Parenting a Child with ADHD When You Also Have ADHD

Parenting is challenging enough, but parenting a child with ADHD while

also managing your own ADHD? That’s a whole new level of “how did it get this chaotic?”

At Creative Counseling Colorado, we work with families navigating this dynamic, helping parents find strategies to manage the

whirlwind while keeping connection, patience, and humor intact.

Parents struggle to communicate with son

Understanding the Unique Challenges

Parenting a child with ADHD when you also have ADHD can feel like a

constant feedback loop:

● Your child struggles with focus and impulsivity.

● You may find it hard to maintain routines, remember schedules, or

stay patient.

● Both of you may become easily frustrated when plans don’t go as

expected.

The good news? Recognizing the challenges is the first step toward

creating systems that work for your family. At Creative Counseling

Colorado, we emphasize self-awareness and compassion—for both parent and child—as key components of effective ADHD parenting.

Strategies for Parenting ADHD to ADHD

Here are some practical approaches we encourage families to try:

1. Simplify Routines

Consistency is crucial for kids with ADHD, and it can help parents too.

Keep routines predictable but flexible, and use visual schedules, checklists, or timers to reduce overwhelm.

2. Use Collaborative Problem-Solving

Instead of insisting on compliance, involve your child in creating solutions.

Ask, “What would help you remember your homework?” or “How can we

make bedtime easier for both of us?” This fosters teamwork and reduces

power struggles.

3. Prioritize Self-Care

Parents with ADHD often struggle to prioritize themselves, but self-care is

essential. Whether it’s a short walk, a meditation app, or just sitting quietly for five minutes, taking care of yourself models healthy behavior for your child.

4. Reduce Overload

When both parent and child are easily distracted, clutter, overstimulation,

and too many simultaneous tasks can lead to meltdown territory. Simplify schedules, break tasks into small steps, and minimize distractions where possible.

5. Celebrate Strengths

ADHD often comes with creativity, energy, and problem-solving skills.

Celebrate these traits in both yourself and your child, and find ways to

harness them—whether it’s through art, movement, or imaginative play.

How Therapy Can Help

At Creative Counseling Colorado, we use evidence-based strategies

combined with creative interventions to help families thrive. This includes:

● Coaching parents with ADHD on strategies for managing their own

executive function

● Teaching kids coping and regulation skills

● Providing art and play therapy for expression and emotional growth

● Supporting the parent-child relationship with structured guidance

Even a few small changes can dramatically reduce frustration and increase harmony at home.

Mom and daughter successfully shopping at the store.

Parenting a child with ADHD while managing your own ADHD isn’t easy, but it’s far from impossible. With understanding, structure, and support, you can navigate the challenges while maintaining connection and even

enjoying the chaos.

If you’re a Colorado parent looking for guidance, Creative Counseling

Colorado can help you develop practical strategies, emotional support, and creative tools for ADHD parenting—so both you and your child can thrive.