Parenting Through ADHD & ODD

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If you’re a mom walking through the challenges of raising a child with ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) please know this: you’re not alone.

Our Parenting Through ADHD/ODD has taught us so much about love, patience, resilience, and what it means to show up even when it’s hard.

Our Journey

Our son was officially diagnosed with ADHD and ODD in 2024, after months of recognizing what we were experiencing wasn’t “just a phase.”

• Daily tasks became battles.
• Meltdowns were intense and unpredictable.
• Redirecting felt impossible.

We tried multiple ADHD medications. Finally, we found one that helps, but it came with challenges. Weight loss and a drop in body fat percentile brought a whole new wave of worry.

Now, with behavioral therapy and continued support, we’re seeing progress, but it’s not a straight path. Some days feel like breakthroughs. Some feel like square one.

The Hard Reality

People don’t always talk about how lonely and overwhelming this can be:

• The looks from strangers.
• The self-doubt and guilt.
• The pressure to parent “better.”
• The exhaustion from managing therapies, appointments, and advocacy.

And yet, the joy when there is progress? It’s all the sweeter for how hard it’s been earned.

Why We Keep Going

Because it’s worth it.
Because he’s worth it.
Because his future is worth every long day, hard choice, and tear behind a closed door.

We do this to give him the tools he needs to thrive and to feel safe, to feel seen, and to know he is deeply loved.

The Importance of Support

To the moms out there: I see you. I am you.

The ones who:

• Cry in the car.
• Celebrate tiny wins like Olympic gold.
• Wake up ready to fight for your child’s needs, even on empty.

I’m grateful for my best friend walking this path too. Our safe space to vent, cheer, and share. Coffee, wine, and a lot of understanding gets us through.

And my husband, my teammate. We tag-team the hard moments. We remind each other that we’re in this together. It’s not perfect. It’s real. And that makes all the difference.

FAQ: Parenting Through ADHD & ODD

What’s the hardest part of parenting a child with ADHD and ODD?
Balancing emotional needs, managing challenging behaviors, and handling the exhaustion of constant advocacy and care.

How do you handle daily meltdowns and defiance?
We rely on therapy tools, consistency, structured routines, and lots of patience to remind ourselves that progress is a long game.

Does medication fix ADHD and ODD?
No, medication can help manage symptoms, but it works best alongside therapy, support, and positive reinforcement strategies.

How can other parents find support?
Look for local or online support groups, connect with other parents in similar situations, and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance.