If you or your child have ADHD, you know how tough it can be to stick to a routine and get everyone out the door on time. With back-to-school season here, having a solid morning and evening routine is more important than ever. Setting up an ADHD friendly family command center can be a game-changer for stress-free mornings.
ADHD Friendly Family Command Center
Come shop my house as I setup our family command center on a budget! I didn’t want to spend a lot of money, so I tried to use existing items from my home. It was fun to challenge myself to create an organized space with limited funds. We are just a few weeks in, and this new system has already paid off to help my daughter get out the door and on the bus at 6:25 am each morning. She loves knowing exactly what is coming up for the day and week ahead.
If you need more ideas, here are my best tips for creating the most efficient ADHD friendly family command center in your home. I’ve linked many of my favorite products in my Amazon Storefront to make it easy! Click here to view my store: ADHD Family Command Center Ideas
1. Centralized Calendar System
- Visual and Accessible: Use a large monthly wall calendar with color-coded markers for each family member. I also added a week-at-a-glance calendar so nothing gets overlooked. This makes it easy to see everyone’s schedule at a once. You could use paper calendars, but I prefer dry-erase, so they are reuseable and easy to erase if schedules change.
- Digital Backup: Sync with a digital calendar (like Google Calendar or Cozi) that sends reminders to your phone. For ADHD, setting multiple reminders is key.
2. Designated Drop Zones
- Labeled Bins and Hooks: Create specific spots for keys, backpacks, and mail with clearly labeled bins and hooks. This reduces the chances of misplacing essential items.
- Visual Cues: Use bright colors or pictures on labels to make them more noticeable, helping everyone remember where things go.
3. Task Lists and Visual Schedules
- Magnetic Task Board: Use a magnetic dry-erase board for daily and weekly tasks. Break tasks into small, manageable steps, and check them off as you go.
- Routine Charts for Kids: For children, use visual schedules with pictures or icons to guide them through daily routines, like getting ready for school or bedtime. I’ve created a magnet for each item my daughter has to complete each morning before she gets on the bus– Brush teeth, brush hair, pack lunch and water bottle, put on shoes, etc. Get very specific so there is no chance of a morning meltdown.
4. Communication Hub
- Message Center: Dedicate a space for a whiteboard or corkboard where family members can leave notes, reminders, or important messages.
- Quick Access Info: Include a section for emergency contacts, important phone numbers, and a list of frequently called numbers.
5. Paper Management System
- Actionable Paperwork Bin: Have a bin for incoming paperwork that needs action (e.g., permission slips, bills). Sort it daily and move items to their appropriate folders or bins.
- Filing System: If you have space, store your important document file folders near this area. Use color-coded folders or binders for long-term storage of important documents like medical records, school papers, and household bills. Keep it in an easily accessible spot.
This setup ensures that everyone in the family has what they need at their fingertips, reducing overwhelm and making it easier to stay on top of daily tasks.
