In this episode, Kim & Jake break down a question every parent, teacher, and kid wonders about: What does ADHD actually feel like? Not how it looks from the outside — how it feels on the inside.

Jake shares honest insight about racing thoughts, emotional intensity, impulsivity, overwhelm, and the pressure to “just try harder.” Kim adds research from leading ADHD experts explaining why ADHD is a self-regulation difference, not a behavior issue.

You’ll hear powerful analogies kids can use with teachers and coaches — from “itching during an MRI” to “holding a beach ball underwater” — plus practical tools that help kids and adults manage symptoms.

Whether your child is newly diagnosed, late-diagnosed, or you’re trying to understand ADHD better, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and science-backed strategies to help families thrive.

Send us your questions and feedback!

🌍 Website: themothersonpodcast.com
📸 Instagram: @themothersonpodcast

📚 Sources & References

Barkley, R. A. (2015). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A handbook for diagnosis and treatment (4th ed.). Guilford Press.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Data and statistics on ADHD. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

CHADD. (n.d.). Understanding ADHD. Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. https://chadd.org

Shaw, P., Eckstrand, K., Sharp, W., Blumenthal, J., Lerch, J., Greenstein, D., Clasen, L., Evans, A., Giedd, J., & Rapoport, J. (2007). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is characterized by a delay in cortical maturation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 104(49), 19649–19654.

National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Brain imaging and ADHD research. https://www.nimh.nih.gov

Barkley, R. A. (2010). Deficient emotional self-regulation is a core component of ADHD. Journal of ADHD and Related Disorders, 1(2), 5–37.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents. Pediatrics, 144(4).

💛 Support the Show
Listener support helps us improve equipment, cover production costs, and save for Jacob’s future college journey. Thank you for supporting real parent–kid conversations.

Support the show