Have you ever heard your spouse say, “I told you about ‘it’ last night.”? I have. I was cooking dinner, helping two kids with homework, and keeping the other two occupied so they’d stay out of the kitchen. I was also thinking of the work I needed to finish, child number one’s project, and tomorrow’s plans to help a client. I was also trying to think of you and what you were trying to tell me that you have to work late tomorrow because someone called in again.
I started saying I had Mommy ADD when I became a stay-at-home mom after having my third child. And now I have four and it’s only worse (laughing ever so slightly). This isn’t to say that stay-at-home dads can’t have it, or whoever chooses to stay home and tend to the child(ren)’s needs.
What is Mommy ADD and how does it apply to organizing? Well… it’s when you have to be listening in five different directions and complete the 100 things that need to be done, all while helping yourself stay sane and I honestly have a hard time explaining it because my mind is still going in so many directions.
Whoever stays home has so many things they have to think about. I could list so many things but I’m sure that will cause more anxiety than good. I want to help you with that. I want to help in some way alleviate the anxieties of a stay-at-home parent. Two main things are great helps in helping this ADD. Creating a routine and delegating household duties are great ways to get rid of some stress.
Step 1- When creating a routine, start small. Start with dinner, bedtime, or mornings. Routine creates safety for children. The child’s behavior will become routine too. Roger K. Allen, PH, D. who wrote a book called “Raising Responsible, Emotionally Mature Children”, helps us as parents on how to do this. He says that create structure, limits, and authority when they are young and let them govern themselves as they are older. Come from authority as a parent, don’t yell or chase. Don’t give them the power. Don’t expect a change over night, it will take time to create a routine that fits your family’s lifestyle. This will help with getting organized.
Step 2- Your children know how to work, SURPRISE!!! Once you’ve created a routine you can add things to it like chores. Yay!!! You don’t need to do it all by yourself. Now I’m not great at keeping routine every day but my children empty the dishwasher, take the trash and recycle out, keep their rooms tidy, feed and water the cats, and help with many other chores that eventually they’ll do themselves. Baby steps. They do most of these things without complaint because it’s part of life. My husband and I tell our children, “You will be doing this the rest of your life, whining won’t make it go away, get used to it and get it done.” It mostly works. ;)
By creating routine and delegating you’ll be able to get organized in some aspects of your home. You aren’t in charge of your child’s room staying clean, they are. Help them create a system that works for them. Most children aren’t going to KonMari their room. My children like clear containers that they can see all that they have. They put their own clothes away, I don’t make them fold their clothes. I will when they’re older.
Now I my brain still drifts off when people talk to me and the Mommy ADD won’t ever leave, but I won’t have to worry about everything because my family is helping. I might even get to go to the bathroom by myself once in a while. For those that need more help please find a life coach or therapist. Nothings is wrong with getting help. Look up Jade Alexander at www.jadealexandercoaching.com
Please feel free to share your thoughts. I love to hear new ideas. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Facebook @HouseofOrderMethod.
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