Becoming an empty nester can bring mixed emotions to any mother, but there can be an added complexity for mothers with ADHD. Your routines will likely take on a different rhythm—an exceptional challenge for mothers who struggled to stay on track with the previously established routines.
Their moving out doesn’t mean your connection has to fade and order falls out of balance. Likewise, managing the home in a way that feels peaceful—and not chaotic—is entirely possible. Here are practical ways to prioritize adventure and home organization as an empty nester with ADHD.
Create an ADHD-Friendly Event Calendar
Does your child have a lot happening and want you to be part of their life events? Keeping track of special invitations from your adult children, like weddings, birthdays, or graduations, requires organization that aligns with the way your brain works.
A visual, interactive calendar can be a lifesaver, especially if you’ll have to make frequent trips to different places. Use a wall-mounted calendar with large squares to write down key dates and locations. If you prefer digital solutions, apps like Google Calendar or Cozi are user-friendly and sync across devices.
Set reminders for important dates, including event preparation deadlines. For example, if you have an upcoming trip with your child, schedule reminders to book your accommodations and transportation in advance. Doing so makes travel stress-free, allowing you to focus on bonding with your child upon your reunion.
Showcase Keepsakes Without the Clutter
How can you keep your home as organized as your calendar and travel schedule? Create a system for displaying reminders of your children.
Start by choosing a dedicated display area, such as a mantle, a corner of a cabinet, or a floating shelf. One of the biggest mistakes you can make with floating shelves is overloading them to the point of collapse, so limit the space to a manageable size. This also helps you keep clutter at bay.
Implement Interior Displays That Are Visually Engaging
Once you have a designated space for keepsakes, try grouping them by type or theme for a sense of cohesion and balance. For instance, you could use shadow boxes to cleverly organize trophies, medals, or cherished trinkets from their childhood.Chooseclear display cases or simple glass frames for pictures, small mementos, or souvenirs from trips.
Keep Connections Meaningful Yet Balanced
The goal of maximizing adventure and home organization as an empty nester with ADHD is staying close to your children while maintaining your mental space. Do this in ways that allow you to avoid the feeling of “overdoing.”
Ultimately, when displaying keepsakes, pick items that spark joy or connection.Similarly, when planning to attend events, focus on the ones that matter most to both you and your child rather than feeling the need to attend every gathering.
Balance is key. By keeping things simple and intentional, you can cherish special bonds without clutter or chaos. Your home can tell a story of love, accomplishment, and intimate connection as you step into this new phase of life.
