When people hear “homeschooling with ADHD,” they probably picture a kid bouncing off the walls while I desperately try to wrangle them into a math lesson. But let’s be real—I’m the one with ADHD. My kids? Well… if genetics are any indication, they probably have a little sprinkle of it too. But honestly, don’t we all?
The truth is, ADHD isn’t a flaw—it’s my superpower. It’s what fuels our adventurous, hands-on homeschool life. It’s why we thrive in an environment where we can move, explore, and learn by doing rather than being confined to a rigid desk-and-textbook setup. But let’s not pretend it’s all sunshine and smooth sailing—I have to be intentional about making our days work. Here’s how I manage:
1. A Detailed (and I Mean DETAILED) Schedule
My brain loves the idea of “go with the flow,” but reality? If I don’t have structure, we’ll all be outside digging for worms instead of finishing math. (Not the worst trade-off, honestly.)
So I create a detailed daily schedule—not just for the kids, but for me. I map out our homeschool subjects, meals, outside time, and even those pesky tasks like laundry. And when we inevitably go off course? I roll with it (sort of). When I mean detailed, I mean detailed…and they are posted everywhere in the house, the laundry room, the kids hallway, the kitchen…
2. Letting Go (Or at Least Trying To)
This one’s a work in progress. ADHD means my brain is always buzzing with BIG ideas and high expectations, which sometimes makes me my own worst enemy. I want the perfect homeschool rhythm, the clean house, the adventurous outings, the beautifully organized bookshelves… but let’s be honest, perfection doesn’t exist—especially in a house full of tiny humans.
So I remind myself daily: done is better than perfect.
3. Alarms, Timers, and More Alarms
ADHD time blindness is real. I’ll tell myself, “Just five more minutes of reading,” and suddenly, it’s an hour later, and we haven’t eaten lunch. Alarms save me.
- Morning routine alarm – Because I will 100% lose track of time drinking my protein shake and scrolling homeschool, DIY, or gardening ideas.
- Lesson transition alarms – Keeps us from hyper-focusing on one subject.
- Workout alarm – Because movement is key to keeping my brain in check.
4. The Outdoors Is Our Classroom
If we’re stuck inside all day, my brain feels like it’s short-circuiting, and the kids’ energy levels spike to feral mode. That’s why outdoor time is non-negotiable.
Our daily nature walk is a lifesaver—sometimes the girls bike, sometimes we extend it into a full-on hike. Fresh air, movement, and unstructured exploration help reset all of us.
5. Working Out = My Brain’s Reset Button
If I don’t move my body, my focus disappears, my patience runs thin, and my energy crashes. Running, cycling, and strength training aren’t just hobbies—they’re how I function as a homeschooling mom with ADHD.
Embracing the Chaos
At the end of the day, homeschooling with ADHD means embracing the chaos. It means understanding that our best days aren’t always the most structured ones—they’re the days where we learn, explore, and move in a way that works for us.
So if you’re also a homeschooling parent with a brain that runs a million miles a minute, just know—you’re not alone. And honestly? We were made for this.
Now, tell me—what’s your biggest ADHD homeschool struggle or superpower? Let’s swap stories in the comments!
Run Teach Bike 