In addition to cards, chocolates and flowers, Mother’s Day – like all the other holidays on the calendar – can bring challenges. If you are suffering from ADD in adults or if you have a child who went through ADHD testing even though you already knew what the results would be, you can still enjoy the day (which is on Sunday, May 12 this year).
As ADDitude Magazine says in Moms with ADHD, “Being a mom is a hard job, whether you’re a stay-at-home parent or a busy professional trying to balance a career, kids and everything else. It’s doubly hard when you’re a mom with attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD).”
Terry Matlen, author of Survival Tips for Women with AD/HD: Beyond Piles, Palms and Post-its, recently addressed a conference sponsored by the Attention Deficit Disorder Association. “As women, we’re so used to tending to the needs of others that we tend to overlook our own needs,” she said, according to ADDitude’s reporting. “It’s hard to admit that you aren’t perfect, that you can’t do it all, and that you need help. Accept your ADHD and go with it.”
Matlen offered tips for moms with adult ADD, according to the magazine. Here are a few worth remembering as Mother’s Day approaches:
- Explain ADHD symptoms to your family.
- Have down time to re-energize.
- Use a sitter when you’re working on something at home.
- Have family meetings.
- Get professional help with managing kids who have ADHD, too.
- Get outside help for chores that create tension in relationships.
- Don’t fight with picky eaters — use vitamins and frequent healthy snacks.
- Pick your battles.
- Establish quiet time/zones (no TV while eating).
- Keep explanations short.
- Enlist the ‘no interruptions rule” at dinner table or use passing stick method.
- Get partner to take over when you feel you’re losing it.
- Use humor.
- Take time away together with spouse.
If you have questions about ADD in adults, Dr. George Sachs, PsyD, can help. As an adult living with ADD, he offers clients a unique professional perspective. The Sachs Center also offers ADD/ADHD treatment in NYC as well as ADHD testing for adults and children. Call us at 646-603-0491 to schedule a free five-minute consultation.