Episode 59 - "Why Is This So Hard?" Parenting With ADHD and Letting Go of Shame with Michaela Thomas

Parenting is demanding for everyone, but for parents with ADHD, it can feel especially overwhelming. In this episode, I'm joined by Michaela Thomas, clinical psychologist and neurodiversity specialist, to explore what parenting looks like when your own executive functions are under constant strain. Parenting is, in itself, a huge executive function task, requiring constant planning, organising, remembering, emotional regulation, and managing transitions, often under pressure. For parents with ADHD, this can create a persistent sense of falling short, even when they are trying incredibly hard.  We explore why shame and self-criticism are so common, particularly for those diagnosed later in life, and the "double whammy" many families experience when parents with ADHD are raising children with similar neurodivergent traits.  If you're a parent with ADHD and you often find yourself asking, "Why can't I just manage this?", this episode is for you. It's a reminder that difficulty is not failure, and that being a good parent does not mean getting it right all the time. Michaela offers further support through her Reset course, which is designed to help parents gently reset their nervous systems and reduce overwhelm. You can find out more here: https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/reset/