ADHD and Parenting

Parenting is tough at the best of times. Add ADHD into the mix, and it can feel completely overwhelming.

I have ADHD, and I'm also a parent to two very young children, aged two and one. Life can be full-on, but I’ve created a few simple habits that make things a bit easier and help me feel more on top of things (most days, anyway!)

Here are a few tips that have made a real difference for me:

1. A Bit of Daily Structure Helps

Having a rough daily routine has been a real help. ADHD often makes consistency tricky, but even a loose plan for the day makes things run more smoothly.

Knowing in advance what needs to be done cuts down on decision-making during the day, which can be exhausting. It’s not about being perfect - just having a guide to follow can make all the difference.

2. Keep Mealtimes Simple

I used to find meal planning a nightmare - trying to come up with ideas for both my wife and I as well as the kids just felt like too much. What’s helped me is choosing one cookbook and sticking to it.

For example, Wean in 15 by Joe Wicks has been brilliant. It’s organised by age, and a lot of the meals are suitable for both adults and little ones, which saves time and energy.

3. Give Everything a Home

Losing track of everyday things (like keys) was driving me mad. Now, I have a few designated spots for important items, like hooks for keys by the door. It’s one less thing to worry about, and it keeps them out of reach of small hands.

It’s a tiny change, but it really helps things feel a bit more manageable.

4. Stop the Doorbell from Ruining Nap Time

This one’s a bit random, but hear me out: get a parcel box or a sign asking delivery drivers not to ring the bell, like the one I have in the photo below. Nothing is worse than finally getting your baby down for a nap, only for the doorbell to go off.

These are just a few things that have worked for me. Every family is different after all!