If you’re searching for a book that demystifies ADHD and offers practical insights for everyone—whether you’re a parent, teacher, friend, or family member—look no further than You, Me, and Our ADHD Family by Tamara Rosier, PhD. This easy-to-read yet profoundly informative book is a treasure trove of understanding and actionable advice. I purchased it on my Kindle for only $13.29, and it’s been worth every penny.
Why This Book Stands Out
ADHD impacts more than just the individual diagnosed with it; it affects their entire community. Tamara Rosier masterfully unpacks the complexities of ADHD in a way that resonates with a broad audience. She bridges the gap between clinical understanding and real-world application, ensuring that her message is both relatable and accessible.
What makes this book truly special is its inclusivity. Whether you’re a:
- Parent seeking to better understand your child’s needs,
- Spouse striving to strengthen your relationship with a partner who has ADHD,
- Teacher aiming to create a supportive classroom environment,
- Friend wanting to strengthen your relationship with someone who has ADHD, or
- Individual with ADHD looking for strategies to navigate life’s challenges,
there’s something in this book for you.
A Personal Connection
As someone who has family members, friends, and students with ADHD, I found this book invaluable. It’s not just about the science of ADHD but also about the human experience—the challenges, triumphs, and unique perspectives that come with it. This includes navigating partnerships where one spouse may have ADHD, fostering understanding and patience within the relationship. Rosier’s compassionate tone and practical suggestions make it a book you’ll want to revisit time and time again.
One of the standout aspects for me was how Rosier breaks down complex concepts into digestible pieces. For example, chapter three “Monkey Malarky” offers a creative and memorable way to understand the chaotic and impulsive thought patterns that many individuals with ADHD experience. These monkeys include characters like Angry Andrew, Anxious Amy, Avoidant Ava, Bouncing Beatrice, Critical Calvin, Disorganized Derek, Helpless Hannah, Impatient Iggy, Mopey Mike, Overwhelmed Oscar, Perfect Penny, Rejection-Sensitive Rachel, Thrill-Seeking Theodore, and Time-Blind Timmy. She asks you to analyze which five you work with daily.
I read this book initially with the intention of helping me parent my 7-year-old, who was recently diagnosed with ADHD. But instead, I was overwhelmed by the connections I saw in myself and ended up reading it through that lens. The second read was for my husband, who also has ADHD (and I’m making him read the book now!). It’s such a quick read that you could easily revisit it with a different person in mind each time.
Be ready to take notes on the ADHD monkeys you recognize in yourself or others (and I promise it’s still applicable even if you don’t have ADHD). You’ll follow these monkeys throughout the book as Rosier explains other key ADHD concepts. She also provides insightful connections between ADHD, anxiety, and depression, unpacking how these coexisting conditions interrelate and why addressing them together is so critical.
Why You Should Read It
If you have someone in your life with ADHD, whether it’s a spouse, child, friend, or colleague, this book will equip you with a deeper understanding of their world. You’ll learn:
- How ADHD affects relationships,
- Strategies for improving communication and empathy,
- Practical ways to support someone with ADHD without enabling counterproductive behaviors, and
- How to foster a positive and growth-oriented environment.
For teachers like me, this book is a game-changer. It’s a reminder that small adjustments in how we approach students can make a significant difference. For parents, it offers reassurance that you’re not alone and that there are effective ways to support your child.
Final Thoughts
You, Me, and Our ADHD Family isn’t just a book—it’s a guide, a conversation starter, and a resource that will leave you feeling like you’ve just had a chat with a friend who totally gets it. Tamara Rosier’s blend of expertise and empathy makes it a must-read for anyone trying to navigate the ADHD world. And let’s talk about the Kindle benefits: I can highlight, take notes, and revisit key sections without having to juggle paper bookmarks or risk losing that one nugget of wisdom in a pile of other books. Plus, the Kindle app means I can access my notes on my phone—because let’s face it, if I don’t write it down on a device, I might forget it before I finish the page! And while I may have the basic Kindle, it’s everything I need, and it’s always safely in its case—because I’m a bit accident-prone, and I like to keep my gadgets in one piece.
Whether you’re looking to support someone in your life or gain personal insights, this book is an invaluable resource. Pick up a copy today and discover how it can transform your understanding of ADHD and your relationships.
What’s Next?
If you’re interested in further reading, consider exploring other insightful books on ADHD such as Driven to Distraction by Edward Hallowell and John Ratey, The ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa Orlov, or Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare. I actaully bought the paper version of Smart by Scattered. I like being able to make copies of the quizzes in the book. I also have the 4-13 year-old version. There is also one catered to adolescents. No matter which of these you pick up next, each one offers unique perspectives and tools to deepen your understanding of ADHD in various contexts.
Have you read You, Me, and Our ADHD Family? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your favorite takeaways in the comments below or let me know how this book has impacted your perspective on ADHD. Have your own book recommendations? I’d LOVE to hear them!
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[…] You, Me, and Our ADHD Family – A relatable and encouraging read for families navigating ADHD together. (I love this book so much, it even has a dedicated blog post!) […]