People assume I have a mind like a steel trap because I juggle homeschooling five kids, podcasting, writing, and navigating everyday chaos with ADHD kids.  SPOILER ALERT: They couldn’t be more wrong.

Here’s how the typical “getting to know you” conversation goes:

New Friend: “So, what do you do, Catherine?”
Me: “Well, I homeschool my five kids, ages 19 to 7. I’m a podcaster, writer, I lead a women’s small group at my church, and I tutor at our homeschool co-op.”
New Friend: “Wow! How in the world do you do all that?”
Me: “Well, I don’t do it well.”
New Friend: (awkward laugh) “Haha, that’s funny…”
Me: “No, I’m serious. I don’t do it well.”

This is where the awkward laughter usually trails off into silence. It’s a conversation I’ve had on repeat, like the movie Groundhog Day, for nearly a decade. My love of truth keeps me from pretending that my life is a perfectly orchestrated show. It’s not. It’s a circus—but not the fun “step right up and marvel at the wonders” kind of show. It’s more of the “this is teetering on the edge of complete disaster” kind of show… and we don’t have a safety net.

This week, in Episode 136 of  CHRISTIAN PARENT/CRAZY WORLD, I tackle the beautiful mess of ADHD with none other than Dr. Tamara Rosier—founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan and author of Your Brain’s Not Broken and her newest book, You, Me, and Our ADHD Family. Dr. Rosier’s insights have been a game-changer for me, and they will be for you too.

ADHD: More Than Just a Label

For years, I wasn’t even sure ADHD was real. It seemed like a convenient excuse for kids who couldn’t sit still or adults who couldn’t “get it together.” Then I started homeschooling and hit wall after wall. Traditional strategies weren’t cutting it, and I had to dig deep to understand what was happening. That’s when I discovered the truth about ADHD and realized my brain—and my kids’ brains—just don’t fit into traditional molds.

Enter Dr. Tamara Rosier… her expertise felt like a lifeline. In this episode, we unravel the mystery of ADHD and provide practical strategies to help you navigate life with this unique condition.

The Misunderstood Brain

One of Tamara’s most relatable explanations compares the neurotypical brain (a.k.a. “normal” brain) to a well-organized butler. This butler keeps track of your schedule, reminds you to write down appointments, and ensures your keys aren’t left in the fridge. But those of us with ADHD… we don’t have a reliable butler. Instead, we rely on an angry, emotionally reactive neighbor (a.k.a. our limbic system). Let me tell you, it’s not a great system.

This revelation really hit home for me. Why do I veer off into rabbit trails (even while podcasting)? Why do I leave tasks unfinished or forget orthodontic appointments to get my kid’s braces off (I’m the first person in the history of my child’s orthodontic practice to do this, btw)? Turns out, it’s not about discipline—it’s about how my brain processes information.

And then there’s the “whiteboard” metaphor from Tamara’s latest book. You see, our working memory is like a whiteboard, but for ADHD folks, it’s small and constantly getting erased. True story: I had to set Tamara’s book down for a couple of days, and when I came back, I’d forgotten what the whiteboard metaphor was all about. Yep, my tiny whiteboard… erased the whiteboard. Isn’t that adorable. 

Ba-dum-dum.

This explains why, after teaching a class at our homeschool co-op for an entire semester (over 12 weeks), I could only remember one kid’s name. And why did I remember her name? Because she’s my daughter… and most of the time I call her “Segars #3.”

But here’s the key takeaway: The size of you or your kid’s whiteboard has nothing to do with their intelligence, or yours. It’s just how the ADHD brain is wired.

ADHD in the Family

All three of my older kids have been formally diagnosed with ADHD, which is highly hereditary. If your kids have it, there’s a good chance at least one parent does too. That realization hit me hard during a podcast episode where Tamara was a guest. Suddenly, my kids’ struggles made sense—because they mirrored my own. Picture me, driving down the road listening to Tamara, bawling my eyes out as it suddenly dawns on me that my little ADHD acorns fell from this tree.

But I wasn’t bawling because of the struggle or the dawning diagnosis. I wept because of how compassionate and encouraging Tamara is with her fellow ADHDers.

Managing ADHD in a family requires unique strategies. It’s not easy, but understanding how ADHD brains work can make all the difference.

Convergent vs. Divergent Thinking

One of my favorite parts of this episode is the discussion about how ADHD brains excel in divergent thinking. While neurotypical folks thrive with step-by-step, convergent thinking, ADHD minds light up with big-picture ideas and unexpected connections.

This is why I’ll go to the kitchen for a knife and end up reorganizing the entire pantry, complete with color-coded labels. Sure, it’s not efficient, but it’s creative!
Here’s what we cover in this week’s episode:

• What ADHD Really Is: We explore its hereditary nature and its impact on both kids and parents.
• Common Misconceptions: ADHD is so much more than being hyper or inattentive.
• Managing Chaos at Home: Tamara explains why everyday tasks can feel impossible—and how to tackle them without judgment.
• Divergent Thinking Superpowers: Learn how ADHD minds connect the dots in ways others don’t.
• Faith and ADHD: Tamara shares practical ways to integrate faith into your daily routine without feeling like a “second-rate” Christian.

A Giveaway You Don’t Want to Miss!

Dr. Rosier’s book, Your Brain’s Not Broken: Strategies for Managing Your Emotions & Life with ADHD, has been praised by The New York Times—and for good reason. It’s packed with insights and strategies that will transform how you understand ADHD. And guess what? We’re giving away a free copy!

How to Enter. Click on the image below and:

1.    Like this post ❤️
2.    Follow @dr.tamararosier & @catherinesegars 👥
3.    Tag all your besties in the comments (more tags = more entries)! ✨
4.    Mention something you liked from Ep. 136 of CPCW for 5 entries!

Don’t miss this chance to gain clarity, encouragement, and tools for living with ADHD!

🎙️ DON’T MISS THIS EPISODE!
Join Tamara and me as we explore the wacky world of neurodivergent thinkers! Click below to hear this conversation on Life Audio:

Or you can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And please consider giving CP/CW a 5-star rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify. That would make my day! 

SHARE THE INSPIRATION!

Be sure to share this episode with another family who is battling the challenges of living with ADHD,  and you can mark today’s good deed off this list. CHECK!

About Dr. Tamara Rosier: Dr. Tamara Rosier is a renowned expert in the ADHD field. She’s the founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan and serves as the president of the ADHD Coaches Organization. Her acclaimed books, Your Brain’s Not Broken and You, Me and Our ADHD Family offer a wealth of knowledge and strategies to help families thrive despite the challenges of ADHD.

Important Links and Resources:

• Tamara’s Author Website
• ADHD Center of West Michigan: MIADHD.com
• Books by Dr. Tamara Rosier:

• Your Brain’s Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD
• You, Me, and Our ADHD Family: Practical Steps to Cultivate Healthy Relationships

Join Us Next Time: Stay tuned for the next episode where Catherine and Tamara will dive even deeper into managing a home where ADHD is a significant factor. They’ll share practical steps to cultivate healthy relationships and keep your sanity intact amidst the ADHD chaos.