#130: Birthday Expectations vs. Reality: How ADHD Moms Can Bring the Magic Back

Send us a text*Use code MotherPlus10 to get 10% off your first order at Barlow Herbal*In this episode, we sit down with herbalist Jane Barlow to explore the transformative potential of plant medicine. Jane shares her insights on shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach to health, addressing root causes instead of just treating symptoms, and embracing herbs as part of a balanced wellness plan.We dive into:Mindset Matters: Why having an open mind and being brave is essential when introducing herbs into your health routine.The Best of Both Worlds: Jane’s vision of pairing Western medicine with herbal remedies for optimal health—and why more people are turning to natural solutions.Adaptogens for ADHD: How these incredible herbs help manage modern stress by calming your nervous system and alleviating anxiety, particularly for the ADHD community.Cortisol and Fight-or-Flight: The toll ADHD takes on your adrenal system and how herbal support can help break the cycle of chronic stress and overwhelm.Jane also shares practical tips, including:Why Tinctures Work Wonders: The science behind tinctures as a fast, effective way to absorb herbs, bypass digestion, and cross the blood-brain barrier.Immune Health Essentials: Jane’s top herbal picks for staying healthy during cold and flu season, with a spotlight on her favorite herb: lomatium.Elevating Your Rituals: How to incorporate herbs into your daily rituals to create deeper connections and greater well-being.And don’t forget—ADHD moms, this one’s for you! You deserve to feel good. Prioritizing your health is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.If you’ve been curious about the healing power of herbs or looking for ways to feel calmer, healthier, and more balanced, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration to get you started.About Jane:Jane's father founded Barlow Herbal over 60 years ago, and she has been immersed in his craft ever since. Working side by side with him in the field, she mastered the art of identifying the perfect harvesting seasons, as well as the intricate processes of drying, processing, and crafting potent herbal extracts. Jane’s lifelong experience and her ability to capture the earth’s strength make her a true expert in her field.Her passion for the beauty industry, combined with her expertise as a Master Herbalist, gives her a unique edge in creating highly specialized health and beauty products. Building on her father’s legacy, Jane dedicates years to meticulous research and formulation, ensuring every product she develops is one she wholeheartedly uses and endorses.Find Jane here: https://barlowherbal.com/https://www.instagram.com/barlowherbal/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtq9uAZnU8ay7y2e8Xl2mGQ*Find your people and a rich library of rituals to get MOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog

Send us a textDo you ever feel like you’re drowning in responsibilities, unsure of what to do next, or terrified by the thought that you don’t have it all figured out? You’re not alone. In this solo episode, Stacey dives into the raw, relatable experience of ADHD moms who constantly feel like they’re falling short—and what we can do about it.Join Stacey as she unpacks:Why ADHD moms often feel lost and overwhelmed.The common (but ineffective) advice of "just get organized."A powerful, alternative approach: getting found by reconnecting with yourself.How morning rituals like movement, meditation, EFT, and journaling can transform chaos into clarity.What You’ll Learn:Stacey shares her personal rituals, including how they’ve helped her drop fewer balls, prioritize what matters, and live with intention. Whether it’s through guided visualizations, tapping through anxieties, or writing your future self into existence, this episode will inspire you to meet yourself where you are and step into a more centered, confident life.Free Resource for Listeners:As a special gift, Stacey is offering a free guided visualization straight from the Rituals Library. This meditation helps you imagine a day where you know what you’re doing and feel calm, confident, and in control.Download it here: www.motherplusser.com/i-knowReady to Go Deeper?If you loved the guided visualization, the Rituals Library is for you. With meditations, EFT videos, journaling prompts, and an accountability community, it’s the ultimate resource for ADHD moms ready to reclaim their peace and purpose.Join today for just $20/month: www.motherplusser.com/centeredCommunity Shout-Out:Hear what our members are saying! Jenny C. shared how our “Ritual of the Day” transformed her routine. “It’s scary how much I needed this.”You don’t have to do this alone. Join us as we support each other in building rituals that help us find ourselves again.MOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog

Send us a textFinally find calm and clarity as an ADHD mom—join the Rituals Library today for just $20/month and start working with your brain and enjoying your motherhood.ADHD Cliff's Notes: In this solo episode, Steph talks about the things that have shifted in her family's holiday traditions in this season of life and reads her Listen To Your Mother Boulder story, "Mom's First ADHD Christmas."During a post-divorce era of raising teenage daughters, Steph is learning to let go of old traditions that they have outgrown. . . and some of it is a sweet relief. Applying the ADHD lens to the holidays: which activities bring out our creative ADHD superpowers, and which ones feel like tedious tasks requiring too many executive functioning skills to feel joyful. Embracing what is can be an essential element of a peaceful, fun holiday—this can mean letting go of things that no longer work, accepting shifting seasons of parenting, and allowing for happiness right where you are. Steph confesses to the parts of the holiday season that feel anything but magical to her—stuffing stockings, playing Tooth Fairy, and hiding Easter eggs. She shares the beautiful side of holidays with teenagers—and an ADHD household—and celebrates the new rituals and changes that have brought ease. Understanding her ADHD brain has helped Steph find new ways to adapt during the holiday season to avoid unnecessary stress—how can you make small changes to accommodate your neurodivergence during a stressful season? Join Stace and Steph for Reclamation: The Fempire Strikes Back on Thursday, December 5th. This all-female storytelling + stand-up comedy event is at Muse Performance Space in Lafayette from 7:00-8:30 pm. Tickets available here. Ready to bring calm, clarity, and connection into your life as an ADHD mom? The Rituals Library is here to help you finally stop spinning your wheels and start creating lasting peace.With guided meditations, EFT tapping videos, journaling prompts, and transformative workshops, this library is your one-stop shop for rituals that work with your ADHD brain—not against it. From practical tools to spiritual practices, you’ll have everything you need to reclaim your time, manage your energy, and feel more present in your life and with your family.Plus, when you join now, you can lock in the special $20/month founding members rate! Don’t wait to start feeling less frazzled and more centered—because you deserve a life that feels good, not just one that looks good.Do something different for your brain and join the ADHD Mom's Rituals Library - we'll see you in there!MOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog

Send us a textIn today’s episode, we’re diving into the life and legacy of Martha Stewart—not just as a media mogul, but as a woman who changed the way we think about homemaking. Inspired by the recent documentary on her life, we’re asking big questions: What does it mean to be unapologetic as a woman? How can homemaking become a source of power rather than a chore? And why do we critique ambitious women differently than men?Join Stacey in this solo episode as she explores Martha’s story and what it reveals about perfectionism, gender biases, and the impossible expectations placed on women today.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Opening Thoughts:Why Martha Stewart’s documentary evokes such strong emotions—pride, frustration, and everything in between.How her story is not just about her but about us, as women and moms navigating modern expectations.Who Is Martha Stewart? Why Does She Matter?From model to Wall Street broker to homemaking icon: a look at Martha’s journey to building a media empire.How she redefined homemaking, turning it from a "get through it" task into an art form—and why that matters.The cultural shift she led in the 1980s and 90s, elevating homemaking during a time when it was undervalued.Work Ethic or Perfectionism? Why Martha’s Confidence Polarizes:Exploring the gender biases that make us see ambitious women as "unlikable" or "too much."Why qualities like being direct, bold, and unapologetic are admired in men but critiqued in women.Stace’s reflections on the discomfort and admiration Martha’s confidence inspires.Homemaking as a Source of Power:How Martha reframed homemaking as a way to care for yourself, not just others.Stace’s journey with ADHD and homemaking: why creating an intentional home environment matters for mental clarity and peace.The double-edged sword of Martha’s perfectionism: empowering or exhausting?Reflection: What Martha Means Today:Stace’s small but meaningful takeaways from the documentary, like making the bed and adding personal touches to her home.How Martha’s story teaches us to respect our spaces and ourselves—even if our version of homemaking isn’t “Martha-level.”The broader lesson: balancing ambition and likability as women in today’s world.What now?Watch the Martha Stewart documentary if you haven’t already.Reflect on your own relationship with homemaking and perfectionism.Share your thoughts on Instagram and tag us (@motherpluspodcast) or email us at [email protected]—we’d love to hear your takeaways!Resources Mentioned:Netflix Documentary: MarthaRituals Library (Link to your Rituals Library offering, if relevant to the episode!)ADHD Mom's Club: https://www.motherplusser.com/offers/vuz3iqfT/checkoutMOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog

Send us a textStace and Steph recap Rituals Week—7 days of meditation, journal prompts, and EFT for the ADHD mom. We guide you through one of our juiciest rituals ever—warning! Do not listen while driving!— with a meditation, journal prompts, and a EFT tapping session for emotional dysregulation. Stace and Steph share their favorite aspects of rituals and talk you through setting up your space and finding a time of day that works for you. We share the benefits of having a consistent ritual practice for the past few months—including feeling more calm and grounded, losing our cool a LOT less, and having more confidence in our ability to cope with stress and the demands of motherhood. Presenting . . . Centered: A Rituals Library for the ADHD Mom. We are creating a collection of meditations, journal prompts, EFT scripts, resources, checklists, and more designed specifically for YOU, the ADHD mom, to find more peace in your day. Pre-order the library by November 15th to get access on December 5th—an entire month early—and be part of our beta program where you help us build a rituals practice that works for you. Founding members get lifetime access to an ever-growing resource library for a one-time price of $129, and get to work closely with Stace and Steph in November to help create practices tailored to your needs, AND have a free month of our accountability community to stay on track with your rituals practice. Founding Members Join The Rituals Library Here: https://www.motherplusser.com/centeredMOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog

Send us a textWho here looks forward to their birthday each year, only to end up feeling that familiar pang of disappointment? As ADHD moms, balancing high expectations and the reality of motherhood is no easy feat. This episode of The Mother Plus Podcast dives into the unique mix of excitement and frustration many ADHD moms feel around their birthdays. Stace asked the Mother Plus community to share personal stories about those birthday letdowns, the reasons behind them, and fresh ideas on how to bring that birthday magic into our everyday lives—no special occasion required. Together, we’ll discover new ways to feel special without relying on one day to bring all the joy. Ready to create your own everyday moments of celebration?To join the Rituals Library as a founding member, click here: https://www.motherplusser.com/centeredMOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog

Send us a text🕯️✨To join us for Rituals Night on Tuesday October 29th at 7 pm Mountain Time, click here ✨🕯️: https://www.motherplusser.com/rituals-weekADHD Cliff's Notes:In this solo episode, Steph reads a column she wrote called, "Girl Dinner," and reflect on the motherhood stage of life she is in right now post-divorce, post-oldest goes to college, post-ADHD diagnoses. Some eras of parenting feel harder than others and we all have ages that feel easier; raising teenagers may be more comfortable for an ADHD mom's brain. Steph shares the things she has let go of as a mom post-ADHD, and how she is thriving more now that she's accepting her natural strengths and challenges as a neurodivergent mom. Right now, there is less cooking and more "girl dinner," later bedtimes and bohemian habits—and it feels great to the two ADHD ladies living in the house. Making peace with the end of the "little kid years" brings a new freedom—being a mom feels more natural, fun, and comfortable than it did before, and part of that may be understanding ADHD motherhood. The key to thriving as a parent, regardless of what stage your in, lies in understanding yourself, celebrating your superpowers, and working with your challenges with flexibility and self-compassion. Steph's Substack post: Girl DinnerTo join the ADHD Moms Club, Click Here.MOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog

Send us a textWe interview mother + artist Christie Russert about how motherhood and ADHD tendencies have impacted her art. We discuss the impact motherhood has on the ADHD woman's ability to focus on tasks with constant divided attention with children. Untangling the overwhelm: what is motherhood and what is ADHD? It can be difficult to separate out symptoms that are a result of neurodivergence instead of parenting. Christie talks about the challenges of being an artist with attention challenges: focusing on completing a task, making decisions, and staying consistent. How does motherhood impact flow? Writers and artists and creators and performers and athletes live for the feeling of flow, and it's rough when it dries up. We ponder whether the ADHD brain craves and thrives on "flow states" because of neurotransmitter regulation issues and the dopamine rush we get from creative flow—is that why so many artists, musicians, and writers have ADHD? "Something's gotta give"—making choices as a creative mom means sacrifice, learning to rein in the idea machine of your brain and let go of things you don't prioritize because of your own values.We talk about alignment: do our values line up with where we are putting our time and energy, and why do we feel frustrated when we aren't getting results with things we actually don't care about? Seasons of motherhood and art: We talk about the importance of tapping into your intuition to work with and honor the seasons of your life as your daily schedule, needs, and capacity for creating change. Meet Christie Christie Russert is the Chicago based artist behind the illustration brand, Sunshine Canteen. She creates a variety of pieces, from vivid abstract patterns to mixed media collage to landscapes.  Her artwork transports you to a carefree paradise with its vintage-inspired bright colors and positive energy. Christie licenses her illustration work with brands that feature her designs on a variety of products. Find her work online through her website, sunshinecanteen.comLike what you hear and want to hang out more? Join us in the ADHD Moms Club.MOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog

Send us a textJoin Stacey as she reveals the morning ritual that changed her ADHD. Here's the ADHD Cliff's Notes:She’s going to reveal everything she does in her morning ritual The prep the night before is crucial to a successful morning The 4 things that make up her morning ritualHow she doesn’t let her kids walking in on her deter her from finishing the ritualThe ripple effect of her morning ritual in other parts of her dayFinally, Steph and Stace invite you to create your own morning ritual with us at...✨ Rituals Week! ✨ADHD Moms, we know how chaotic mornings can be. You wake up already behind, feeling scattered, and that morning routine you’ve always wanted? It just doesn’t happen. 😩But what if you could turn that chaos into calm? 🧘‍♀️ That’s exactly what we’ll be working on during Rituals Week, happening October 23-29. It’s FREE, and it’s designed for the ADHD mom.Here’s what you’ll get:Daily rituals to help you ground your mornings and end your days with peaceEFT tapping sessions, meditations, and journaling practices specifically for ADHD momsPractical strategies to reclaim your time and energy (yes, even with ADHD!)This is your time to prioritize YOU, set boundaries, and create rituals that actually work. 💪 There is really no good reason not to do this.👉 Sign up here! It’s free. psst. Rituals are better with friends so make sure to bring one!Oh, and YES, their will be replays if you can't make the lives.MOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog

Send us a textJoin Stacey as she explains the mysterious art of EFT. Her mission is to make it as easy and as accessible as possible to you, the ADHD mom. Because it's too good not to use.Anxiety? Overwhelm? Unclear on where to focus? Feel like you're in a constant state of emergency?EFT can help.Here's how this episode is going to go down:1. Stacey will explain what EFT is, and why it works2. She will give you the formula for how to lay out an EFT session (for yourself)3. Make it easy. She will remind you how easy this can be, and if you make it complicated, you won't do it. 4. She will then walk you through an EFT session for anxiety and urgencyIf you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more about how you can bring EFT and rituals into your life, please join us for Rituals Week: The Anti-Challenge for the ADHD Mom. It's totally FREE and it all starts October 23rd - October 29th. Sign up here: https://www.motherplusser.com/rituals-weekMOTHER PLUS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mother_plus_podcast/MOTHER PLUS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/motherpluspodcastMOTHER PLUS PERMISSION SLIP: https://www.motherplusser.com/Permission-SlipMOTHER PLUS NEWSLETTER: https://www.motherplusser.com/signup-pageMOTHER PLUS BLOG: https://www.motherplusser.com/blog