As a mom with ADHD, cleaning can feel like a Herculean task on its own. Add kids to the mix, and it can seem downright impossible. The toys, the mess, the constant interruptions—it’s enough to make anyone throw their hands up and walk away. But here’s the thing: Cleaning with kids doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few ADHD-friendly strategies, you can turn chaos into teamwork.
Here are five simple, actionable ways to make cleaning with kids not only doable but surprisingly fun.
1. Break Tasks into Bite-Sized Chunks
ADHD brains (and kids’ brains!) thrive on small, manageable tasks. Instead of telling your child to “clean their room,” give them specific instructions like:
- Pick up all the Legos.
- Put books back on the shelf.
- Toss trash into the bin.
Quick Tip: Use a visual checklist or a whiteboard to break down tasks. Kids can mark off what they’ve completed, which provides a sense of accomplishment.
2. Turn Cleaning into a Game
Gamifying chores is a fantastic way to keep ADHD brains engaged and make cleaning fun for kids. Try these ideas:
- Beat the Timer: Set a timer for 10 minutes and see how much you can clean before it goes off.
- Treasure Hunt: Hide a small treat or sticker in the clutter and challenge your child to find it while cleaning.
- Color Sort: Ask your child to pick up all items of a specific color.
Why It Works: Games provide the novelty and dopamine boost that ADHD brains crave.
3. Use Visual Cues and Labels
Kids (and moms with ADHD) often need clear, visual reminders to stay on track. Label bins, baskets, and shelves with pictures or words to show exactly where items belong.
Pro Tip: Color-code bins for different types of toys or rooms to make cleanup even easier.
Why It Works: Visual cues reduce decision fatigue and make it easier to maintain organization over time.
4. Work Together as a Team
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Get your kids involved by working alongside them. Lead by example and make it a bonding activity rather than a chore.
Example: While your child picks up toys, you can tidy the coffee table or fold laundry in the same room. Narrate your actions to provide guidance: “I’m putting all the books back on the shelf. Can you help me with the toys?”
Encouragement: Kids are more likely to pitch in when they see you doing it, too.
5. Celebrate Every Win
Positive reinforcement is key for both kids and ADHD moms. Celebrate small cleaning victories with rewards, praise, or a fun break.
Ideas for Rewards:
- A dance party when the living room is clean.
- A small treat or extra screen time.
- Letting your child choose the next family activity.
Why It Works: Rewards and recognition create positive associations with cleaning and encourage consistency.
How This Approach Changed My Cleaning Routine
When I started using these ADHD-friendly strategies, cleaning with my kids became less of a battle and more of a team effort. My kids enjoyed the games and rewards, and I felt less overwhelmed knowing I wasn’t doing it all alone. It’s not always perfect, but the progress we’ve made is worth celebrating.
If cleaning with kids has felt like an impossible task, give these tips a try. They’re simple, adaptable, and designed to work for ADHD brains—both yours and your children’s.
Ready to Transform Cleaning Time?
To help you get started, I’ve created a free resource: The Tidy Kids Toolkit. It includes:
- A customizable chore chart.
- Fun cleaning games to keep kids engaged.
- ADHD-friendly tips for managing clutter with your family.
Download your Family Cleaning Toolkit today and start turning cleaning time into family bonding time. Let’s tackle the mess together, one small win at a time!
