Parenting with ADHD can feel overwhelming, isolating, and full of invisible challenges—especially when you’re navigating neurodivergence without a roadmap.

In this episode of Surviving Parenthood: Neurodivergent Edition, host Vida Carey is joined by Trina Haynes, MyLadyADHD, for a deeply honest conversation about parenting while living with ADHD. Together, they explore late diagnosis, the daily realities of neurodivergent motherhood, and how community, self-advocacy, and self-trust can radically change the parenting experience.

This episode is a reminder that you’re not failing—you’re parenting in a world that wasn’t built for neurodivergent families.

What We Talk About in This Episode:

• How ADHD impacts daily life, routines, and parenting
• Navigating late diagnosis and identity shifts
• Letting go of internalized shame and perfectionism
• Trusting your instincts as a neurodivergent parent
• Teaching kids self-advocacy by modeling it yourself
• Recognizing and celebrating small parenting wins
• Building community and support for neurodivergent families
• Embracing imperfection and redefining parenting success

Key Takeaways:

• ADHD shapes parenting—but it does not define your worth
• Many parenting struggles stem from neurodivergent traits, not failure
• Community is essential for neurodivergent parents
• Self-advocacy is a vital parenting skill
• Parenting wins don’t have to be big to matter
• Open communication builds resilience in children
• Imperfect parenting can still be deeply connected and successful

In this episode of Surviving Parenthood, Vida Carey is joined by Suzanne Sophos for a powerful conversation about redefining traditional parenting approaches. Suzanne shares her transformative journey as a parent and the moment she realized that traditional parenting methods simply didn’t work for her child.

Together, they explore what it looks like to shift from control and compliance to support, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. Suzanne reframes parenting as a partnership—seeing children not as adversaries, but as teammates navigating life together. This episode offers deep insight into child development, emotional regulation, and how understanding a child’s struggles can completely change the parent-child dynamic.

This conversation is especially meaningful for parents raising neurodivergent or emotionally sensitive children and anyone questioning whether “conventional” parenting advice truly fits their family.

Key Takeaways

• Traditional parenting methods don’t work for every child—and that’s okay.
• Understanding a child’s struggles can shift how parents respond and connect.
• Parenting is more effective when it’s a team effort, not a power struggle.
• Emotional intelligence plays a critical role in healthy parenting.
• Children often act out because they are overwhelmed or struggling internally.
• Supporting children through challenges builds trust and long-term resilience.
• Rethinking the parent-child relationship can lead to better emotional outcomes.
• Collaboration fosters safety, growth, and mutual respect.
• Parenting requires adaptability, curiosity, and compassion.

Keywords: parenting support, child development, parenting styles, emotional intelligence, supportive parenting, neurodivergent children, parent-child relationship, collaborative parenting

In this impactful episode of Surviving Parenthood: Neurodivergent Edition, Vida sits down with Jon Foote, high school English teacher, parent, and mental health advocate, for a raw and relatable conversation about therapy, depression, and the power of taking proactive steps toward healing.

Together, they unpack the challenges neurodivergent individuals face when seeking support, the importance of mental health education, and why even the smallest proactive action can be transformative during depressive episodes. Jon shares his personal experiences with therapy, loneliness, and motivation, offering insight into how hope—no matter how elusive—can be the anchor that pulls us forward.

This episode is a reassuring reminder that therapy is worth the investment, knowledge is power, and reaching out for help can change everything.

Takeaways

• Therapy is consistently worth the emotional and financial investment.
• Knowledge empowers neurodivergent individuals to better understand themselves.
• Being proactive is crucial—especially during depression when motivation is low.
• Finding the energy to take action can feel impossible, but small steps matter.
• Hope is a powerful motivator, even when it feels out of reach.
• Believing in your ability to improve is essential to mental wellness.
• Therapy offers structure, insight, and validation that many neurodivergent adults were never given.

Keywords
therapy for neurodivergent adults, mental health tools, depression support, motivation during depression, hope and healing, proactive mental health strategies, benefits of therapy, mental health education, neurodivergent mental wellness, Jon Foote interview