Description

In this episode of Unmasking Mum, I share my own journey of realising I’m ADHD and gently walk through five of the most common traits we see in ADHD mothers: emotional dysregulation, executive functioning challenges, time blindness, sensory overload and forgetfulness.

I explain how these traits show up in everyday mum life, from feeling overwhelmed and emotionally reactive, to struggling with time, routines and the mental load of parenting. I also connect these experiences back to the DSM-5 criteria, helping you understand that these challenges aren’t personal failings, but part of how an ADHD brain works.

This episode is about awareness, self-compassion and recognising yourself without judgement, so you can begin to support yourself more kindly, both as a parent and as a person.

Takeaways

• Emotional dysregulation can make feelings intense and fast-moving.
• Executive functioning challenges impact planning, organisation and follow-through.
• Time blindness can make everyday tasks feel harder to manage.
• Sensory overload is a real and exhausting part of ADHD mum life.
• Forgetfulness adds to the already heavy mental load of motherhood.
• Understanding ADHD traits through the DSM-5 can bring clarity and validation.
• ADHD mums often face unique pressures and expectations.
• Support systems and simple routines can help ease daily challenges.
• Self-acceptance is a powerful part of living well with ADHD
• Talking openly about emotions helps children feel understood too.

Sound Bites

• “I realised I was ADHD around four years ago, and suddenly so much made sense.”
• “The mental load of motherhood is heavy, ADHD just adds another layer.”
• “These aren’t flaws; they’re traits of an ADHD brain.”
• “Understanding yourself changes how you parent.”

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & My ADHD Realisation 

08:34 Five Common ADHD Traits in Mothers 

25:55 How These Traits Link to the DSM-5