Back to School: Quick Tips to Thrive during Busy Family Times

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Back to school is when we all gear up and get organized. It’s back to structure and routines. Busy people are the most organized. Here are many organizing, productivity, and self-care tips from those who are in the trenches too.

Organization tips for busy people

 

  • Having a joint email with my husband that we use for ANYTHING related to the kids, the pets, the car, the home, vacations, digital tickets etc. Even if I’m the one who reads and answers 90% of them we both have access to entire conversations, booking numbers, dates and details.
  • It is ridiculously simple but I use the notes app on my phone. I’m able to scan documents and email them. Keep a running tab of my to-do list and groceries. I also have a notes page for gift ideas.
  • Color-coded calendar (each person has a color) including how they’re getting to/from the practice or game, etc… and review that at least weekly but ideally every 3 days to ensure we’re all on the same page
  • Personal: morning workouts before fam wakes up. Familial: shared family Google calendar. Marital: weekly marriage meeting.
  • Written and Google calendar for myself, dry-erase monthly for my daughter, and verbal communication with my husband
  • I meal plan every dinner and prep accordingly. I add all things to the phone calendar and “invite” whomever in my family needs to know. The kids have a daily chore schedule and also lay out their clothes for the week on Sunday so I can steam them in time. During the summer, I started “marvelous Monday’s” where we do all the chores on a Monday so we can forget about it. I also stopped folding laundry. I made them each a basket in the laundry room where clothes are sorted coming straight out of the dryer. They are responsible for putting away their own clothes. I love it!!!
  • Cozi Gold family organizer app. With 2 active teens, it really helps keep everyone informed and organized.
  • I have a cleaning service so I don’t resent every mess as a personal slight. Kids have a very large calendar on the wall for all things as my ADD DH doesn’t look at online calendars, emails, or text messages. He didn’t look at the wall calendar either but it modeled good organization for the kids at least, lol. Also, tell DH plans over dinner and remind him in the morning.
  • Use a digital family calendar, order the week’s groceries for pickup on Mondays, and once a month have someone come in to clean!

 

Summary

I am grateful to those who shared their wisdom.

  • Having a calendar that works for your family is important. Choose what you love, model this for your family, and collaborate with those who need extra support on this.
  • Build your best team with outside help and buy-in from your family. Set up systems in your home where kids can partner and everyone benefits. Make it fun!
  • Set up routines that reinforce and support your goals. Weekly meal planning and grocery delivery, as well as regular cleaning people, help everyone at home.

 

What works for you at your home or office?

5 Tips for An Organized Road Trip

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5 tips for an organized car trip

 

This summer families are taking to the road in record numbers. Great road trips start with preparation, planning and organization. Here are tips for your best family road trip together.

 

Have more than a road map

Years ago all that was needed for a road trip was a map. While there are a lot of amenities on the road, don’t leave things to chance. Scope out your trip day by day with the help of AAA or RoadTrippers app. Update your hotel apps for your favorite resting places so you are ready to pivot in case you are not as far along as you planned. Make hotel reservations before you leave home for each stop along the way.

 

Check the weather

Weather changes have increasingly impacted our travel. Check what the weather will be during your travel time. In case of emergency, know what to do in case of hail or severe weather while driving. If you are driving long distance, this can be especially important.

 

Make your car travel friendly

Travel friendly care trips include easy to access drinks, food, toys, chargers, lots of blankets and multiple pillows. Have your kids use their airpods so everyone can listen to their own music. Download games, music and other fun before you leave. Choose a family audiobook for everyone to listen. Bring along new favorites like a rubik’s cube or MadLibs to play together. Rotate seats to keep everyone cheery and entertained.

 

Packing for intermittent stops

Pack a carry on bag for those stops along the route before your destination. A large tote can carry all your toiletries, medicines and an extra set of clothes. This way you are not unpacking all your luggage for this stop.

Find common ground on travel strategies.

Talk with your family about how to travel. Some families leave extra early to get on the road and have kids sleep along the route. Some families take frequent bathroom breaks  and some stop for fun along the way. Talk with your family about what will work best for you all.  Always agree to stop before it’s too late and everyone is too cranky.

 

Family road trips are memories that will long be remembered!

 

Six Travel Tips to Keep You Super Organized

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six travel tips to keep you super organized

 

This Summer everyone is traveling! Travel is our passion and we love getting away to the beach, taking an educational trip to a new city, and spending time as a family on vacation. Here are some of my favorite organizing strategies that will help you be super organized while on vacation.

 

Add apps for travel

Flights changes and weather interruptions are part of travel that can’t be helped. Start by updating and uploading all travel apps related to your trip. The best apps include AccuWeather, Flight Aware, and your Airline app. Add your hotel and restaurant apps for paperless access to your reservations. Consolidate all your travel apps in a folder on your smartphone or use the App in the Air Widget.

 

Use a packing list

Life is busy and travel is complicated. Give yourself extra days to pack and be more organized. A packing list saves you every time. You can customize your list on the Notes app with a check box to include your specific needs. Pull out your travel bag 3 days in advance and start dropping in what you need to fill your bag according to your list. Be sure you pack a little extra layer for warmth and extra shoes for comfort.

 

Stay as connected as you like

Choose to disconnect completely for a real break. If you choose to stay connected, be prepared to keep everything charged by packing a complete set of chargers for your smartwatch and your smart devices. Duplicate your chargers and keep these packed in a tech organizer. My favorite travel tech organizer keeps each cord secure.

 

Categorize to stay organized during travel

  • Frequent travel requires a complete personalized toiletries bag. A clear bag with toiletries helps you know you have what you need. Include a complete set of what you use stored in this bag. No overthinking what to pack and no need to remember your daily items with a designated toiletry bag.
  • Use packing cubes for categorizing what you pack. Different sizes of cubes organize and consolidate clothing. You can group items by day of the week or type of clothing. Packing cubes keep your suitcase organized while at your location.

 

Choose safe spots for important travel documents

Create peace of mind by keeping important documents safe while traveling. Use travel wallets and waist belts for your money, credit cards, global entry card, and passport. Be sure to use the safe in your hotel for jewelry and devices. You will want to make multiple copies of these important documents, as well as important documents in your wallet, to keep at home while you are gone, in your handheld travel bag, and held by a trusted person at home.

 

Pack your patience and be prepared

Pack your patience and plan for random moments of fun during your travel. Download to your Kindle, create a music playlist, and choose games to make travel time less frustrating. Our family loves Heads Up and we always pack a deck of cards.

 

Enjoy your time away this summer. It’s all about the memories you are making and the experiences you are sharing.

Ways to Thrive During the Especially Busy Month of May

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Ways to thrive

 

The beginning of this year ushered in especially busy times. We are heading into the month of May with celebrations, graduations, and special occasions. Like Thanksgiving and the holidays, we have more to do. It is easy to get overwhelmed by all there is happening. There are many ways to thrive and be specially organized during extremely busy times.

 

Your planner is your road map.

Your planner is your most important trusted tool for being proactive in busy times. Keep your planner up to date as details come in about family celebrations and special events. Look ahead to the upcoming week and be proactive about planning for the weeks ahead. Each day prioritize a list of your three most important tasks to keep on track. Use a checklist to help with tasks and deadlines. Make notes, make lists, and set time blocks to get stuff done. Set a weekly planning time to be sure you are progressing in all areas.

 

Do your best to maintain self-care routines.

Taking care of yourself helps you do your best. Do the best you can to keep consistent wake-up and going-to-bed times. Drink lots of water to hydrate, get outside for sunshine, and walk as much as you can. Stay true to your exercise routine. Self-care will be your steady guide during busy, fun, crazy times.

 

Celebrate and be in the moment.

Moments we cherish happen when we steer clear of distractions. Stepping away from work, and being in the moment, gives us rare opportunities to connect. Celebrate every small win with gratitude. Share the joy with a handwritten card or special conversation. These moments build lifelong memories.

 

Build a bigger team

Being the party planner doesn’t mean you have to miss the fun. Ask for and accept help in all ways and forms. Teens can build a playlist and set up music, attendees can put up and stack chairs, and catering comes in all forms. Have groceries, treats, and party supplies delivered. Look around for ways to make everything easy for you and find support to get stuff done.

 

Being organized brings you joy during these bustling times. Never miss a minute of fun with these ways to thrive when especially busy.

Happy Relationships and ADHD Connections

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happy relationships and adhd

 

According to a recent Harvard Study shared in the Wall Street Journal, our connection with others is the most beneficial impact on the longevity of our lives.

“Through all the years of studying these lives, one crucial factor stands out for the consistency and power of its ties to physical health, mental health and longevity. Contrary to what many people might think, it’s not career achievement, or exercise, or a healthy diet. Don’t get us wrong; these things matter. But one thing continuously demonstrates its broad and enduring importance: good relationships.”

 

Relationships are complex. With ADHD in the mix, even more so. Symptoms can impact partners, friends, family, and colleagues. Emotional regulation can cause people to feel disconnected and hurt. Adding structure to our lives can connect us with those we love and care about.

 

Foundations to connection

Your values show up in your relationships.  Authenticity, respect, and honesty are important when in a relationship. Respect is when we accept someone for who they are, even if they are different in how they think or look. This feels like trust, safety, and well-being and is communicated by the appropriate tone of language, physical touch, and attentive listening. At times symptoms of ADHD can be viewed as disrespectful. Executive function challenges like impulsivity and emotional regulation can interfere. Knowing about these challenges helps both partners navigate when this happens.

Respect is fostered by boundaries. Boundaries are the limits we put in place, whether mental, emotional, physical, or more. These are the expectations stated to start and stay in respectful relationships. To be in a relationship with anyone, with ADHD or not, means to have stated what is okay and what is not. Healthy boundaries are a part of every positive relationship.

 

Strategies that foster communication and connection

In the busy times we live in, having a structure for communicating and connecting makes relationships intentional.

 

Build structure in your daily life that reinforces communication. Time allocated as together time prioritizes your family and partner. Family dinner together is a powerful connection. Each evening you gather to discuss, process, and applaud each other. This time together empowers all of the family as individuals and creates unity as a team. You and your partner might also choose a daily check-in time with calendars after dinner to be sure home and work run smoothly. Make dinner time not so much about the specific foods you are eating as the time together.

 

A weekly structure can include a weekly family meeting and weekly date night for partners. A weekly family meeting opens up communication and coordinates schedules for everyone. Your family calendar is where to find dates and details of family life. End your family meeting with fun. Your weekly date night gives you and your partner time away from the daily conversations and offers you opportunities for new activities and adventure.

 

Strategies that support self-care

Practice self-care that empowers good communication. Knowing what you need for your own self-care, whether that is time away from family you love in order to reset, helps you do your best with relationships. Strong self-care starts with a good night’s rest, setting time to step away and pause, and knowing your productivity patterns.

 

At times the best self-care comes with delegating. We can’t do it all and we shouldn’t. Having a cleaning person, laundry person, lawn person, or virtual assistant are all supportive self-care for all the extra tasks that need to be done at home and work.  Finding specific solutions for specific situations sets up a solution-minded framework. When you feel supported, you can do your best with what matters most.

 

Gathering support

There are many ways to gather support for you and your partner. Therapy, coaching, and support groups are available both in person and virtually to support you in your relationships. These professionals are available to help you learn more about ADHD and ADHD symptoms as well as anxiety and co-existing conditions. They will help you recognize skills and focus on working from your strengths.

 

 

How to Start the Week Strong with Sunday Night Routines

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Sunday night routines

 

The transition from a relaxing weekend to a busy week can be stressful. Labeled “Sunday scaries,” many families experience a sense of dread on Sunday evening. There are ways that organization can help! You can start the week off strong with a positive Sunday evening routine.

 

Begin with a Sunday start to the week mindset

As much as Sunday evening is the end of the weekend, it is also a fresh start to the week. Note your perspective that your week starts here rather than Monday morning. Embracing routines that reinforce this mindset helps you prepare for your week. A Sunday evening family dinner or family meeting set the stage for this transition as you meet together as a family and talk about the week ahead.

 

Create a Sunday evening routine

A Sunday evening routine helps you focus and prepare for the week ahead. Start in the late afternoon with your routine. Plan ahead for an early bedtime and prepare ahead of time for this for you and your family. Prepare your materials for work or school and prepare lunch for the next day. Review your calendar for Monday. Wind down by reading or journaling. Your Sunday night routine includes calming self-care. That self-care carries over to emotional regulation.

 

Host a Sunday night reset

Throughout the week and over the weekend, life is busy and stuff gets disorganized. Wrangle it all back to where it goes with a Sunday night reset. That is when you pick up, put away, and place everything back. The Sunday night reset helps you start the week freshly organized.

 

Plan self-care for the week ahead

Planning self-care for the week ahead makes your week easier.  Of course, there will be much to do, however knowing when you will be going to an exercise class, taking a walk, or doing yoga or pilates, help you balance the stress of the week with relaxation. Look ahead to your schedule for the week and write in your self-care.

 

Write stuff down on a master list

Take a few minutes to capture all the thoughts, actions, projects, and any other tasks on a list. Clearing your head will lessen anxiety. Use this list during your weekly planning time and time block your tasks. Weekly planning time gives you a specific time to get organized, prioritize, and manage all your projects well.

 

Say no to distractions on Sunday evening

It is tempting to numb on Sunday evening with a late night of streaming services or looking at social media. Know the value of making a plan and sticking to that. Your work-life integration will be what benefits you most.

 

End your weekend with calm and start the week strong with a Sunday night routine.

In Celebration of Get Organized Month, Make it Easy for Your Family to be Organized

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make it easy for your family to be organized

 

Family organizing is a service I especially love! Often I hear about the most disorganized people in the family, the areas that are most disorganized, and the impact of disorganization. This year make it easy for your family to be organized.

 

Declutter together

Get a quick start on family organization with a big declutter together. Everyone grabs a bag, goes to their spaces, and makes decisions about their stuff. However, this is hard! Parents have spent money on things, kids have not used stuff, and then there are memories associated with stuff. Be bold and let go of more than you can imagine.

  • Set a time on your calendar to declutter twice in the month of January so that you can let go of as much as possible.
  • Make it easy by setting a timer for 30 minutes, loading all the bags into the car immediately, and offering a snack at the end of the session.
  • Set a time once a month to declutter and keep a designated donation bin available for everyone all year.

Ask your family what was most difficult to let go of and what was easiest to release. Encourage and coach each other.

 

Meet for a Family Meeting

A family meeting brings everyone together for communication, calendaring, and connection. Make it easy with a short agenda (dates, responsibility reminders on a chart, and quick decisions) and make it fun (meet while standing, meet with crazy glasses, meet with music.) Make sure you meet weekly to keep things running smoothly. If you get off track, start right back up again. A google calendar for everyone gives you all the opportunity to post dates and be proactive. Everyone likes to be informed about fun!

 

Chart instead of chat

As families, we do a lot of “did you remember” and “don’t forget.” Skip that with charts. Use charts in a variety of ways, whether it is a responsibility chart for who does what or a menu for what is for dinner. Charts make stuff visible.

Routines reinforce charts so place your chart where you see it daily as a reminder. Charts can be on a dry-erase board, a clipboard, or a laminated checklist attached to the items needed to do the work or printed to recycle after use.

 

Have a rule for bedtime

Be sure everyone is getting a good night’s rest! Good sleep hygiene can make it easier to get to sleep. That includes setting a time all devices are charging, everyone is in their jammies, and people are doing their restful routine. Parents need a bedtime too!

 

Make it a routine to reset

There is a weekly remedy that is failproof for easy organizing! That is a weekly reset. Much of what is needed is to toss trash and get everything back to its place. Busy families need time to reset each week. Each Sunday evening set a time and use a timer for 15 minutes of reset. Your home will be surprisingly organized very easily!

 

Get everyone on board with being organized by focusing on individual benefits and a team approach to organizing your home. Working together, supporting each other, and connecting about priorities make it easy to be organized.

 

ADHD Friendly Tips for Connection

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adhd friendly tips for connection

 

The value of connection is priceless for all of us. During the pandemic, relationships are what kept us moving forward. For those with ADHD, connection is the solution for support. That connection includes work with colleagues, daily life with family and friends, and those around us in our environment. There are many ways to do this, and here is a short ADHD- friendly list to help you.  We know that these connections empower us and enhance our lives.

 

Double up

Make connections by doubling up on both connection and another positive activity. Take a walk or an exercise class with a friend. You are getting exercise and connecting.

Do it now

Thinking of a friend? Send a quick text just to say hello.

 

Dinner time

Work to have a regular dinner time multiple times a week and always once on the weekend. Do not worry so much about what you are serving as making sure everyone comes to the table to talk. Talk about the highs and lows of the day to know more about everyone’s emotions that day.

 

Family meeting

Family meetings promote communication and organization. Host a weekly meeting for your family to talk about calendars, responsibilities, and upcoming holidays.

 

Communicate gratitude

Sadly, and rarely, do we hear about the beauty of a friendship. Share the impact that person has on you and the strengths of that person when you connect. Being grateful moves us toward happiness. Be someone else’s cheerleader today.

 

Remember a birthday

Just a quick text or a snail mail card makes a difference for you and your connection. Keep a list of birthdays and a stash of cards to send at the beginning or end of the month for all the birthdays coming up or just passed.

Play games online

Online games connect you to others with the same interest and in the global community. Join in the games with your kiddos.

 

Join a book club

Book clubs are where people are enjoying books and connecting.

Connect through spirituality

Our communities are filled with those practicing spirituality at temples, synagogues, mosques, and churches. Reach out to those with similar paths, attend, and join a community. These foundations have many activities to connect to others regularly.

 

Use social media wisely

Connect with others on social media positively. Often there are groups to join with common interests. Set a time to sparingly join online to prevent hyperfocus.

 

Volunteer

We make connections when helping others. Volunteer and do good while connecting.

 

Connection is so important that it should be a time block on your calendar. Take time this week for one small step.

 

 

 

ADHD Friendly Tips for Successful Family Meetings

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adhd friendly family meeting tips

 

Family meetings are a part of weekly organizing and productivity. Communicating what is coming up, preparing for activities and academics, and discussing family engagement are key reasons to be sure you host your meeting. At times the meeting gets bogged down or skipped entirely. Here are ideas on how to keep your family meeting moving forward and valuable.

Create a consistent agenda

Every meeting needs a great agenda. That is true for your family meeting.  According to Psychology Today, here are some valuable topics.

  • What happened last week and how did it go
  • What’s happening this week and future/holiday plans
  • Old stuff that needs a family decision
  • New stuff that needs a family decision
  • Money stuff
  • Family stuff
  • Taking care of our stuff

Pro tip: If your family loses interest, shorten the agenda to three topics.

 

Keep it short

Every meeting becomes yawn-worthy when it takes too long. You, your partner, and all your family will appreciate brevity.  Know the meeting priorities, keep a high level, and use visual aids as needed for your meeting.

Pro tip: Play Beat the Clock to energize your meeting. Set the timer and keep your session ahead of schedule. Everyone will stay on track with this tip. 

 

Add interest and fun

Just the word meeting can make this time together less fun.  Shake it up with fun! Fun can mean a special dessert or a family activity that concludes the meeting.

Pro tip: Use wacky ways to add fun, including Crazy Hats or a Walk and Talk meeting. You can meet at different locations inside and outside your home. 

 

Schedule regularly

Consistent family meetings help everyone maintain consistent communication. When you host this meeting weekly, you have more up-to-date information and better communication. Find the best time to meet and meet at that time regularly.

Pro tip: You may need to try different times of the week to meet or rotate the days of the week. The goal is to meet weekly. 

 

Rotate responsibilities

Share the responsibilities of leadership with your family.  You are building leadership with your children leading the meeting. One person can be a scribe to add information to the family calendar. When you share the responsibilities, kids also have more buy-in for the meeting. Your kids enjoy the fun of being in charge. One person can be the time keeper to be sure the meeting starts and ends on time.

Pro tip: Establish a pattern to share the roles between your family so everyone knows the expectations and when roles will change. 

 

Always remember that the goal of your family meeting is to connect. No matter if you complete the agenda or have an agreement on the next family event, you are modeling and nurturing connection.

 

 

Teaching your Teen Time Management

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teaching your teen time management

 

 

Your kids have known how to tell time since elementary school.  But even with this background, as teens, they are late, don’t get chores completed, and may turn in assignments late to school.  Time management is more than just knowing how to read a clock.  It’s a struggle for teens to know what to do and how to get things done with time management.

 

According to Psychology Today, time management is just one of the four most critical areas for teens today.  With the level of brain development, teens are not fully equipped for time management.  Because brain development continues into the twenties, teens benefit from our coaching them with time management through high school and college.  Teens are unsure of what to do first, how long it will take to complete, and how to get started.  Teen time management includes coaching in prioritizing, initiation and procrastination, and duration of a task or project.

 

Prioritizing

What’s important and should be done first? That’s a question not only teens struggle with.  Parents don’t always agree on this between themselves.  How do we know what’s most important? It can be a matter of focus for all of us.  However,  you can help your child make these decisions by helping them process what needs to be done.

  • Encourage your teen to write down their priorities. For most kids that includes school grades, friends, church, and activities. If there are too many priorities, too many sports, or too many extracurricular activities, you can coach them to understand just how much time it takes for each activity.
  • Grid out with your kids the time available and where their priorities fit on the grid. Time blocking works well because kids can see what they have to do and when they will be doing it. That includes time for self care like sleep too. Using a paper or digital planner makes time more visual.
  • Set aside time to plan. Weekly planning time with their planner each Sunday or Monday gives your teen time to acknowledge everything that is on their plate and also record due dates. With so much information coming in by text and social media, they need time to consolidate it all in one place.

 

Initiation and Procrastination

Getting started on a task can be the hardest part of any project. Also known as initiation, those with executive function challenges find planning engaging but getting started more difficult. Procrastination can be from fear, lack of skill, or lack of motivation.

  • Plan an initiation strategy. For many, the “warm-up” to the project is gathering the materials, reviewing the instructions, or checking online with others in the class. Creating your own “warm-up” strategy will help for all upcoming assignments.
  • Make it fun to get started.  Find an innovative way to start a project.  You can add in technology or a gadget, work with a partner, or create a new perspective on the project.
  • Schedule the time to start a project. At that time, use a timer, set for 15 minutes, to help you get started.
  • Brainstorm the costs of procrastination. What’s at stake? What will happen? What are the consequences of not getting started soon enough? Coach your student through this process to verbalize the costs.
  • Set up a compelling, organized environment.  A clear workspace, quiet or white noise, and easy to access school supplies make it easier to get started.

Duration

We don’t know how long it takes to get a specific task done. But we do know that we can guess and set a time on our calendar to get a task done.

  • Help your teen create routines that take just 5 minutes. Making their bed, placing laundry in the basket, and putting trash away are 3 small tasks that take less than 5 minutes altogether. Your teen might think these take much longer. Write out routines with only 3 steps so that your teen isn’t overwhelmed.
  • Create more time awareness with more analog clocks.  Clocks should be in all your spaces to be sure you are gauging your time.
  • Your teen can set a timer when they start a task. Clocking the time will help them know how long a task takes.
  • Break big projects or tasks into baby steps.  Map out small sections of a project, and assign a time and date to accomplish them.  Nothing seems as overwhelming when it’s broken into smaller chunks.

 

Transition time

Building in transition time helps your teen be on time. That is the time that is between activities and moving from place to place. Your teen may not allow enough time to get ready, get to school, or clock in for a job. Coach your teen on how much time it takes to drive from home to school, then set use a timer to realistically learn the amount of time it takes. Having sufficient transit time helps your tee feel more confident and less stressed.

 

Tools for time management

Planners

 

Focusing apps

 

On your smartphone

  • Clock with timer for getting started and timing how long a task takes
  • Pandora playlist for organizing or homework time
  • Notes for making lists
  • Reminders and more tech

 

It takes practice, practice, and practice to learn the skills of time management. Don’t get impatient with your teen about how long it takes.  Every experience is a learning opportunity here.