Managing Mornings As An ADHD Mom: My Routine for School Days

Ah, back to school—the time when it feels like we’re all collectively pulling our hair out. With so many tasks and so little time, especially when both parents are working, finding a balance is crucial. We want to make the most of our time without overloading ourselves or creating systems that lead to burnout. From signing forms and securing after-school activities to booking volunteer spots and getting meals on the table, the list is endless.

I’m Sara, a mom of one, and I want to share how my family and I navigate the school year. While I don’t claim to have it all figured out—there’s been plenty of trial and error along the way—I’m constantly refining our routines. My goal is to offer perspectives and ideas that might be second nature to me but could be a breakthrough for other parents feeling overwhelmed.

Through this post, I hope to provide practical tips and insights that can make your back-to-school transition smoother and less stressful.

Our Morning Routine: Keeping Chaos at Bay

When I started feeling overwhelmed and noticed that our time was not being used efficiently, I knew I needed to implement a solid routine. While I’m not asking for perfection, having some structure is crucial. I use a variety of visual and audio aids to help me stay focused and get things done. Here’s a glimpse into how we manage our mornings:

Visual and Audio Aids:

• Alexa Devices: Located in major areas of our home.
• Google Calendar: For scheduling.
• Whiteboard for Our Daughter: Helps her track her daily tasks.
• Family Whiteboard Calendar: Primarily for parental planning.

We keep things light by preparing the night before so we can embrace our true “morning zombie” status.

Consistent Wake-Up Time:

• Parents: We need to leave the house by 7 AM, so my alarm goes off daily at 5:30 AM (yes, even on weekends). This gives me time to get ready and pick up where I left off the night before. I also use a backup alarm at 6 AM in the bathroom across from our room to ensure I get up.
• Kid: Our daughter’s alarm wakes her up at 6:15 AM (or earlier if she’s up before that). Until recently, she could sleep through anything, but now we’ve adjusted her wake-up routine. Our Alexa devices help with this. Instead of just an alarm, I’ve set up a routine that plays after she dismisses the alarm:
• Greeting: “Good morning, beautiful! It’s time to start your day!”
• Date and Weather: Provides daily details.
• Song: Currently, “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon, which helps grab her attention and makes her morning routine more engaging.

Morning Tasks:

• For Parents:
• Breakfast: We use the air fryer a lot for breakfast sausages and potatoes (like hash browns or tater tots). BBQ baskets from Dollarama and paper towels or parchment have been a game changer for easy cleanup.
• Coffee or Water: I use a Yeti to keep my drink hot or cold, so I don’t have to worry about it later.
• Lunch Prep: I generally use leftovers and prepare our daughter’s lunch with fruit, veggies, and some protein. She prefers a charcuterie-style lunch, and I add her vitamins to her morning snack in case she’s not hungry. Her water bottle gets a special touch with True Lemon and ice.
• Final Checks: I make sure everything needed for the day is packed, including any forms or signatures.
• Hair: I do her hair before we head out.
• Extra Time: If I wake up early or have extra time, I might do a load of laundry or make pancakes for the week. I use the LG app to sync with Alexa, so I get notifications when laundry cycles are complete.
• For the Kid:
• Dressing and Agenda Check: She gets dressed, reviews her agenda, and ensures all necessary items (forms, library books, etc.) are packed.
• Additional Items: Includes sunscreen, sunglasses, jacket, and water bottle.
• Breakfast: Sometimes she makes this herself or has breakfast at before-school care.
• Chill Time: She watches a show while I finish her hair.
• Lunch: This year, I have chosen to prepare her main items (e.g., Onigiri/Sushi or meat and crackers etc.) and put out a tray of prepped veggies and fruit for her to add to her lunch, which helps reduce food waste and frustration.

Overall, our routine runs smoothly most days. Even if we wake up late, we manage to get most things done. It may seem basic, but without our prep the night before, the chaos would be much greater!

Night Before Routine: Adding Peace of Mind to Your Mornings

I’ll admit, I initially resisted establishing a nighttime routine. I craved freedom and thought I could handle everything in the morning. However, I often felt rushed and exhausted, and I’d neglect my own needs, resorting to food services throughout the day. After scouring Pinterest for solutions—only to find them overwhelming or irrelevant—I consulted my best friend, Eve, for advice. With their help, I tried, tested, and learned from a few failures. Here’s what works for us this year:

For Parents:

• Prep Vegetables and Fruits: Prepare these for dinner and for the following day or week.
• Plan Protein: Decide on the protein we’ll have the next day.
• Clean Lunch Kit and Water Bottle: Hand wash these most of the time for quickness, but use the dishwasher if needed.
• Evening Routine: One of us handles our daughter’s bedtime routine while the other enjoys some downtime, like coloring, watching a vlog, or playing video games.
• After Bedtime: Unload the dishwasher, collect and load any stray dishes, and check her backpack for forgotten food or, occasionally, rocks!
• Laundry: Swap, put on, or put away laundry.
• Bake: I bake something new every week  in small batches to add variety to lunches.
• Final Touches: Wipe down counters and start the dishwasher before bed.

For the Kid:

• Chill Time: After dinner, she relaxes before bed.
• Bedtime Routine (7:00-7:30 PM):
• Shower or Bath: Dry her hair if needed.
• Pick Out Clothes: Pick out clothes the night before for school.
• Teeth Care: Brush, floss, and use mouthwash. We use the Colgate Magic Brush to make brushing more engaging.
• Pajamas: Get dressed for bed.
• Spelling Practice: Work on spelling words using a fun sheet (I’ll share this soon!).
• Reading: We read together for about 30 minutes; if she’s tired, one of us reads more.
• Wind Down: She watches a few videos and is usually asleep by 9 PM or earlier.

This routine is simple and manageable. She knows her tasks and generally handles them on her own, making the mornings less stressful for everyone.

Afterschool: The Most Chaotic Part of the Day

Our after school routine is crucial for keeping things running smoothly, although it may vary based on activities and work schedules. I’ve found that if I sit down as soon as I get home, I’m prone to a state of paralysis. So, as soon as we walk through the door, I head upstairs to prepare a snack and dinner. Our daughter is very social, so she often eats less than she needs during the day. I prepare a snack either for when we pick her up or as soon as we get home.

Here’s how our after school routine typically unfolds:

For Parents:

• Prepping Snacks and Dinner:
• As soon as we’re home, I get started on a snack and dinner.
• I use a prep container I found on sale at HomeSense (I’ll include a picture!) to see what’s needed and what we have on hand.
• I usually cook a starch like pasta, potatoes, or rice, and do any additional prep.
• Cooking:
• Depending on how my husband’s day went, he might handle cooking the meat or I might man the BBQ.
• I try to cook extra to prepare for the next meal or lunch.
• Homework and Communication:
• Our daughter updates me on her day, and I sign her agenda and review any notices she brings home.
• Notices are placed on the fridge as a reminder.
• We brainstorm about any assignments she has, like the annual “About Me” activity, and discuss what she needs and how we can help.
• Dinner Time:
• Our goal is to have dinner by 6 PM. This timing might seem late, but with travel and prep time, it works best for us.
• We usually enjoy dinner with a family show and some downtime to catch up.

For the Kid:

• Snack and Chill Time:
• After school, she has a snack and then relaxes. She might read, play a game, build with Lego, or go outside to play with neighborhood kids.
• Helping with Dinner:
• She often offers to help with dinner if she can.

I quickly realized how essential it is to provide a snack right after school or in the car on the way home. This simple step helps prevent frustration, arguments, and meltdowns for everyone.

Afterschool Activities and How to Prepare

Navigating after school activities can be a race against the clock. Whether you’re signing up for sports, coordinating volunteer schedules, or managing extracurriculars, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Here’s a breakdown of how we handle afterschool activities:

Managing Sign-Ups and Forms:

• Form Collection: Gather all forms that come home and file them by month or week in a binder.
• Activity Registration: Check deadlines for sports, events, and extracurriculars to avoid last-minute scrambles.
• Volunteering:  Sign up as early as possible to ensure you get the spots you want.

Communication and Coordination:

• Email Updates: Keep an eye on school and activity emails for important announcements and deadlines. Our Newsletter for school comes every second Friday. I tag it and have the Mail app remind me later to read it. 

Preparation for Extracurriculars:

• Gear and Equipment: Ensure all gear and equipment are ready and in good condition. Store them in a designated spot to avoid last-minute searches.
• Activity Planning: Plan for transportation and any additional logistics, like uniforms or special gear.

By breaking tasks into manageable steps and staying organized, we can streamline our after school routine and reduce stress. Remember, it’s about finding what works best for your family and adapting as needed.

Our Newest Strategy: Improving Efficiency and Reducing Stress

We’re constantly adapting our routines to meet our needs and make things more manageable. This year, we’ve introduced some new strategies:

Nightly Prep: We’ve found that preparing for the next day in the evening, such as laying out clothes, packing lunch, and ensuring everything is ready, helps us avoid a chaotic morning.

Weekly Planning: Setting aside time each week to plan meals, check schedules, and review upcoming events has been a game changer. It allows us to stay ahead of the curve and avoid last-minute stress.

Self-Care: Finally, prioritizing self-care and finding moments of relaxation amidst the chaos helps keep our family functioning smoothly. Taking time for ourselves, whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee or a few minutes of relaxation, can make a big difference.

Navigating the back-to-school season can be challenging, but with some preparation and organization, it’s possible to create a routine that works for your family. By staying flexible and adapting to our needs, we can make this time of year less stressful and more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

Back to school doesn’t have to be a season of chaos. With thoughtful planning, preparation, and flexibility, it’s possible to create a routine that supports your family’s needs and reduces stress. I hope these insights and strategies help you find your groove and make the most of the school year.

Feel free to share your own tips and tricks for managing the back-to-school season. What works for you and your family? Let’s support each other and make this school year a great one!

Happy school year, everyone!