Is your child’s bedroom a battlefield? Organizing an ADHD child does not have to be a battle. Here are some ‘simple’ tips for a smoother, calmer and cleaner household.

Why can’t my child just stay organized!

Convincing a child to clean can be difficult, especially if they have ADHD. Staying organized requires good executive functioning. Most children and teens with ADHD are delayed in this area!

What is Executive Functioning?

• The ability to visualize what needs to be done
• The ability to create a plan on how to do it
• The ability to organize how you will follow through on the plan
• The ability to have effective time management
• The ability to adjust if any of the above does not work the first time
• The ability to complete the task or project

Why does Executive Functioning matter?

Executive functioning is the brain’s ability to use time management skills, organizational skills, and common sense skills and wrap them all up into a neat little package. That package is what allows them to complete tasks. Children and teens with ADHD do not naturally do this. But they can be taught!

Determine why they are disorganized

Children and teens with ADHD might have a parent with ADHD. This parent may have never been diagnosed, or may only display some ADHD traits. The parents may have learned through the years to ‘cope and adjust.’ It is common for these parents to become increasingly frustrated when their children and teens are unable to do the same.

But, children learn through observation. If a parent is disorganized, cluttered, or scattered it makes it incredibly difficult for a child to be organized. On the other hand, if organization is natural for you (or something you learned), your child may not have yet developed the skill. In fact, many well organized parents will over-organize, and do it for their child, instead of the child learning the skill. Lastly, some parents may have an unrealistic expectation of their child’s age-appropriate ability to be organized. Regardless, the upcoming tips may support your family in creating organization regardless of what has and has not worked before.

Want to learn more about ADHD?

Are they a visual organizer?

Many with ADHD are visual organizers. This means if it is not ‘in their face’, it does not exist. Here are some ideas on supporting a visual organizer.

• Use specific storage containers that are easily accessible and placed in logical locations. For example: Place a laundry hamper in the spot your child most often tosses their clothing. If you place the laundry hamper in the closet, it may not be used. This could be a future goal but not an immediate goal.
• Utilize clear plastic containers for toys that are specifically labeled. For example: superheroes, markers, animals. I like clear plastic shoe box containers which can be bought at Michaels, the dollar store, target, etc. I use these same containers in my office to organize toys for play therapy! It is ideal to allow your child to organize their toys into the individual boxes. Once again, their idea for logical will be different than your idea for logical.
• Small clear containers are more likely to be used than large ones. I have experimented with various sizes and colors. If working with a teenager, it is best to allow them to pick the containers they are most likely to use. If it is ‘ugly’ they might avoid it. For children, standard clear containers are ideal.
• Out of sight is absolutely out of mind. Ensure that all storage containers are visual and easily accessible. Necessary school supplies should be organized on their desk. Bathroom supplies on the bathroom counter. Toys where they are played with. Any other locations may not be used, remember it must be logical to your child.
• Minimize lids in the beginning– if it is inconvenient an ADHD child or teen is less likely to use them. Hold onto those lids though! This can be a goal down the road, for now keep it simple.

Is it clutter?

Children and teens with ADHD may hold onto everything- purely because it is overwhelming to throw things out.

Break down the de-cluttering process into multiple settings- think bite-size pieces.

• For example, today we are going to organize your desk. Make no mention of other things that will be done tomorrow, or they should have / could have done. Once this section has been completely organized by your child or teen, wait a few days and assist them in organizing the next section. If you are met with resistance, this could be for many reasons. Are they overwhelmed by what you chose? Something else?
• Start with the areas that are simplest to organize to maximize success. Simplest might mean least number of items, or your child has cleaned or organized before. If you notice this area become re-cluttered, your organization system is not effective.
• To determine clutter, have your child or teen assign an appropriate spot for each item. If it does not have a spot, ask whether or not it can be thrown out or donated. If they are not ready to make this decision, find a plastic container to be labeled ‘Looking for a home.’

Create a system

Create a new system that benefits them. In the process of de-cluttering and organizing was your child or teen resistant? It may be due to them feeling overwhelmed by the process (too much at one time). It might also be that you implemented visual organization systems that work for you, but not for them.

It is important that your ADHD child or teen is involved in the entire process of purchasing the system as they will be using it on a daily basis. Again, due to them being a visual organizer, if they do not like the visual look of the system they will continue to avoid it. If it benefits them, and keeps their likes and dislikes in mind, they are more likely to be successful.

This is the point many parents may feel overwhelmed or frustrated. Truthfully, creating a system is a lot of hard work and will not be flawless! Keep working at it, and if needed reach out and let’s get started together.

Create a routine

Create a routine that keeps their brain in mind. Create a visual written routine that breaks down the process of keeping their room clean. Again, remember if their room becomes cluttered again, their system is not as effective as it could be. Take a moment to consider what needs to be changed and then readjust as necessary.

Less stress parenting solutions

Sometimes parenting brings up a lot of emotions. It can be stressful, overwhelming and exhausting. If you find this happening for you, schedule an appointment and we will find solutions that work for your home.