Parenting the Parent: When You’re Parenting an ADHD Teen (and Also Managing Your Own Stress or ADHD)
Hello, friend. If you’re parenting a teen with ADHD and quietly thinking:
“I love my kid, but I’m exhausted...”
“I feel like I’m failing more than I’m winning...”
“I might have ADHD too — and everything feels overwhelming…”
You’re not alone. Really, truly.
Parenting ADHD is hard. Beautiful, yes. But draining, too — especially when you’re the one holding the mental load, the emotional space, and the logistics of daily life.
Let’s talk honestly (and kindly) about how your own stress — or your own ADHD — might be affecting your parenting… and how to gently support yourself through it.
ADHD Parenting Stress Is Real (and Valid)
It’s not just your teen’s behaviour that’s tough. It’s:
Repeating instructions over and over
Meltdowns or shutdowns at the worst possible times
Endless school meetings and reminders
Guilt over yelling or forgetting things
Trying to “hold it all together” when you’re falling apart inside
And if you’re neurodivergent yourself? You’re not just parenting — you’re masking, coping, and over-functioning all day long.
It’s exhausting — and no one really talks about that part.
ADHD in Parents: When You See Yourself in Your Teen
If you’ve ever thought, “This feels familiar…” — it might be.
ADHD runs in families. And many parents only realise they have it after their child is diagnosed.
You might notice:
Trouble managing time or household systems
Getting easily overwhelmed
Struggling with emotional regulation
Feeling guilty when your patience runs out
None of that makes you a bad parent. It makes you a real one — doing the best you can with the tools you’ve got.
Gentle Ways to Care for You
You don’t need a huge overhaul. Just a few simple, supportive shifts that make your day feel a little lighter.
1. Let Go of “Perfect”
You don’t need to be the Pinterest version of a parent. You just need to be present, responsive, and kind — especially to yourself.
Give yourself credit for showing up, even on the messy days.
2. Use Systems That Work for YOUR Brain
If planners don’t stick, try:
Sticky notes, phone alarms, or timers
A whiteboard for the whole family
15-minute cleanup races instead of deep cleans
Asking your teen to help you remember things (they love feeling helpful!)
3. Make Room for Tiny Moments of Peace
You don’t need an hour. Just 5 minutes here and there:
Sit in silence with your coffee
Go for a walk around the block
Turn on a calming playlist whilst folding laundry
Breathe before responding to the next “Muuum!”
4. Ask for Help Without Apology
Whether it’s a therapist, coach, friend, or partner — you’re allowed to need backup.
You’re not supposed to do this alone.
The Takeaway?
You matter just as much as your child. And when you care for yourself — even a little — everything gets easier to carry.
You are already doing so much. And you don’t have to do all of it, all the time.
Let’s Talk About What You Need
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed and need someone to help you sort through the chaos…
I offer a FREE 20-minute consultation — a low-pressure space to talk about what’s hard, what’s working, and where we can make things feel easier.
Click here to book your free call
You don’t have to keep pushing through alone. I’m here when you’re ready.