Back to School: ADHD Friendly Family Routines
Back to school is back to routines. Every fall we are getting back to routines have a less structured summer. Family routines create cohesiveness and support responsibility. These routines are the foundation of life at home. As well, it is a way to make life simpler and easier. Check out these tips on communication, laundry, meal prep and more.
Family Calendar
Post a paper family calendar where everyone can see the upcoming activities and tasks for your family. This month-at-a-glance calendar can be posted on the refrigerator or in a pathway everyone passes daily. During your family meeting and all week long, populate the calendar with activities that are coming up. Color-code your calendar to know who is doing what and when.
Meal prep
The meal prep goal is the nutritious meals eaten during a time together. Keep it simple with a dinner rotation every 2-3 weeks of the same easily prepared meals. Or use theme days for meal planning, like Meatless Monday and Taco Tuesday. Whatever your plan, rotate who is the chef and who is clean up.
Theme days
Assign a day of the week for specific tasks, especially grocery runs and laundry days.
Communication
Encourage responsibility and independence with a coaching conversation. Encourage some details, some deadlines, and some accountability.
Getting buy-in from your family is important.
- Keep it simple! Less is more to keep routines going. When tasks are complex, look for ways to simplify to get these done.
- Remember that as a family you are all in this together. Partner up to work as a team. Variety makes the tasks more interesting.
- Write stuff down. With checklists, calendars, and notes, your family sees what to do and when to do it.
- Self-care ensures you and your family have the energy needed to get stuff done. Self-care includes appropriate rest and bedtimes for everyone in the family. If you are feeling drained, your family will too!
- Always have a deadline for family tasks. These deadlines keep you and your family accountable and happy.
What more ADHD-friendly family organizing ideas? Check out my youtube!
I love theme days – they definitely got me through the week when there was chaos. ‘Sunday Spaghetti,’ Wednesday wash towels, Friday trash, etc.
Have you seen the Dakboard calendar? Such a neat tool. Like a giant paper wall calendar, only syncs with your online calendars. Pricey, but pretty fun. 🙂
I will check that out! You know I love planners!
With back-to-school heading this way, you offered excellent strategies for making the transition and school year successful. Having good communication and routines in place will help ease the stress of what the fall season can bring.
Anything you can do to establish and simplify routines is worthwhile. I love your suggestions for having a meal schedule, even special meal days, and creating a family communication/calendar area.
@Linda we know how important and valuable routines are!