Lessons Learned in ADHD Parenting: How My Own ADHD Shapes My Approach to Parenting Support
Nov 9, 2024
Creating Bonding Health wasn’t just a business decision; it was a personal mission. As someone who grew up with ADHD, I know firsthand the challenges, frustrations, and hidden strengths that come with this unique way of thinking. When I started this journey, I wanted to build more than just a tool—I wanted to create a safe, supportive community that could genuinely help parents of ADHD children. My own ADHD has shaped the way I approach Bonding Health, guiding me in designing resources, crafting support systems, and understanding the needs of ADHD families.
Through my own journey with ADHD, I’ve learned lessons that have impacted both my life and my work. I’m excited to share how my personal experiences with ADHD continue to shape Bonding Health, making it a platform where parents can find the understanding and guidance they need.
ADHD Brings Unique Challenges—and Unique Strengths
One of the first things I learned from living with ADHD is that it brings both struggles and unexpected strengths. Growing up, I faced a lot of the typical ADHD challenges: difficulty focusing, struggles with routine, and constant frustration with school systems that didn’t quite understand me. Yet, ADHD also taught me resilience, creative problem-solving, and an ability to think outside the box.
These insights have been instrumental in shaping Bonding Health’s approach. I know that ADHD families need more than just advice on managing behavior; they need a community that embraces the positive aspects of ADHD while providing tools to manage the challenges. I wanted Bonding Health to be a place where parents could find strategies that don’t just focus on the “problems” of ADHD but celebrate its unique strengths as well. For instance, our resources aren’t just about handling meltdowns—they’re also about building emotional regulation, resilience, and confidence in both parents and children.
Understanding the Importance of Emotional Regulation
One of the biggest challenges for those with ADHD is emotional regulation, and it’s something I’ve struggled with personally. ADHD doesn’t just affect focus—it can also heighten emotions, making it harder to stay calm and grounded. I realized that this difficulty with emotional regulation didn’t end with childhood; it continued to be a part of my adult life, affecting relationships, work, and even my approach to building Bonding Health.
My experiences have shown me just how crucial emotional support is for ADHD families. Many ADHD parents struggle with their child’s emotional highs and lows, often feeling helpless when traditional approaches don’t work. At Bonding Health, we prioritize emotional regulation tools because I know how transformative they can be. We offer resources like guided mindfulness exercises, grounding techniques, and self-reflection activities to help parents manage their own stress while supporting their child’s emotional growth. These tools are born out of my personal journey and are designed to provide practical, accessible solutions for parents who need them.
Building Compassion and Patience Through Personal Struggles
Living with ADHD has taught me a lot about patience, both with myself and others. ADHD can make it difficult to be consistent, to follow through on plans, and to maintain focus. These struggles have taught me to be kinder to myself, to let go of perfectionism, and to understand that progress often comes in small steps rather than leaps.
As I built Bonding Health, I wanted to infuse this sense of compassion and patience into our community. ADHD parenting can be overwhelming, and I know that parents often feel like they have to “fix” everything at once. I want Bonding Health to be a place where parents can take things one day at a time, where they’re supported in their small victories as much as in their big ones. We encourage a mindset that focuses on gradual progress and self-compassion, helping parents let go of unrealistic expectations and find joy in the journey.
Learning from My Own Parenting Experience
While I’m not a parent, my experiences with ADHD have given me unique insights into what ADHD families need. Over the years, I’ve listened to countless stories from parents, observed family dynamics, and learned about the struggles ADHD parents face. I approach Bonding Health from the perspective of someone who understands ADHD from the inside, but also someone who deeply respects and values the parenting journey.
One of the things I’ve learned is that ADHD doesn’t just affect one person—it affects the whole family. ADHD parents are often managing their child’s needs alongside their own, balancing routines, relationships, and work. Bonding Health was designed to help lighten this load by offering tools that support both parent and child. Whether it’s through resources for managing daily routines, emotional support, or stress-relief strategies, Bonding Health aims to be a comprehensive support system for ADHD families.
Embracing Community and Connection
ADHD can be isolating, not just for those with ADHD but also for the parents supporting them. I’ve felt that isolation myself, and I know how difficult it can be to find people who understand what you’re going through. This sense of isolation inspired me to make community a core element of Bonding Health. I wanted to create a space where ADHD parents could connect, share their experiences, and find encouragement from others who genuinely understand.
Bonding Health Circles, our community platform, is a place where parents can ask questions, share their triumphs and challenges, and support one another. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be when parents come together to share their stories and insights. By building a community where parents can connect and collaborate, I hope to alleviate some of the isolation that so many ADHD families experience.
The Role of Creativity and Flexibility
One of the biggest lessons ADHD has taught me is the value of flexibility. Traditional systems don’t always work for ADHD brains, and sometimes you have to create your own path. This lesson has influenced how I design Bonding Health’s resources, encouraging creativity and flexibility rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
For example, Bonding Health offers multiple approaches to emotional regulation and stress management, recognizing that different families have different needs. Whether it’s through mindfulness exercises, journaling prompts, or community discussions, our resources are designed to adapt to each family’s unique rhythm. I believe that ADHD parents should feel empowered to try different strategies, find what works for them, and make adjustments as needed.
Moving Forward with Bonding Health
Creating Bonding Health has been a journey of learning, growth, and connection. My own ADHD has shaped every aspect of this platform, from the resources we offer to the supportive community we’ve built. My hope is that Bonding Health becomes a safe space where ADHD parents feel understood, empowered, and encouraged. ADHD is not just a set of challenges—it’s a different way of experiencing the world, one that comes with its own strengths and insights.
If you’re an ADHD parent looking for support, guidance, or community, I invite you to join us at Bonding Health Circles. We’re here to help you navigate the ups and downs, celebrate the strengths, and make ADHD parenting a journey of growth and resilience. Together, we can build a community that embraces ADHD as a unique way of seeing the world and supporting our children.
