A Realistic Daily Routine for Stay-at-Home Moms with ADHD (That Doesn’t Start at 5AM or Include a Color-Coded Planner)
Hey love,
Let’s just get honest for a sec—because no one talks about this enough.
Most days, my “daily routine” as a stay-at-home mom with ADHD looks nothing like the ones you see on Pinterest. I don’t wake up before the kids to meditate and journal. I don’t meal prep quinoa bowls. And I definitely don’t fold laundry as soon as the dryer buzzes.
What I do most days?
I get stuck staring at a screen while my tea goes cold.
I put off showering until someone rings the doorbell and I’m dodging windows.
I forget to make dinner until the kids ask, “What’s for dinner?”—and I’m forced to hit up the same greasy takeout spot… again.
Then, after the house finally winds down, I slip into that familiar nightly ritual: bedtime guilt and negative self-talk.
Why didn’t I do more today?
Why can’t I get it together like other moms?
Why does this feel so hard?
Here’s the truth no one tells you: ADHD makes time slippery. Tasks feel overwhelming. Starting anything can be a mountain. And when you’re juggling a household, tiny humans, and your own emotions—it’s a lot.
But here’s what’s helped me: a bare-bones schedule.
Not a rigid to-do list. Not a full hour-by-hour breakdown.
Just a loose framework of “anchors” that bring consistency to my chaos.
My Bare-Bones Schedule (On a Good-Enough Day)
- Wake Up: Sometime between the kids’ first stir and when they absolutely need to be dressed.
- Morning Anchor: Tea, one non-negotiable task (like brushing my teeth before noon), and a few minutes of quiet (even if it’s hiding in the bathroom).
- Midday Anchor: A simple lunch that’s not just the kids’ leftovers, and one focused 20-minute task (like throwing in a load of laundry or clearing a counter).
- Evening Anchor: A realistic dinner (frozen pizza counts!), kitchen reset (or just hiding the dirty dishes in the sink), and intentional screen-free time with my kids.
- Nighttime Anchor: 10 minutes of journaling or silence instead of spiraling in guilt.
Why This Works for My ADHD Brain
- It’s flexible. I don’t have to “stick to the plan” because there’s no hour-by-hour plan to fall behind on.
- It’s forgiving. I’m not aiming for perfection—just rhythm.
- It honors my real energy levels. Some days I hit all four anchors. Some days I only hit one. That’s still a win.
Having just a few consistent touchpoints throughout my day gives me a sense of control without the pressure to perform like a 1950s housewife in a modern world. Because let’s be real—I’m raising kids, not ironing socks.
If You’re Nodding Along…
If you’ve ever felt like your ADHD is writing your to-do list in invisible ink…
If you’re tired of feeling like a failure before lunch…
If you just want a realistic path forward—
I made something just for you:
🌱 The Clarity Kickstart 🌱
It’s a simple, powerful way to clear the mental clutter, get honest about what matters to you, and create a flexible routine that actually fits your life (and your beautiful, nonlinear brain).
You don’t need more hustle. You need clarity, compassion, and a rhythm that’s aligned with who you are.
You in?
With love and realness,
Lynne
