As more women discover their ADHD through their children’s diagnoses, they find both relief and grief. Relief because they finally have an explanation for their lifelong struggles, but also grief for the years spent without understanding the root cause. This “lost generation” of mothers often faces the unique challenge of parenting while managing their own ADHD. However, this diagnosis is also a powerful opportunity to change not just their own lives but the lives of future generations.

The Power of a Mother’s Diagnosis

This might sound dramatic, but when I finally realized I had ADHD, it changed my life. Not only did it help me better understand myself, but it also transformed how I parented. I could now recognize similar behaviors in my son and offer guidance and support I had never received. There was so little information, if any, when I was a kid my parents would have had no idea or any tools to help them at that time. This diagnosis gave me the tools to model self-compassion, patience, and resilience for my boys, teaching them how to navigate their own struggles.

A mother’s ADHD diagnosis can change the trajectory for her children. By understanding how ADHD affects thinking and behavior, parents can create intentional strategies to foster a supportive environment at home. This helps break the cycle of frustration that often arises when both the parent and child are dealing with ADHD symptoms without a clear plan. Managing ADHD as a parent enables us to be more aware of where we focus our energy and to build a more structured, compassionate, and inclusive home environment where children feel seen, heard and understood for exactly who they are.

Burnout: What Can Happen When We Lose Sight of Intentional Focus

Many women with ADHD, including myself, are prone to burnout when juggling multiple roles without the proper support. Burnout often happens when we spend too much time on the small, less meaningful things, hyperfocusing on small tasks that don’t matter and neglecting the bigger responsibilities. In my case, burnout looked like mental and physical exhaustion, disengagement, and feeling like I was constantly falling behind.

Women with ADHD often feel internal pressure to handle most things themselves, believing they aren’t doing enough if they ask for help or leave things unfinished. The reality is that managing ADHD is not about completing every task. It’s about identifying what the things that move the needle, setting clear boundaries, and letting go of the unrealistic need for perfection. When I learned to focus on very intentional action that moves the necessary things forward rather than trying to do it all, I found that I could avoid burnout and move forward with more purpose and energy.

Embracing ADHD as a Beautiful, Unique Strength

Once I embraced my ADHD and learned how to manage my symptoms, I stopped viewing it as a barrier and began to see it as one of my greatest strengths. Understanding how my brain works gave me the confidence to stop fighting against my natural tendencies and start harnessing them. I was able to leverage my visionary thinking, creativity, and ambition in ways that felt authentic to me. Instead of trying to mold myself into traditional leadership expectations, I redefined leadership on my terms, focusing on how my unique perspective could drive success.

This gift of awareness and understanding not only boosted my confidence but also made me a more empathetic mom and leader. Having experienced the challenges of ADHD firsthand, I became more attuned to the struggles others face. This empathy helped me connect deeply with both my children and my team. I could better understand their frustrations and offer support in ways that empowered them, whether it was through patience, compassion, or finding creative solutions. For mothers with ADHD, this awareness has a ripple effect-it impacts not just us, but our children and future generations. By becoming self-aware and creating strategies that work for us, we model resilience, confidence, and empowerment for our children, helping them embrace their own strengths and challenges.

TL ; DR

If you are a mother who resonates with this journey, know that you are not alone. Discovering ADHD can be the beginning of an incredible transformation, where you learn to embrace your strengths and manage your challenges with grace. Don’t wait for burnout to take over. Reach out, find support, and take the first step toward creating a more purposeful and intentional life for yourself and your family.

Your ADHD is not a barrier; it is your unique gift waiting to be harnessed.