Set Up Central Command for ADHD Kids
- Cristin Mullen
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
Setting up our summer starts with establishing our visual schedule.
Set this up before our little monkeys get the impression that free summer days will be nothing but screens, food, sleep, and repeat. Amiright?
Let's build their vision of summer with a splash of reality. This will cut down on the arguing about plans they think were sprung on them. We might even get these kiddos to plan ahead a little. Imagine. :)
Have you noticed that kids become frustrated when they don't know what is going on? Adults too, I suppose. No matter how many times we have told them the plans and expectations, they just don’t seem to hear us.
The ADHD brain’s innate difficulty to hear or remember everything it hears is a set up for frustration.
Frustrations and fighting tend to appear when expectations don't meet reality, so let's get everyone's expectations aligned. Our kids need to know where they will be, and when, before they can prep their mindset in the right direction.
Setting Up Central Command for ADHD Kids
ADHD friendly central command will include quick visual reminders, elements that draw the kids in to actually look at it, and a clear showing of what is happening now, and what is coming up.
Anchoring our kids in time and space, with a visual schedule, is the best way to get on the same page. It also gives a nice posted reminder to point to, which cuts down on the endless need for reminders and nagging.
The ADHD Friendly Summer Calendar
Display two months side-by-side. This way, the kids can see the entire duration of summer break. ADHD kids tend to be time-blind, causing them to live in two time zones: now and not now. Displaying both months within view allows them to bring future plans into the ‘now.’
Crossing off days as they go by is a super simple but super effective strategy. ADHD brains don't filter information well, so when they look at that calendar, it ALL looks like today. That is overwhelming and repelling. Cross off the days to help your kiddo quickly see the one box that is relevant for today.
Pro Tip: Try to use colors and symbols more than words and numbers. You can put the event details on the weekly schedule. The family calendar just needs to indicate the main events. For example, color in the entire box to indicate summer camp or family vacation days.
The ADHD Friendly Weekly Schedule
Use a weekly schedule with time intervals. This is a great option, or use my Time Mapping template. Try to find one that starts with Monday instead of Sunday. The time intervals allow for a spatial representation of time, which is a powerful trick for time-blind kids.
Add the details. This is where we display appointment/camp/practice details, and maybe 1-3 helpful chores.
Draw a dark line to separate weekdays from weekends.
Block it. Represent time with space by color blocking your weekly schedule:
Fill in time slots for appointments, including drive time, and getting ready time. Over estimate the time that it will take.
Fill in health and self care priorities such as meals and sleep.
Discuss the remainder while spaces with your kid. Let them weigh in on a plan for those time periods.
Pro Tip: Allow for free time. Not every single moment has to be scheduled.
Make It Public
These visual schedules work best when they are in a very public place. We are talking about a place where your kiddo can't help but accidentally look at it, such as the fridge or food cabinet.
Plans that are repetitively seen, as opposed to heard, become better remembered. Remembered plans build forethought. Forethought greases the gears of compliance and following directions.
Pro Tip: Let this schedule get you out of the habit of verbal reminders. Refer and point to the schedule to help your kiddo stop depending on those verbal reminders.
Was this helpful?
Consider grabbing the free download that goes with this strategy. This is a free chapter of a future book, and the last summer that it will be provided for free. This offer is only available through July 30, 2025.
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