Making Sense of the Hard Bits of Parenting — When Your Brain Won't Sit Still

She Snippets for She Speaks Podcast Series 3 

Episode Overview
You're supposed to remember the birthdays, manage the schedules, keep track of who needs to be where and when. But what happens when your own brain won't cooperate? When the executive functioning that everyone assumes you have is running on empty?

In this snippet, Delyse Clayden gets honest about parenting with an ADHD brain—the chaotic thoughts, the decision fatigue, and that moment when you think "if I have to remember one more thing, I'm going to snap." This isn't about fixing yourself. It's about understanding what you're working with, finding systems that actually help, and letting go of the guilt when things slip through the cracks.

This Episode

Delyse shares her own experience navigating the ADHD parent brain. We explore:

•       The invisible expectations placed on parents—to just "know things" and "remember things"

•       How executive functioning challenges add an extra layer to parenting

•       The reality of ADHD running in families—managing your own brain while supporting your children's

•       Practical strategies: visual schedules, reducing complexity, recording systems that work

•       Why forgetting things doesn't make you a failure—and having contingency plans for when it happens

•       Embracing ADHD as a "beautifully creative experience" rather than something to fight against

Quotable Moments

"There are some days where I think if I have to make another decision or remember another thing, I'm going to snap." — Delyse Clayden

"You are going to probably forget some things and that's okay. It's not the end of the world, and it's not necessarily your fault." — Delyse Clayden

"Embrace the ADHD—it can be a beautifully creative experience. And don't be so hard on yourself." — Delyse Clayden

About Your Hosts
Professor Narelle Lemon is a researcher, educator, and passionate advocate for women's wellbeing based at Edith Cowan University in Perth. Creator of She Speaks and the Citizen Wellbeing Scientist project, Narelle has dedicated over 25 years to one powerful belief: self-care is not selfish—it's essential.

Delyse Clayden is an experienced educator, disability advocate, and mother of three. Specialising in Anxiety, Autism, and working with siblings, Delyse brings both personal and professional experience to her advocacy work. Her unique perspective as both an educator and a parent living alongside additional needs allows her to connect authentically with families.

Resources Mentioned

•       ADHD Parenting Skills by Age: Strategies for ages 2-18 

•       Delyse Clayden — Disability Advocate

Connect With Us

•       Follow She Speaks on Instagram: @shespeakswellbeingstrategies

•       Visit our website: www.shespeakswellbeing.com

A Note on Wellbeing
She Speaks is dedicated to amplifying women's voices on self-care and wellbeing. While we share personal experiences and practical strategies, please remember that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health support. If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health practitioner. 

She Speaks is proudly supported by the Western Australian Government and Department of Communities Women's Grants for a Stronger Future Grants Program.