374 10 Signs of a Healthy, Functional Family (and How We Get There with ADHD)

2026-02-03

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This is part two of our series on dysfunctional families and ADHD.If last week’s episode felt heavy, emotional, or disorienting, that makes sense. Episode one was about naming reality—and naming reality can stir grief, anger, relief, or all three. But we can’t change what we’re not willing to name.Today, we answer the next (and crucial) question:If that’s dysfunction… what does health actually look like?Because knowing what you don’t want isn’t enough. You also need a clear picture of what you’re moving toward.

This is part two of our series on dysfunctional families and ADHD.

If last week’s episode felt heavy, emotional, or disorienting, that makes sense. Episode one was about naming reality—and naming reality can stir grief, anger, relief, or all three. But we can’t change what we’re not willing to name.

Today, we answer the next (and crucial) question:

If that’s dysfunction… what does health actually look like?

Because knowing what you don’t want isn’t enough. You also need a clear picture of what you’re moving toward.

In this episode, I walk you through 10 signs of a healthy, functional family—not perfect families, not calm-all-the-time families, but regulated-enough, repair-focused, emotionally safe-enough families. Yes, even with ADHD.

We talk about:

Why repair—not perfection—is the real difference between healthy and dysfunctional families
What direct communication, emotional attunement, boundaries, and accountability actually look like in real life
How to end parentification and create age-appropriate roles
Why unconditional love, safety, and reliable care matter more than appearances
Small, realistic shifts you can make without shame or perfectionism

This isn’t a pass/fail checklist. It’s about direction, not perfection.

If you’re pausing, noticing, repairing, and setting boundaries—you are already changing the pattern. And that’s how generational cycles end.

Your family can be marked by safety, honesty, connection, and repair. Even with ADHD. Especially with ADHD.

Resources mentioned:

@codependencykate

@timfletcherco

@sitwithwhit

@benvbennett

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