Sometimes everyday life takes unexpected turns. A phone call from my daughter before her trip to Greece turned into hours in the kitchen, lots of food – and a reminder of how ADHD in everyday life, family and cooking often means that feelings run ahead of logic.
Right now, I’m sitting here with my laptop on my lap and a cup of coffee beside me. Words arrive as the morning slowly wakes. Let me start by saying thank you – thank you for stopping by and reading this. Your presence here means more than you might realize.
When my daughter called
Yesterday, as I was sitting at home, my daughter called. They were leaving for Greece the next day and wondered if they could stop by for dinner before the trip. Of course, I said yes without hesitation. Both she and I are quite spontaneous, so the decision was made: let’s do it.
The cooking begins
When my husband reminded me that we probably needed more food, I went off to the store. As usual, I went all in – I wanted to make sure there would be more than enough.
Back in the kitchen, I started preparing:
Tzatziki in preparation – yogurt, garlic and cucumber in a bowl
On one tray, I placed root vegetables and potatoes, seasoned with thyme, chili and other spices.
Meanwhile, the chicken fillets were marinated in charred chili, garlic, olive oil and salt.
In addition, I made a classic tzatziki and a yogurt-based dip with garlic and chili. I’ve made tzatziki many times before, for example in this post about everyday cooking (in Swedish) – sorry, it’s only available in Swedish right now, but I might translate it later. Meanwhile, a soup was simmering on the stove.
Selective eating and ADHD in everyday life
The soup was mostly for my oldest son. Because he eats quite selectively, whole pieces of meat are out of the question – they have to be in a sauce for him to try. Serving a whole chicken is therefore never an option. However, soup works well, which is why it’s always there as an alternative for him.
Plastic containers in the fridge with soups and meals adapted for selective eating
Over the years, we have often cooked large batches of the few dishes he prefers. Therefore, the fridge is almost always filled with plastic containers: Bolognese, taco mince and chicken stew – his safest flavors. Now he is an adult, soon 29, but the selective eating remains.
Selective eating is not unusual, especially among children and young people with neurodivergence. For some, it continues into adulthood. It may be about texture, smell or the feeling in the mouth. For my son, soup is a safe way – flavors mix but the consistency stays smooth. Understanding that, and adjusting meals accordingly, makes everyday life easier and mealtimes less stressful.
The kitchen was filled with aromas, pots and movement. So much was happening all at once.
ADHD in everyday life – when feelings run ahead of logic
In the middle of it all, the thought struck me: my youngest had recently had a fever and was still sniffling. Could they really come here and risk getting sick just before leaving for Greece?
This was not a decision I could make on my own. I left it to my daughter and her partner – and they decided to stay at home. I don’t know if it was her decision or his, but I was grateful that I realized it in time. I would never want to be the reason they spent their vacation sick.
And that’s where ADHD makes itself known, as it often does. Often, I get an idea, go all in and keep going. Only when everything is nearly finished do I stop and think: wait a minute, how did this actually turn out?
It’s not a lack of care – quite the opposite. It’s just that feelings always come first, logic later. The result is often a kitchen full of food, movement and strong aromas.
Sometimes chaos, sometimes order. But somewhere in between there is also beauty.
Reflection
That dinner never happened – but it still became important. In the kitchen I was reminded of my own impulsivity, and I also felt that I had done the right thing. I managed to stop in time. Maybe that’s what life is – full of tripwires, but with space for care.
Between the Lines
This post isn’t just about food or a dinner that never happened. Between the lines, it tells about love for family, about the wish to give and protect, and about how ADHD shapes everyday life. It also shows that selective eating isn’t something children always grow out of, but something that can follow into adulthood – and that understanding and adapting can create calmer moments for everyone around the table.
At its core, this is a story about care: rushing ahead with heart and feelings first, and only afterwards letting logic catch up.
AHA – Between the Lines
Even when I run on feelings, I can still land in something good. What matters isn’t perfection – but realizing in time.ll land in something good. What matters isn’t perfection – but realizing in time.
”Yesterday has already come to rest in history, tomorrow is waiting further ahead. But right now – this is where life happens.” – Carina Ikonen Nilsson
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