Thriving as a Stay-at-Home Mom with ADHD: Structure, Balance, and Sanity

Being a stay-at-home mom isn't an easy task, but add ADHD to the mix and it's a matter of riding a unicycle while juggling flaming swords.

For some years, I was working from home part-time and between employment and was on stay-at-home mom breaks. I have engaged in remote work that was contractual. I performed gig work such as online and offline work. I performed MLM and sometimes broke even or earned a tiny profit.

My brain wasn't just going to let me just stay home and get the homemaker tasks done, such as taking care of my children, cleaning the house, or just keeping up. I had to do many things if I was going to thrive, or let's say survive. I did all that with the added challenge of the special brain of ADHD.

Most stay-at-home moms with ADHD are already doing several things at once, like I was doing, but also having to contend with the special challenges of having ADHD.

For others, disorganization can cause overwhelm, stress, and constantly feeling behind. But though chaos often goes hand in hand with ADHD, structure is still necessary even for stay-at-home moms.

Although it would be lovely to hope that structure and stiffness would be too constraining for a brain that thrives on flexibility and improvisation, the reality is that some degree of organization can mean the difference between living and merely existing as an ADHD mom.

Flexible structure provides just the right balance to keep things moving along without smothering. I know it's hard to think that balance can exist when you have ADHD.

There is, however, because we crave routine.

This is how structure is still necessary—and how to employ it in a manner that will suit you and your family.

The Power of Structure: ADHD Moms More Than They Know

If you have ADHD, your brain is racing along from one thought to the next in a seemingly aimless manner. Without structure, you'll quickly forget things, forget appointments, and continually be trying to get caught up.

Structure fills the gap; it provides you with an anchor that keeps you rooted in the midst of the storm of distractions and scattered thoughts.

For stay-at-home mothers who have ADHD, too much choice can leave you swimming in an ocean of daily chaos in the space of a blink.

Without a map, it is too easy to get lost, either to the ever-growing mess of laundry or to that spontaneous call on the phone that ruins the entire conversation.

A bit of intentional planning, however, makes all the difference in being on task and in charge of your day.

Why Structure Is Perfect for ADHD Moms

Saves Decision Fatigue

ADHD brains are constantly in high gear, and decisions, big or little, suck up brain juice.

Being planned out means fewer decisions to be made, and brain juice can be saved for other activities.
Enhances Focus and Time Management

As an ADHD individual, it's easy to lose track of time or hyperfocus on a single thing at the expense of others. Structure creates boundaries around tasks and time, enhancing your ability to manage both.

Gives a Feeling of Accomplishment

ADHD mothers feel as though they are never able to finish anything, and this tires and infuriates them. If there is a routine, then things can be divided up and mastered into little bits so that small victories are achieved each day, and momentum, and confidence, are generated.

Boosts Productivity

It can sound counterintuitive to believe structure can increase the chances of creativity and spontaneity, but it's true!

When your environment is structured, your mind can be more at liberty to create rather than worrying about what needs to be getting done.

With that balance of flexibility and structure, there is room for productivity and room for creativity.

Finding Flexibility in Structure: All About Balance

The most important thing about structure for an ADHD mom is balance. You do need a little bit of general structure, but you also need to ensure that you have some room for being spontaneous and flexible in there.

You don't plan out each and every minute of your life; rather, try to establish a structure that leaves some breathing room and possibility to make changes along the way.

5 Ways to Build a Flexible Routine as an ADHD Stay-at-Home Mom

1. Establish a Flexible Daily Routine

Reserve general parts of the day for certain tasks. Mornings = chores, afternoons = errands or self-care, evenings = family.

Rather than scheduling strict time blocks for everything, attempt to create a loose outline for your day.

For instance, reserve mornings for household chores, afternoons for errands or self-care, and evenings for family.

This provides a sense of direction but still leaves space for flexibility when necessary.

2. Work in Time Blocks Instead of Hard Times

Use blocks like “Morning” and “Evening” rather than 8:00 AM–9:00 AM. ADHD moms thrive with freedom inside structure.

For ADHD mothers, having more of an allotted time to accomplish something may be less restrictive or feel like it's never going to occur.

Attempt to divide your day into time blocks such as "morning" or "noon" instead of exact hours.

In this way, if you're not able to accomplish something in an intended block, you can move it to the subsequent block without feeling as though you've failed.

3. Build Habits, Not Rules

“Grand rising or morning routine” can simply mean hot tea, dressing, and breakfast—in any order.

Instead of trying to stick to hard and fast rules, try to establish repeatable rituals.

For instance, a "morning ritual" might be a sequence of things you do in whatever order (get dressed, feed the kids, make coffee) instead of set timed routines.

A flexible ritual can be less stressful because you don't feel you're disrupting the structure if you do it slightly out of order.

4. Schedule Breaks

Don’t forget to rest. Even a 15-minute break refreshes an ADHD brain. Add rest to your daily routine.

Burnout happens often for ADHD mothers when you're managing housework, caring for children, and the rest of life's tasks.

A too-scheduled day with no second to breathe is exhausting. Get some downtime throughout the day.

It is as simple as a 15-minute coffee break, a walk around the block, or a few slow breathing minutes.

Allow your brain…no, it is necessary for your brain to rejuvenate with breaks.

5. Make room for "The Unexpected"

Flexibility is your friend. Some days your child needs more. Some days life just…lifes. Flex your plan instead of scrapping it.

Everything won't go according to schedule, and your neatly planned routine will get thrown off.

Fine!

Instead of tensing up at things that go awry, realize that your structure can flex.

If something unexpected occurs—a child who needs more attention one particular day or a spontaneous drop-by from a friend—don't try to cram everything else back into place.

Let the structure flex and flow with the moving momentum of the day.

How Structure Can Help Control Your ADHD Symptoms

ADHD also involves procrastination, distractibility, forgetfulness, and disorganization time-wise.

There is no one way to cure these problems, but a good structure will reduce their effect and give you more mastery over daily affairs.

Here is how structure can be used to help manage some of the ADHD symptoms:

Time Management

Structure helps ADHD moms with time blindness. Schedules with timers or alarms keep things flowing.

Time management is one of the most prevalent ADHD mothers' problems.

A regular schedule can curb this by clearly establishing boundaries on when to begin and complete a task.

It is also simple to use timers or alarms as reminders for timed tasks.

Forgettingfulness

An ADHD-friendly planner or calendar app ensures you won’t miss appointments or tasks. Visual cues help jog memory.

ADHD mothers also forget to attend appointments, deadlines, or tasks on their list of things to do.

An organized system, such as a planner or computer calendar, will remind you of those dates. You can remind yourself of small tasks, like taking medicine, going to the store, or calling someone back.

Distractions

Task batching and chunking help avoid overwhelm. Organization beats chaos.

ADHD brains are constantly distracted, so it is hard to keep focusing on one thing for very long.

Organization can make up for it by breaking down tasks into bite-sized chunks.

This stops overwhelm and allows a series of small, focused activities that do not feel so overwhelming.

Procrastination

Having set routines makes it easier to take the first step. No more staring into the void of “where do I even begin?”

Procrastination is a common issue with ADHD moms, particularly if everything feels like it needs to be done.

Having a routine with realistic expectations of what will be accomplished each day can avoid procrastination by lessening uncertainty and adding an element of accountability. routines.

Adapting Structure to Your Evolving ADHD Life

As a mom with ADHD, your planner is never written in stone and is always subject to revision.

You'll have to balance what's working and what isn't pretty frequently and adjust accordingly.

There are going to be days when you'll walk on air, and there are going to be days when you'll believe your schedule has completely blown up.

That's okay—that's just part of the ride.

Don't hesitate to alter your schedule when things happen in life or when a new ADHD strategy or method becomes available to you.

The advantage of ADHD is that it's very flexible and creative.

As you establish a structure, which suits you, it'll grant you the freedom to change when you must, instead of being bound by it.

Final Thoughts: Structure Is Your Secret Weapon

Parenting and ADHD can be a rollercoaster ride, but structure can be the secret weapon that allows ADHD parents to survive and even thrive.

It is not necessarily about being perfect or rigid schedules—it's about finding the balance that keeps you in control, de-stresses your life, and provides space for what matters most.

By establishing flexible routines, keeping on top of distractions, and being gentle with yourself, you will be ready to manage the beautiful chaos of being an ADHD stay-at-home mom.

Keep in mind, there is no single correct manner to be an ADHD mom, and that is perfectly okay.

Give yourself the ADHD flexibility but do not rule out the usefulness of structure in keeping your everyday life a little simpler.

The right structure, your motivation and creativity, will enable you to succeed in this lovely, insane life.

Share Your Tips Below ⬇️

ADHD moms: What routines or shortcuts keep you sane?

How do you hold yourself accountable without outside structure?

Need a some motivation from your ADHD Mommy bestie or homie, I got you. Check out ⁠Chatter Coaching⁠ and book your free 30-minute consultation.

Being Everything, Everywhere, All At Once: ADHD and New Motherhood

You recognize that shot in all the motherhood montages of laundry scattered all over, the dinner burning on the stove, the phone constantly ringing, and the baby bawling? Picture that.

But your head is trying to open all the tabs at the same time—new motherhood with ADHD.

ADHD does not magically disappear when we have a baby.

In fact, it goes into hyperdrive.

The sudden removal of routine, the constant demands, the lack of sleep—it can all be fuel on an already burning five-way brain.

For many moms with ADHD, the postpartum experience is a whirlwind of overstimulation, guilt, and self-doubt.

You may catch yourself sobbing because you forgot the diaper bag for the umpteenth time, yelling at your partner because the pacifier was misplaced, or freezing in place because your mind just ceased functioning.

It's not laziness.

It's not incompetence.

It's executive dysfunction, sensory overload, and hormonal shifts hitting all at once.

And guess what? You're not alone.

Most mothers aren't aware they have ADHD until after their baby is born.

School and work tend to camouflage symptoms—but motherhood lays them bare.

It exposes your coping mechanisms, challenges your routines, and pushes you into survival mode.

So, how do you manage?

Here are a few truths from the trenches:

• Routine is your ally. Even a loose rhythm can anchor your day.

• Lower the bar. Done is better than perfect. Your baby doesn’t care if the bottles are color-coordinated.

• Outsource and delegate. No shame in asking for help or using delivery services.

• Use your tools. Timers, sticky notes, whiteboards—whatever helps offload mental clutter.

• Honor your rest. Sleep deprivation magnifies ADHD symptoms. Nap when you can.

Mothering is tough.

ADHD does not make it any easier.

But you are doing something wonderful—and messy and beautiful.

You're raising an individual while wending your way through a neurodivergent brain.

Are you an ADHA mom?

What was your biggest challenge in the first few weeks?

How did you manage—or what would you have said to yourself sooner?

Mother’s Day Reflections: Embracing the Chaos and Joy of Motherhood with ADHD

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, caregivers, guardians, foster mothers, adoptive mothers, grandmothers, and teachers who look after hundreds of children as their own each year.

With Mother's Day today, I sit here pondering the beautiful chaos that comprises my life. Being a mother with ADHD is a life of one-of-a-kind challenges and surprises of delight.

I homeschool my children, work the night shift as a postpartum doula, and operate both an online and bringing our reselling business back to life after my husband’s detrimental accident last year.

It's a life that calls for flexibility, determination, and a sense of humor.

The Dance of Homeschooling with ADHD

Homeschooling with ADHD is like playing an orchestra where each instrument has its own mind. Some days it's beautiful; other days it's a distraction symphony. I've learned that rules are necessary, but so is flexibility. We have a routine, but it's more of a plan than a schedule. If a lesson isn't going well, we change gears. If the sun is shining too brightly to be ignored, we go outside and learn.

Visuals are my favorite things. Bulletin boards, colored charts, and checklists remind us to stay on track. I also use alarms and reminders to help us make it through topic transitions. These are not just for my children—they're for me as well.

Night Shifts and the Art of Adaptation

Working at night as a postpartum doula is another aspect of my already complicated existence. Helping new mothers navigate their most vulnerable moments is immeasurably fulfilling, yet it means my sleep cycle is irregular. I sleep when possible and survive on caffeine and sheer willpower.

This nightlife style requires organization. I precook meals in advance, set study materials out in advance, and talk frankly to my family members about our unique timetable. We're in it together, and I appreciate that they accommodate my schedule.

Building and Rebuilding: The Entrepreneurial Spirit

It's both exciting and exhausting to have an online business and revive my reselling business. ADHD gives rise to a torrent of ideas and the urge for creativity but renders it challenging to concentrate and stay organized.

I've learned to utilize a hyperfocus period for productive time and forgive myself during distraction periods. I organize projects through task management tools to remain on top of tasks and create realistic goals so that I do not end up being burned out. Small successes remind me to remain encouraged and also understand the progress achieved.

The Power of Nature and Daily Grounding

Amidst the turmoil, nature is where I get my sanity. Every day, I spend a minute to step outside, get the grass between my toes, and inhale deeply. It is this little act that grounds me, allowing me to get a moment of peace and concentration. It's a reminder every day that, despite the chaos, there is beauty and peace to be found.

These little doses of the great outdoors aren't just a corrective thing—necessities. They get me back to me and facilitate the emotional grounding required to care for my loved ones and pursue my vocation.

Embracing the Journey with Love and Laughter

Motherhood with ADHD is a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and unshakeable love. It's learning to love the imperfections, finding beauty in small moments, and laughing through the chaos. I've learned to be compassionate with myself, to seek help when needed, and to honor the unique gifts that ADHD brings to my life.

This Mother's Day, I honor all mothers on their individual paths. Your creativity, resilience, and love are the threads that sewn together make up the beautiful tapestry of your family's story.

🌸 Celebrate Mother's Day with Empowering Resources 🌸

In honor of Mother's Day, I'm excited to offer two resources designed to support and empower mothers like you:

1. Brain Bloom Bootcamp: A comprehensive program tailored for mothers managing ADHD, homeschooling, and entrepreneurial pursuits. Join now and receive a special 50% discount during our Mother's Day presale!  (Send “Bloom” to chatterbrainmommy@gmail.com)

2. eBook – Focus, Energize, and Thrive: Discover practical strategies to enhance focus, boost energy, and thrive in your multifaceted life. Available now on Amazon: Focus, Energize, and Thrive

Step into these tools to feed your well-being and keep on your journey with confidence and joy.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through one of these links. I only recommend products I genuinely love and believe can add value, especially for ADHD brains like ours. Thank you for supporting this blog!

How I Overcame Decision Fatigue on My Birthday (And How You Can Too)

Okay, let's talk about something real: decision fatigue. If you have ADHD, you'll know exactly what I'm saying.

It's that mental burnout that happens after making one too many decisions—big or small. You've probably had it happen when you're deciding what to wear, deciding what to eat for the day, or even deciding what to do on your birthday.

And trust me, that last one can get pretty messy.

I recently reached rock bottom with decision fatigue while trying to organize my birthday.

The short version: it was a hot mess.

But after all the hemming and hawing, I managed to sort out a way to wrestle the chaos back into control and push forward.

So I decided to share with you my story and how you can apply these techniques to remain out of the decision spiral.

Decision Fatigue + ADHD = A Recipe for Disaster

Decision fatigue sets in when your brain gets depleted from having too many options.

And if you have ADHD, that depletion is even greater because your brain is already working in overdrive to maintain focus and deal with tasks.

Small decisions turn into mountains. And the more decisions you must make, the worse it is.

I experienced this myself when I was planning to prepare for my birthday.

My original plan? A trip to Florida. Then a massive flight crisis struck as a result of one plane crash after another, and my anxiety skyrocketed completely.

I suddenly didn't know where I was heading or even what I would do.

Should I stick near home?

Should I be traveling somewhere else?

Should I just cancel everything and take a nap?

I was paralyzed by choice.

How I Survived My Birthday Decision Fatigue

This birthday choice started off with a whole lot of "What the heck am I going to do?" I couldn't figure out if I wanted to chill, relax, or some place more active but crowded.

Procrastination came in next. I was continually flipping my brain back and forth, but something didn't feel right.

I didn't want to go too crowded or too out there in the middle of nowhere. Then it hit me: keep it simple.

After much to-and-fro, I finally settled on a low-key plan: something simple.

With my husband's prodding (thank God for him), I chose something that was not too complicated and low-key.

And guess what?

It was just what I needed.

Sometimes, overthinking just adds to the stress.

But that wasn't the initial time I was overcome with decision fatigue that day.

When I visited to get my nails done, the same thing occurred. I hemmed and hawed about colors and designs for eternity. I'm talking about eternity.

Do I be bold?

Do I be basic?

Do I go neutral or bright?

Eventually, I told the nail technician to just freestyle the design, and guess what?

It turned out great!

Having the freedom of not having to decide on everything was a lifesaver.

What You Can Learn from This Chaos

I get it, options can appear to be piling up and you don't know how to break free from the madness. But there are ways of managing decision fatigue so that it doesn't manage your life. 

Below are some tips that work for me, and they can work for you, too:

1. Limit the Decisions You Make

This is huge for people with ADHD. The fewer choices you make, the higher. Start off by simplifying your routines—what you eat, what you wear, entertainment. For example, prepare all of your food for the week so you're not faced with making a daily choice of what to eat. If you plan out your wardrobe in advance, you won't be left spending hours gazing at your closet.

2. Use Tools to Stay Organized

Get some structure into your life. Checklists, calendars, and even ADHD-sanctioned apps can save you from spiraling. Writing down your to-do's keeps you organized regarding what needs to be done without needing to make a decision every time you think about it. Further, using timers or the Pomodoro Technique (work for 25 minutes, then break for 5 minutes) can keep you focused and work through tasks without being overwhelmed.

3. Just Prioritize

Not everything has to be a priority. It's easy to get overwhelmed in attempting to decide everything at one time. Rank what really does matter. Cut through the chaos and get on with the serious stuff first. Trust me, you don't need to muddle through all the decisions. My birthday? I made it easy because I knew the rest of the choices would just upset me.

4. Let Someone Else Take the Wheel Sometimes

This is a doozy. If you're in a rut, ask for help. Don't be afraid to let someone else handle something. I was trying to figure out what to do on my birthday, and my husband rescued me by pointing me in the direction of something low-key. Whenever possible, have someone else handle a decision or two, even something as minuscule as picking a nail color or where to eat dinner.

5. Use a Framework for Big Decisions

Having a plan helps a lot. If you're going to make a bigger decision (like travel plans or something work-related), use a simplified model to decide. If you're taking too long to decide, divide the decision into parts. I like to put time limits on decisions. If I don't figure it out within 10 minutes, I make a choice and stick with it.

6. Take Breaks—Seriously

Your brain needs rest, especially when you’re juggling a million decisions. Take frequent breaks throughout your day. Step away from work, take a walk, or even just lie down for a few minutes. This helps clear your mind and avoid feeling totally drained.

7. Give Yourself Permission to Say “I Don’t Know”

You don't have to make all of your choices perfect. Every once in a while, you can just let off the pressure. If you are stuck, feel free to say "I don't know" and try something else. The world won't end if you didn't select the perfect birthday vacation spot or nail color. Actually, accepting imperfection might make you less tense.

To sum it all up, decision fatigue isn't funny, especially when you have ADHD. But it doesn't have to control your life.

The trick is to keep it simple, have boundaries, and realize that not every decision needs to be "the right decision."

From my birthday adventure to getting my nails done, I learned that the best choices happen when you refrain from overanalyzing and simply let go of needing to be perfect.

So the next time you find yourself stuck in a decision-making mode, make it simpler. Prioritize what matters most, step away, and get help when you need it.

Trust me, it'll make a world of a difference.

Want a place to track your routines, hacks, goals, and wins in an ADHD-friendly way?

Check out my eBook below for holistic tips and practical tools for managing ADHD and finding calm in the chaos.

Focus, Energize, & Thrive: Holistic ADHD Hacks for a Balanced Life

By Dingle, Shanetta L.

Buy on Amazon

Check out the ADHD Planner that is designed specifically for brains like ours. It's not just a planner; it’s a lifeline to structure, support, and self-compassion.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through one of these links. I only recommend products I genuinely love and believe can add value, especially for ADHD brains like ours. Thank you for supporting this blog!

My Birthday Reflection on Growth with ADHD

Today is my birthday. And honestly, most birthdays once used to have a tinge of bitterness for me. There was always this undertone of sadness underlying the celebrations, because my mom isn't with me anymore.

Not being able to celebrate this day with her, not getting to hear her voice or catch her hug, left an aching gap which felt hard to fill.

A photo of my beautiful Momma, Dorothy W. Jones, on the right and my, her twin, Netta on the left. This is one of my favorite photos that I will always cherish♥️♥️♥️

But somewhere along the way, I've grown to accept that grief and temper it into something different—into joy, into gratitude, into living my life in her honor.

And today, I am complete. I am at peace. I am at ease. I am ready—with open arms—to welcome whatever God has in store for me.

Reflecting on 42: A Year of Miracles

Looking back over this past year of my life—age 42—I can see how far I've come.

I have accomplished more in one year than I ever could have imagined, and honestly, more than many get to accomplish in a whole lifetime. And I don't say this triumphantly—I say it gratefully.

New Callings and Creative Courage

I began a new profession (my 4th and final career) as a birth and postpartum doula, stepping in intentionally and working with families through some of their most sacred moments.

I launched two publications on Substack, Vent to Victory, where I turn vents of day-to-day life as an ADHDer, mom, wife, and Black woman in America into a victory. The main publication is ADHDventures in Homeschooling, where I talk about the life of homeschooling as a mommy with ADHD, the goods, the chaos, and gratitude.

I began a blog, a podcast (Chatterbrain Mommy), and an e-book that is deeply personal and emotional to my journey.

Connections That Became Chosen Family

With all that, I've encountered some of the sweetest souls—those who've not only advised me but who now are friends, sisters, and chosen family.

They've invested in me just as I've learned to invest in others.

The Radical Shift: Choosing Myself First

But perhaps the most revolutionary of this journey? I've learned to put myself first.

As someone with ADHD, that hasn't always been intuitive. We get pulled in by the hustle, by the whirl of overthinking and overstimulation, constantly chasing after the next thing or trying to "catch up."

But this year, I took my foot off the gas.

I learned to sleep without guilt.

I embraced quiet.

I re-established my spirituality, deepening my connection with God in a way that keeps me centered no matter what's going on around me.

I began to turn about the old habits and replacing them with intentional routines. I found joy within myself. I stopped waiting for peace and instead learned how to create it.

A photo of me as I embrace the beautiful bloom of many flowers, meaning many opportunities arise as I walk in my purpose.

A photo of me as I am so joyful. These flowers were given to me by my baby daughter on my 21st anniversary on 4/13/2025.

Walking Boldly in My Purpose

That's why I'm still strutting my stuff confidently in my ministry as an ADHD life and wellness coach. In spite of the bumps, in spite of the doubt, I know this is what I am called to do.

My coaching website will be live in a few weeks, and I'm already taking pre-appointments.

I've had single-session work that has reminded me how desperately this work is needed—and I'm just so blessed to be creating a successful business where I can come fully, not only for my clients, but for my family as well.

Welcoming 43: A Year for Blooming

This year, 43 is going to be about growth and establishment. Last year was establishing—putting the foundation down. This year is about watering the seeds that I planted last year and watching them bloom.

So stay tuned. God’s not done. I’m walking in my purpose, with love in my heart, and fire in my spirit—and I’m ready to help others do the same.

ADHD Isn’t Just About Focus—It’s a Whole Different Way of Experiencing Life!

ADHD isn't just an issue of being hyper or having a problem focusing—it's about experiencing the world in an entirely different manner.

If you've got ADHD (or think you do), you already know it's not about forgetting your keys for the dozenth time or zoning out in the middle of a discussion.

It's the rollercoaster of hyperfocus one day and utter forgetfulness the next.

It's the struggle of time management, thought organization, and even relationship management.

Some days, you're unstoppable. On other days, you can't remember why you opened the fridge.

Ring a bell?

This vivid image captures a bustling city that never truly stops, where everyday life's vibrant hustle and bustle plays out like a never-ending show. The constant motion and clamor reflect the delightful yet chaotic whirlwind that characterizes the overactive mind of someone with ADHD. It's a beautiful mess, brimming with energy and excitement, yet it often overwhelms one in the vibrant maze.

What Causes ADHD?

ADHD isn’t just about “not trying hard enough” or “being lazy.” It’s a legit brain difference, and science backs it up.

Genetics Play a Big Role

If your parents or siblings have ADHD, there’s a good chance you do too. Studies show that it runs in families.

Brain Chemistry & Structure

Image of the brain lighting up with thoughts and different processes

Focus, motivation, and impulse control are all impacted by the variations in dopamine levels in the brains of people with ADHD. The "control center" of the brain, which is responsible for executive function, doesn't always function the same way in neurotypical brains.

Environmental Factors

• Prenatal exposure to drugs, alcohol, or nicotine may increase the chance of ADHD.

• Prenatal exposure to drugs, alcohol, or nicotine may elevate the risk of ADHD. Low birth weight and premature birth are linked to a higher likelihood of ADHD.

• Some research suggests that early exposure to lead and other chemicals may also play a role.
  Low birth weight and premature birth are associated with an increased risk of ADHD.
  
  According to some research, early exposure to lead and other chemicals may also be involved.

ADHD Symptoms: The Three Big Categories

ADHD symptoms are usually grouped into three major categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. You might lean heavily toward one or experience a mix of all three. Here’s what that looks like in real life:

Inattention Symptoms (aka The Scatterbrain Struggles)

• You start a task with full enthusiasm, only to abandon it five minutes later because something else caught your eye.

• Your workspace looks like a hurricane hit it—papers, coffee cups, and random objects everywhere.

• You lose your phone, keys, or wallet at least twice a day. (And they’re always in some weird place, like the fridge.)

• You space out in conversations, even when you’re genuinely interested.

• You leave projects until the last minute, even though you know it’ll stress you out later.

• Keeping a planner sounds like a great idea, but actually using it consistently? Not happening.

Hyperactivity Symptoms (aka The Human Energy Drink)

• You tap your foot, click your pen, or bounce your leg constantly—sitting still feels like torture.

• You interrupt people mid-sentence, not because you’re rude, but because your brain moves a mile a minute.

• You get up and pace while thinking, watching TV, or even talking on the phone.

• You talk a lot. Like, a lot. And sometimes realize you’ve been rambling for five minutes straight.

• Sitting through a long meeting or lecture? Absolute nightmare.

Impulsivity Symptoms (aka Oops, Did I Just Say That?)

• You say things without thinking, which can occasionally result in awkward circumstances.

• You make spontaneous decisions without taking into account the advantages and disadvantages; sometimes they turn out well, and other times they go wrong.

• You find it difficult to wait your turn in traffic, lines, or conversations. Very impatient because you feel like you are in a rush.

• Purchases on impulse are your worst enemy when it comes to online buying, therefore it might be risky.

ADHD Ain’t a Weakness—It’s Just a Different Operating System

Having ADHD doesn’t mean you’re lazy, unmotivated, or incapable.

It just means your brain works differently, and you need to find strategies that fit your style.

Some of the most creative, successful, and innovative people in history had ADHD.

The key is learning how to work with your brain, not against it. Whether it’s medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a mix of everything, you can build a system that helps you thrive.

ADHD isn’t a roadblock—it’s just a different way of navigating the world.

Managing ADHD isn’t about "fixing" yourself—it’s about finding the right tools to work with your brain, not against it. 

That’s why I created an ADHD Planner to help you stay on track without overwhelm. 

You can grab yours now here and start organizing life on your terms!

 Click here to check it out!

Disclaimer: This blog may have links that are affiliate links, meaning I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.