5 Time Management Hacks for ADHD Moms: Because Coffee Can Only Do So Much

Let’s be real: being a mom with ADHD is like trying to herd cats while riding a rollercoaster—and someone just handed you a phone call to take. Between the school drop-offs, the laundry that’s staging a hostile takeover, and the endless “Mom, have you seen my…?” interrogations, finding time to get stuff done feels like chasing a unicorn. But don’t panic—I’ve got five time management hacks that actually work for ADHD moms like us. Because, let’s face it, coffee’s great, but it’s not a miracle worker.

1. The Pomodoro Technique: Your ADHD Superpower

You’ve probably heard of the Pomodoro Technique, but if you haven’t tried it, you’re missing out. It’s simple: set a timer for 25 minutes, focus on one task (just one!), then take a 5-minute break. Rinse and repeat. For us ADHD moms, it’s a lifesaver—it gives our brains a clear start and stop, so we don’t accidentally hyperfocus on reorganizing the sock drawer for three hours. Use it to tackle that pile of dishes or finally answer those emails. Bonus: those breaks are perfect for a quick scroll through TikTok—or, you know, staring into space.

Try This: Grab a cute timer (I’ve got one shaped like a tomato) to make it feel less “work-y” and more fun.

2. Visual Schedules: See It, Do It

ADHD in women often means we’re visual thinkers—so why are we still scribbling to-do lists on random scraps of paper that vanish into the void? Ditch the chaos and make a visual schedule. Grab a whiteboard, a giant calendar, or a mess of sticky notes and map out your day. Color-code it—red for “urgent,” blue for “household,” green for “please, self, take a shower.” Add some buffer time, too, because spilled juice or a last-minute “I forgot my project is due tomorrow” is basically guaranteed.

Mom Hack: Let the kids doodle on it. It won’t be pretty, but it’ll work—and they might actually remind you about soccer practice.

3. Batch Tasks Like You’re Running a Factory

Batching is just doing similar tasks all at once, and it’s a total game-changer for productivity with ADHD. Why? Because switching between cooking, cleaning, and helping with homework makes our brains short-circuit. Instead, pick a day—like “Meal Prep Monday”—and spend an hour chopping veggies or packing snacks. Or carve out 30 minutes at night to blast through all the little stuff: sign that field trip form, text back your sister, order more diapers. Less jumping around, more getting it done.

Why It’s Awesome: It’s like giving your brain permission to chill out and focus on one vibe at a time.

4. The Two-Minute Rule: Slay the Tiny Terrors

Here’s a gem: if something takes less than two minutes, do it now. Put away that jacket, toss the junk mail, reply to that quick text. These little tasks pile up like Lego bricks underfoot, and for ADHD moms, they’re mental clutter waiting to trip us up. Knocking them out fast keeps the overwhelm at bay and builds momentum for the big stuff. Yesterday, I wiped down the counter and threw out a dead banana in under two minutes—felt like Wonder Woman.

Fun Twist: Time yourself and see how many you can crush in two minutes. Winner gets bragging rights (and maybe a cookie).

5. Tech to the Rescue (But Don’t Overdo It)

There’s an app for everything these days, but for time management with ADHD, keep it simple. Pick one or two tools and roll with them. I’m obsessed with OneNote & Teams—it’s like a digital sticky-note board where I can drag tasks around and feel accomplished plus it will send me alerts as i book my TimeBlocks as meetings .

Outlook Calendar’s great too—color-code your life and set alarms for pickups or “start dinner” reminders.

Its Free and its connected to the OneNote and Teams you can also add family and friends in group chats give them tasks to complete or have them as accountability partner.

Top Picks:

• The Daily ADHD Grind Planner to help you break down all the big goals to small manageable task.

• OneNote & Teams: Visual, flexible, Alerts Chat Groups free.

• Outlook Calendar: Schedules and reminders, mom-style.

• Alexa or Your phone Ai Assistant Set Alarms

  
  

You’re Already a Rockstar—Keep Going

Listen, managing daily life as an ADHD mom isn’t about being perfect. Some days, you’re crushing it; others, you’re just keeping the tiny humans alive—and that’s okay. These hacks are here to help you find your groove, whether you’re 25 with a toddler tornado or 55 juggling work and teens. Tweak them, play with them, make them yours. You’re already doing incredible things, even if the laundry’s still plotting world domination.

Want more? Stick around—I’ve got plenty of ADHD-friendly tips, relatable rants, and laughs up my sleeve. Sign up for our newsletter below and let’s tackle this wild ride together.

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