach, and how to build safety skills that actually work.RESOURCES MENTIONED: Kristi's websiteKristi's Instagram Kristi's Conversations with KidsKrist's book - Operation KidSafeAustralian Child Maltreatment StudyJOIN 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]. MORE RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODEneurodivergent children, child safety, grooming awareness, social safety, online safety for kids, protecting neurodivergent kids, ADHD parenting, autism parenting, child abuse prevention, grooming red flags, child exploitation prevention, consent and boundaries, parenting neurodivergent kids, internet safety for children, child predators, neurodivergent vulnerability, child grooming signs, ADHD and social awareness, body safety for kids, preventing child abuse, Kristi McVee, ADHD Mums podcastMentioned in this episode:A Mum’s Guide to Supporting Your Child’s Diagnosis and Helping Others ‘Get It’A Child’s Diagnosis: A Mum’s Guide to Support and Helping Others ‘Get It’See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

72. Understanding the Risks – Neurodivergent Children, Social Safety, and Grooming [Part 1] with Kristi McVee
Mark as played
Share
Share
23 min•
12 Mar

71. 7 Brutally Honest Reasons ADHD Mums Stay Silent About the Mental Load [Part 2]

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 change?Want to go deeper? This episode’s companion kit gives you practical strategies, conversation guides, and small shifts to help you redistribute the mental load - without burnout, conflict, or micromanaging. Also includes full transcript of this episode. Click here to get the kit. In This Episode: Why it feels impossible to shift the mental load (and how to stop getting stuck in that cycle)How societal expectations make us feel like it’s “just part of being a mum”Why resentment builds and how to prevent burnout before it happensThe role of gender norms, guilt, and internalised pressure in keeping us silentSimple, low-energy conversation shifts that can help you get the support you needRelatable? Overwhelming? Exhausting? You’re not alone. This episode is your reminder that carrying the mental load doesn’t mean you should carry it alone.Resources & Links:Listen to Part 1 Episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or the ADHD Mums websiteADHD Planner & Values WorkbookMiniseries Ep 5 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or the ADHD Mums website58. What Your Partner Needs You to Know on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or the ADHD Mums websitePDA episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or the ADHD Mums websitePMDD episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or the ADHD Mums websitePeople Pleasing episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or the ADHD Mums websitePerimenopause & PMDD episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or the ADHD Mums websiteConnect on Instagram: @adhd_mums Join our FB Community If this episode helps, send it to another mum who needs to hear it! And if you’ve got a second, leaving a review helps us keep these conversations going. 💛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]. MORE RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EP: ADHD mums, mental load, invisible labour, gendered mental load, emotional burnout, overwhelm, ADHD and relationships, communication struggles, advocacy fatigue, resentment in parenting, asking for help, sharing responsibilities, household balance, partnership struggles, why mums do everything, feeling unheard, defensiveness in relationships, avoiding conflict, burnout prevention, guilt of asking for help, internalised pressure, emotional labour, why ADHD mums are exhausted, breaking the cycle, shifting the mental load, reducing resentment, practical strategies for ADHD mums, low-effort solutions, ADHD and motherhood, neurodivergent partnerships, unspoken expectations, small changes for big impact.Mentioned in this episode:ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook: A System for ADHD MumsSimplify your chaotic ADHD mum life with the ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook. Designed to help you brain dump the chaos, prioritise what truly matters, and stop the guilt spiral, these tools are 100% fluff-free and built for real-life use. Start anytime, pick up and put down as needed, and create a system that works with your ADHD, not against it.ADHD PlannerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

71. 7 Brutally Honest Reasons ADHD Mums Stay Silent About the Mental Load [Part 2]
Mark as played
Share
Share
54 min•
10 Mar

70. The Truth About Time-Outs and What to Try Instead with Gen Muir

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, obstetric social worker, mum of four, and the person I wish had been whispering in my ear when I first became a parent. Gen has worked with over 40,000 parents, helping them navigate tricky behaviours and big emotions using connection-based parenting strategies that actually work. And she’s here to break down why time-outs aren’t the magic fix we were told they were - and what actually helps. PLUS we've put together a free Kit on Handling Big Emotions & Time-Ins. Download HERE.We’re covering:Why time-outs don’t work - especially for neurodivergent kids What’s actually happening in your child’s brain when they’re sent awayHow disconnection leads to more behaviour struggles (not fewer!)The skills kids really need to handle big feelings and how to teach themHow to set firm, loving boundaries - without feeling like they’re running the showWhat to do when a meltdown makes the whole house feel like a war zoneResources Mentioned: Gen Muir - website and Instagram Little People, Big Feelings by Gen MuirBrick [not affiliated] Beyond the Chaos PodcastSibling Rivalry S2 Ep 4 with Gen Muir on Apple Podcasts or Spotify ADHD Mums Facebook GroupJOIN 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]. MORE RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.Topics Covered in This EpisodeADHD parenting, timeouts, emotional regulation, meltdowns, parenting strategies, neurodivergent kids, ADHD kids, discipline alternatives, gentle parenting, conscious parenting, parenting without punishment, time-in strategies, behaviour challenges, parenting support, ADHD emotions, sensory regulation, co-regulation, parenting neurodivergent children, big feelings, ADHD discipline, neuro-affirming parenting, setting boundaries, sibling rivalry, parenting expert advice, Gen Muir, ADHD Mums podcast, ADHD struggles, emotional resilience, parenting without shame, connection-based parenting, time-outsMentioned in this episode:A Mum’s Guide to Supporting Your Child’s Diagnosis and Helping Others ‘Get It’A Child’s Diagnosis: A Mum’s Guide to Support and Helping Others ‘Get It’See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

70. The Truth About Time-Outs and What to Try Instead with Gen Muir
Mark as played
Share
Share
26 min•
5 Mar

69. Why Mums Are Always the Backup Plan (And How to Change It) [Part 1]

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 FOR YOU 🚨We’re jumping into:The real reason neurodivergent mums are expected to be endlessly flexible (while others get protected time).Why the mental load isn’t just about chores - it’s about who carries the unpredictable stress of a household.How this imbalance fuels burnout, resentment, and exhaustion (and why so many of us have just stopped asking for change).The masking, guilt, and gendered expectations that keep us stuck.✨ PLUS: I’ve created A Kit for Recognising & Shifting the Mental Load to help you start shifting the mental load - without feeling like it’s just one more thing on your plate. Get it here. RESOURCES MENTIONED:The Second Shift StudyADHD Pre-Diagnosis WorkbookNot sure where to start? Start here: https://adhdmums.com.au/start-here Blog post on this topicJOIN 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]. MORE RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.Topics Covered in This EpisodeADHD mums, mental load, gendered mental load, default parent, invisible workload, emotional labor, cognitive load, burnout, neurodivergent mums, ADHD relationships, ADHD parenting, autistic mums, executive dysfunction, masking, overstimulation, mom burnout, ADHD and motherhood, relationship imbalance, household responsibilities, parenting mental load, ADHD overwhelm, time management ADHD, ADHD partner, neurodivergent families, ADHD routines, ADHD executive function, sensory overload, ADHD life hacks, ADHD productivity, gender roles, equality in parenting, ADHD coping strategies.Mentioned in this episode:ADHD Pre-Diagnosis Workbook: A Guide for Women and MothersWondering if it’s ADHD or mum life? The ADHD Pre-Diagnosis Workbook is your survival guide, helping you untangle your thoughts and explore ADHD traits - perfect for those curious about self-diagnosis or preparing for an assessment. ADHD Pre-Diagnosis WorbookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

69. Why Mums Are Always the Backup Plan (And How to Change It) [Part 1]
Mark as played
Share
Share