E228: Balancing Work, Family, and ADHD with Crystal Ware

Struggling with sleep at your house?   Today’s guest is Heather Erickson of Sleep and Beyond Consulting. Heather is a sleep coach that helps parents support their children for better sleep.  No matter if you have a big kid who fights sleep or you’re pregnant with your first nugget, Heather shares a ton of strategies on how to make bedtime easier for everyone.  We dove into how to create a soothing sleep sequence for your children, how we can prepare in pregnancy for the sleep deprivation coming, and why we even need sleep in the first place. These sleep principles are fitting for all ages. Most importantly, Heather is full of grace and shame-free for moms who are ready to throw in the towel. Let’s rest easy, mama! Heather’s Instagram Heather's Website   Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here:  https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-230-help-your-child-sleep-better-pregnancy-baby-heather-erickson   Stop Medusa Mom in her tracks with these 10 tips to calm down before you lose your cool! Watch (or read) the free video here: patriciasung.com/medusa-mom   Ready for a getaway? Watch this 2 min video of our last ADHD moms retreat! You’re invited to our next trip: October 11-13, 2024! patriciasung.com/retreat

Are you feeling anxious or lazy cuz you’re avoiding tasks you need or want to do?  Do you want to achieve a big goal but think it isn’t realistic right now? What if you *never* get around to the big dreams you have?  *cue PANIC* When you’ve spent years feeling like you’re procrastinating, being lazy, and not understanding why you can’t just do the thing, you can easily get confused when there is something you really want to do but it’s not a good fit right now.  Sometimes life is too full for one more project.   Sometimes you’re just trying to keep your head above water. Suddenly, ignoring the unfolded laundry basket, avoiding your finances, not going back to finish your degree, and ordering takeout instead of cooking dinner all end up in the same bucket.  But these are not the same kinds of projects when it comes to procrastination and avoidance. In this episode, I’m sharing how I distinguish when I'm actively avoiding something versus choosing to set up my life in a way that fits me and my family.  You’re NOT an inherently lazy person who will never accomplish anything ever. Let’s make some sense of these conflicting feelings. Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-229-moms-putting-off-your-big-dreams-goals  Our annual ADHD Moms Luxury Weekend Retreat is coming up October 11-13, 2024 in Houston, Texas! And we hope you’re coming, too!  I’ll take care of all the details - you simply show up and enjoy. Put it on your calendar now. Having a circle of moms who support you and believe in you matters. Register for your all-inclusive ticket here: patriciasung.com/retreat  

How do you juggle growing professionally while also being a great mom and taking care of yourself?  Meet today’s guest, Crystal Ware. Crystal and I dive into a dual episode that is being aired both on my podcast and on her podcast “Get Clear with Crystal Ware”.  From discussing the struggles of balancing work and family, to offering advice on advocating for a raise at work, Crystal's insights provide valuable guidance for women in professional settings.   Together, we’re exploring the complexities of managing ADHD in both mothers and their children, shedding light on medication, emotional regulation, and the importance of self-care.  Crystal Ware is on a mission to empower women to pursue their dreams with confidence, authenticity and purpose. She left a successful (yet stressful) career as a Fortune 500 leader and attorney on her quest to find more time, money and freedom, trading in the title of “attorney” for a new role as “entrepreneur and coach”.  Now, she helps other women define their own path to success, wealth, health, so they, too, can have the joy, faith, and freedom that she created for herself! Crystal believes everyone can build their dream and find true satisfaction and fulfillment, they just need to get clear on their dreams, build the courage, and find a little inspiration.  That's why she launched the Get Clear with Crystal Ware Podcast (with more than 100 inspiring episodes to tune in for), and recently launched her new website, The Well Defined Woman. You are made for more, so join her in creating it for yourself. Crystal's Instagram Crystal's LinkedIn Crystal's Simple Path to $1M Guide (free download): https://welldefinedwoman.kartra.com/page/Simple1M-optin Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-228-balancing-work-family-adhd-crystal-ware Which Mama Animal are You? Take the Quiz: What's your ADHD Mama Parenting Style? Because you're #NotYourAverageMamaBear Reminder: Today is the last day to grab your early access ADHD Moms Weekend Retreat ticket and snag your discount: patriciasung.com/retreat

When you feel like a BIG loser and failure… Eryn asks for help: “I'm always disappointed in myself that when faced with one small obstacle, I give up and cave on everything I've worked so hard to build and then it takes me WEEKS just to summon the effort/courage to get back on track - whether with diet/exercise, my small business, supporting my husband in his own business, or keeping a consistent routine for my 4 kids. It's so defeating and, as a wife & mom, makes me feel like the BIGGEST loser and failure.” Struggles and frustration are bound to come while parenting, especially with ADHD in the mix. It’s especially frustrating when you’ve worked so hard to establish habits and they seem to fall apart when the slightest thing changes! How can you pick back up where you were and feel successful in the habits you’ve built?  Today, I’m covering 3 questions I ask myself when things feel too hard and I want to give up. I hope they help you get back on the horse, too!   Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-227-restart-habits-you-gave-up-on Ready to get away? Our annual ADHD Moms Luxury Weekend Retreat is October 11-13, 2024 in Houston, Texas! Grab your all-inclusive Early Bird ticket now!  “Honestly, this was one the best weekends I've had since becoming a mom. I've never felt so seen and understood. I would hop on a plane and go again. No hesitation! I'll follow y’all anywhere, moms.”  –ADHD Mama J.Q. I’ll take care of all the details - you simply show up and enjoy.  Because you deserve to take care of yourself too. Sign up here: patriciasung.com/retreat  

Recently, I discussed with 4 mom friends the point of Mother’s Day. Spoiler Alert: We all had differing opinions and none of us do the same things on Mother’s Day. While some dislike its baggage and some of us loved a day of being treated like a queen, we did agree that moms could all use a lot more care and rest. You deserve more than 1 day out of 365, mama. Because caring for yourself isn’t an optional activity.  At some point, your body or mind will make you take a break when you haven’t made space for rest, and usually at a fairly inopportune time.  Let’s discuss why caring for yourself matters (it’s not selfish!) and what real self care looks like.  Wanna rest and relax with me? My weekend retreat for ADHD moms is an excellent way to take care of yourself.  Plus we get to hang out! In real life! You’re invited! “Be True To You”, the weekend retreat for ADHD Moms takes place October 11-13, 2024 in Houston, Texas. You get to relax, turn off the hamster wheel of to-dos, and rest while I totally take care of YOU! This event is all-inclusive. That means that you don’t have to do *anything* once you check in. I’m taking care of your hotel, meals, and activities. Plus you’ll be hanging out with an awesome group of moms who get you! Having friends who have or suspect ADHD and have been there, done that, and probably forgot to buy the T-shirt are wonderful, and the kind of friends who like you just as you are, that’s priceless. Here's your official invitation to join a welcoming group of moms in person to rest, hang out together, build your support system, and learn to take care of yourself. Because you are worth it. Early bird registration starts TODAY through May 30th, so grab your ticket here: patriciasung.com/retreat.  And if you can’t make it this year, what will you do to take care of yourself?  Because you deserve care, my dear, no matter the day of the year.   Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-226-why-you-cant-skip-self-care-as-a-mom

Scared of meeting new people? Does small talk give you hives? If you want to make new mom friends, but aren’t sure what to do next, let’s hang out on today’s episode! Until recently, parties where I didn’t know anyone were scarier than any snake, clown, or ghost. As someone who’s been painfully shy my whole life, I never knew what to say or how to leave a conversation before it got awkward.  I was so awkward! Today I’m sharing my struggles with making friends, especially in new situations with new people, along with 8 practical tips for mingling and making new friends as a mother with ADHD.  Here’s how I’ve learned to navigate social situations and embrace vulnerability in order to lower my social anxiety and make new friends. Making friends is a learned skill and you can get better at finding your kind of people.  You weren’t meant to do life alone and your potential friends are waiting for you to say hi. Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-225-8-tips-for-making-new-mom-friends-when-you-have-adhd   Craving people who understand how you work instead of judging you??? Come hang out with me and other ADHD Moms in our twice weekly Successful Mama Meetups! Come for the support; stay for the community. Join here: https://www.patriciasung.com/meetup

When is it too late to get an ADHD diagnosis? For today’s guest, Tami Hackbarth, getting diagnosed with ADHD at age 53 was worth it. After years in the classroom working with copious ADHD children, Tami has plenty of strategies and tools to help those of us with neurodivergent brains.  We dove into Tami’s journey of self-discovery, self-compassion, and self-acceptance. She opens up about her struggles with sleep apnea, the impact of medication on her daily life, and the importance of Fair Play and self-care in neurodivergent families. We also talk about the value of open communication within families and the significance of guilt-free self-care.  Tami Hackbarth helps GenX women get their time and energy back so they can create the world they want to live in. She is a Life+Work Coach, Speaker, Author, Podcaster, Fair Play Facilitator, former teacher, and lifelong Californian. You can find Tami at www.tamihackbarth.com and on socials at: • Instagram – @tamihackbarth • Facebook – @TamiHackbarth100PercentGuiltFreeSelfCareCoach • TikTok – @GuiltFreeSelfCare • Threads – @tamihackbarth Let’s jump into a candid conversation of understanding, empowerment, and embracing the unique challenges and victories of motherhood and entrepreneurship in the context of ADHD. Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-224-self-acceptance-fair-play-adhd-relationships-tami-hackbarth  Looking for support on how to treat your ADHD beyond medicine? Grab my free list of strategies and ADHD treatments at patriciasung.com/beyond-meds.

We all know someone who has an emotionally immature parent.  The one who lays on guilt trips. The one who never shows up. The one who struggles with demons bigger than their kids. Maybe it’s you.   Maybe it’s your neighbor or your best friend. As a mom, it hits different.  You see the pain, the nuance, the struggle a little more clearly. And yet you still can’t fix the other person. But you can make changes in your life and for your own children. Today, I’m not holding back from the tough conversation of emotionally immature parenting and breaking the cycles of brokenness in your family.  I want you to know wholeheartedly that when you’re taking care of yourself, you ARE caring for your family, too. Self-care is the opposite of selfishness. By learning how to take care of yourself, you can teach your kids those same invaluable skills.  Listen to this week’s episode and let’s do the hard work of breaking and rebuilding cycles together. Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-223-building-a-stronger-healthier-adhd-family-for-generations Current parenting workshop series: Your Gifted Child! A donate-what-you-can fundraiser for my kid’s school. Register at patriciasung.com/gt

What “should” you have done already?   Finish your degree?  Pass your driver’s license test?  Make that doctor’s appt?  Left the house for school pickup? If you’re constantly thinking “I’m behind!”, this episode is for you.   Often it’s literal, as in, “I’m 20 minutes late to my appointment!” But it’s also in the big things, like you “should” have more kids by now or gotten that promotion.  You’re not alone! Feeling behind has come up in several discussions recently both in my Lighthouse Group ADHD Coaching, and in Successful Mama Meetups. What are the patterns showing up in this pervasive problem among women with ADHD? Here’s how to move forward both logistically and mentally. It’s time to take care of you, mama: A whole weekend for you to relax and get away from all your weighty responsibilities, to understand your ADHD mind in community with moms who get it. Drop your name on the waitlist for the 3rd annual ADHD Moms Weekend Retreat in October 2024, and I’ll take care of everything once you arrive!   Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-222-4-reasons-why-you-feel-behind

Do you ever feel like an emotional sponge, absorbing the feelings of others around you? Especially when you’re with someone you care about? Especially when you’re in certain parts of your cycle? Extra especially when they are agitated, frustrated, angry, or anxious? In this episode, we dive deep into understanding emotional regulation, stress management, and the unique challenges faced by moms with ADHD. From absorbing everyone else's emotions to navigating the stress ladder, we'll explore the struggles and I’ll offer practical strategies for finding balance and grace in the midst of the storm.  You CAN learn to hear your own signals and trust them, as well as build your stress tolerance to help you regulate during the day, in spite of the rest of your and your family’s stressors! And once you know how, you can teach your kids how to increase their stress tolerance, too.   Stop Medusa Mom in her tracks with these 10 tips to calm down before you lose your cool! Watch (or read) the free video here: https://www.patriciasung.com/medusa-mom.   Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-221-frustrated-easily-adult-adhd-meltdown-mood-swing