A Day in the Life of a Single Mom Raising a Teen with ADHD

Let me just start by saying this: no two days in our home ever look the same. ADHD has a way of throwing the plan out the window — even when I think I’ve nailed it. But here’s a peek at what a “typical” day might look like for us.

4:45 AM – My Quiet (Kind Of) Start
The alarm goes off before the sun even considers rising. I’m up to walk the dog — it’s my version of peace and quiet before the day begins. Then I hit the gym. It's less about the workout and more about getting my mind right before life ramps up. That’s my moment to breathe before the noise.

6:30 AM – L Is Up and Going (Full Speed)
By 6:30, my teen — let’s call him L — is awake and in motion. ADHD mornings aren’t slow. He might start the day mid-conversation, already three topics deep. Getting dressed can take forever if clothes “feel off,” and breakfast is a dance between what’s good for him and what he’ll actually eat. Routines help, but flexibility keeps us sane.

7:15 AM – I Head to Work
Before I leave, I make sure L has his alarms set and everything he needs to get out the door on time. It’s a trust-but-double-check situation.

8:15 AM – L Heads to School (Hopefully on Time)
He scooters to school most days. Some mornings flow fine. Others… not so much. I've learned to let go of the idea that “on time and smooth” equals success. Showing up is enough.

8:00 AM–4:00 PM – Work, With One Ear Always Open
Whether I’m working from home or in the office, I’m still Mom-On-Call. I keep my phone close — school might call, a support worker might need input, or L might text needing help mid-meltdown. I juggle emails and advocacy at the same time.

3:50 PM – After School: Energy Overload
When L gets home, it's like someone flipped a switch. He's overstimulated, full of stories, and maybe a little irritable. I give him space to decompress — sometimes that’s video games, sometimes it’s a snack and his favorite show. I don’t push homework right away. We ease into it when he’s ready.

5:30 PM – Dinner (AKA Controlled Chaos)
Dinner is... loud. L might be up and down five times, acting out a scene from a show, or forget what he’s saying mid-sentence. We’ve ditched the idea of traditional dinners and instead focus on just connecting — whether it’s at the table or eating on the couch.

6:00 PM – Appointments, Activities, or a Mix of Both
Most weeks include at least one activity or appointment: therapy, doctor, sports, or something else. The calendar’s always got something on it. We keep it manageable — one thing at a time.

8:00 PM – Winding Down (In Theory)
Bedtime is a full-on process. Transitions are hard for L, so we start early: shower, music, downtime. Anxiety often creeps in at night — the big feelings, the what-ifs, the “what if I mess up tomorrow” worries. I sit with him through it, even when I’m wiped. That connection? It’s everything.

9:00 PM – Finally, Quiet
The house settles. I catch up on work, clean up, or just sit in silence. Sometimes I scroll, sometimes I reflect. The day probably didn’t go as planned, but we made it. Even on the messy days, there’s love here — loud, imperfect, but deeply real.

And that’s what we end every day with.

Are you raising a teen with ADHD too? What does your day look like? I’d love to hear your wins, struggles, and survival hacks in the comments below. Let’s remind each other—we’re not alone in this.