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Writer's pictureAshley Talbot

How I Help My ADHD Kids Clean Without Big Tears

Updated: Jun 24

Growing up, my room was always the talk of the house, and not in a good way. Jokes were made, and I often found myself the subject of family teasing for having a perpetually messy room. I'd spend hours cleaning, only for it to look worse a few hours later. It felt like an endless cycle, and it took a toll on my self-esteem. Back then, the school mentioned dyslexia and ADHD to my mom, but it was brushed off as not a big deal. That was the norm, and I hold no grudges.

As I grew older and started a family, I saw the same traits in my kids that I experienced in my childhood. Determined to create a different experience for them, I made some changes that have made a world of difference. Here’s what worked for us:


  1. The Keep Safe Box Children with ADHD often feel anxiety over material items because they hold sentimental memories. To address this, I introduced a "Keep Safe Box" for my daughter. She can put anything she wants to keep (except food) in this box. When it gets full, she has to decide what she's ready to let go of to make room for new items. This teaches her how to sort through her belongings independently, saving tears and arguments while fostering decision-making skills.


2. Make it fun


Parenting can be exhausting, and making everything fun might seem overwhelming. But I've found that turning cleaning into a game can make a big difference. For instance, I challenge my kids by setting a timer and saying, "I bet you can pick up all the towels in 5 minutes." They see it as a fun challenge, especially when they realize they can finish early. I set a Google timer and a personal timer to ensure I remember to check back. When the task is done, their sense of accomplishment is evident. This approach turns a potentially all-day ordeal into a 30-minute fun activity with minimal stress.


3. Bins to throw toys


To manage the clutter, we use bins with lids to store toys, sorting them by size. While my OCD compels me to categorize them further, I've learned that as long as the toys are in bins, I'm satisfied. We also rotate the bins, putting some away for a few months and bringing them out on busy days. This rotation makes old toys feel new again, providing quiet time for me and excitement for the kids.


4. Friday drawer day


We’ve designated Fridays as our day to organize closets and drawers, the places that tend to get messy the fastest. Using folding devices makes the task more enjoyable, and we tackle one space at a time, often with the help of timers. This weekly routine means I'm not constantly nagging about the state of their drawers or closets, keeping the task manageable and stress-free.


5. Laundry Day


When laundry comes out of the dryer, it goes into a three-bin basket: one for tops, one for bottoms, and one for other items. This pre-sorting makes it less overwhelming for the kids. They then fold and put away one section at a time, often with the aid of a timer. Timers can be a great motivator or stressor, depending on how you use them, so choose wisely.


These strategies have helped me create a more organized and harmonious home environment. A clean and orderly space aids emotional regulation and boosts self-esteem, especially for kids with ADHD who can easily become overwhelmed and distracted. I hope these tips help you as much as they’ve helped me, reducing tension and making life more enjoyable.


Playful Hearts

Natural Wellness Company




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