Chaos & Creation: An ADHD Mom's Journey
Being a mom with ADHD brings a distinct set of challenges and rewards. Managing a business while raising three dynamic children—a 16-year-old girl who’s discovering her voice, a 15-year-old who’s exploring her independence, and a 6-year-old boy who’s in his own world of adventure—and you've got a recipe for a life that's anything but dull.
The balance between managing a business and being an active, present parent is a tightrope walk. My days are a mix of business calls, helping with homework, and squeezing in quality time with each child. ADHD adds an extra layer of complexity, making it hard to stay on track. One moment I'm focused on a project, and the next, I'm sidetracked by a forgotten school permission slip.
The Realness of Mom Guilt
The weight of mom guilt is a pervasive aspect of my daily life. It’s more than just a fleeting feeling of regret; it's a deep-seated concern that perhaps I’m not fulfilling my role as a parent as well as I should. This guilt is magnified by the demands of my business, which sometimes require sacrifices that directly affect my children. Whether it's missing an important school event because of an unforeseen meeting or not being fully present during our time together because my mind is preoccupied with work-related issues, the guilt is a constant companion.
This guilt isn’t just about actions not taken or moments missed; it's deeply intertwined with the fear of long-term impacts on my children. Am I giving them enough of my time? Do they feel supported and loved? These questions plague me, especially when ADHD-induced forgetfulness means I don’t remember important details about their lives or when I'm too exhausted from work to engage in meaningful conversations at the end of the day.
Juggling Time and Priorities
Time management is a daily challenge. ADHD means my perception of time can be skewed, and what I intend to be a quick work task can turn into hours, eating into the time I planned to spend with my kids. I’ve had to get creative with how I organize my day, using alarms and reminders to keep myself on track, but even then, it’s a work in progress. There are days when meals are improvised, and bedtime stories are swapped for heartfelt conversations, just to make sure we’re connecting.
The unpredictability of both my professional and personal responsibilities means that despite rigorous planning, things don't always go as intended. A client's emergency can derail a planned family dinner, or a school call about my son can interrupt a crucial business meeting. These constant shifts demand a level of adaptability and forgiveness that I'm continually learning to embrace. The guilt of seeing disappointment on my children's faces when work takes precedence, or the stress of falling behind on business tasks because of family commitments, is a juggling act that tests my resilience daily.
It's a delicate balance, trying to ensure that my children feel loved and valued, that they understand their importance to me, even when the demands of entrepreneurship stretch my time and attention thin.
Impact on Self-Esteem
This constant juggling act, while fulfilling, can sometimes leave my self-esteem hanging by a thread. The days when the balance tips too far in one direction, I'm left questioning my abilities, my choices, and whether I'm truly doing enough. It's a daily practice to silence the inner critic, to remind myself of the victories—no matter how small—and to acknowledge that doing my best is enough, even when it feels like I'm falling short.
The Beauty in the Chaos
Despite these challenges, the journey of motherhood and entrepreneurship is incredibly rewarding. The chaos, the missed steps, and the successes all weave together into a tapestry of experiences that define my life. To other moms out there trying to balance their dreams with the demands of parenthood, know that you're not alone. We all have our moments of doubt and triumph. It's okay to not have all the answers or to feel overwhelmed. What matters is that we keep showing up, doing our best, and embracing the beautiful, messy reality of our lives.
Here's to embracing each day with grace, laughter, and love, knowing that while we may not always get the balance right, we're creating a legacy of resilience, passion, and dedication for our children to follow.
