“Why do routines work for a while and then completely fall apart?”
Because routines often rely on internal motivation and memory. ADHD brains struggle with both, especially under stress.
“Shouldn’t my child be able to do this by now?”
Development doesn’t move evenly with age. ADHD delays skills related to planning, emotional regulation, and transitions. Support needs to match readiness, not age.
“Am I enabling by helping too much?”
Support isn’t enabling when it builds regulation and capacity. Independence comes after skills develop, not before.
“What actually helps routines stick?”
- Fewer steps
- Visual cues
- Adult presence during transitions
- Consistent structure with flexible expectations
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“Why do routines fail most on hard days?”
Because routines don’t regulate the nervous system. People do.
Routines should reduce stress, not become another source of it.
If routines feel exhausting or ineffective, a Parent Coach trained in ADHD-informed strategies can help you build systems that actually support your child. Find help in the Parent Coach Directory.
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