I'm an overwhelmed parent

[WYMom]

My husband and daughters have ADHD. My son has some impulse control issues but is otherwise doing well. I work and my husband stays home. It works for us. My issue is that I get home and all 4 of them want to talk to me. Often all at once. I repeatedly state that I am one person and they need to take turns. This leads to them being angry at me if they are not the one I'm currently listening to. Our youngest, 4 is the worst culprit as she's 4 and can hardly be reasoned with. So, I just feel constantly overwhelmed by them all and like I am constantly failing. Home is a high stress environment for me now and my new job is as well. I'm just... drowning. I'm drowning and need a life preserver to the face please.

[MyDogAteMyRitalin]

Hi WYMom,

It sounds like you are in a tough spot and I want to send you support! One thing that has been helpful for my ADHD kid is to have a system. For everything. He needs to know the parameters and what to expect.

Might it be useful to work with your family to develop a system together for what happens when you walk in the door?

Hang in there; sending you virtual support.

[WYMom in reply to MyDogAteMyRitalin]

They often meet me in the garage so....if only I could get in the door. Lol

We eat dinner as a family every night and I always ask about everyone's day individually. It's still a big trial of talking over one another and upset. /Sigh working on it.

[LisethHIS]

Hi, WYMom,

Thank you so much for reaching out to CHADD National Resource Center on ADHD. I'm truly sorry to hear that you're facing some challenges right now. It can be tough, but please know that you're not alone in this journey.

One suggestion that might resonate with you is creating a daily routine with your children. Something like taking turns each day to have one-on-one time with them could make a big difference. Setting a timer for each session and explaining to them that you genuinely want to hear what they have to say can foster a sense of being valued and understood by everyone in the family.

At CHADD, we understand the complexities of managing ADHD in the family dynamic. That's why we offer a variety of resources tailored to support parents like you. Here are some links that could help you. chadd.org/attention-article... chadd.org/adhd-news/adhd-ne... chadd.org/attention-article... we have parent support groups if interested, chadd.org/affiliate-locator/

If there is anything else you need, please let me know.

Best Regards,

Liseth

Health Information Specialist

CHADD’s National Resource Center on ADHD chadd.org

[Mamamichl]

alright.some ideas here… one, have the family draw which order they get to talk to you. Limit each one to 5 minutes (set a timer). Another idea is to make sure you get time in your car or away to prepare yourself for this. You can also make it a rule that you are alone for 10 minutes in your room when you come home then you ask each to come for their 5 minutes. Our household also is setup where dad stays home. It helped my partner and kid to get along and me to get some me time to be away for a night or two. Good rejuvenation.