- ADHD Friendly Prime Days Ideas for 2026!
Amazon Prime Days are here (June 23 – 26) !! Here are my favorite ADHD friendly or supportive items for this year. Happy Shopping!!
Colorful Mini Notebooks
These 3.5” x 5.5” notebooks are great for popping into your pocket, purse,or backpack, to use as a catch all for all of the thoughts and ideas that pop into your brain while you’re out and about. They also can be used for doodling during meetings or phone calls, which helps to keep you focused. And they are so reasonably priced that there is no need for any guilt when you stop using it, and then start another! https://amzn.to/4oDZxU2
Planner/Reminder Keychains and Luggage Tags
The keychain is a great item for ADHD kids or adults who might forget one or two items for their backpacks. There is room on this key chain to list items, tasks…whatever you need. You can then attach it to your purse to use as a checklist, and consult it before leaving the house. When the task is complete, or you’ve included your item, you can click it to a checkmark on the tag (and that click is a nice dopamine booster!).So if remembering to shut off the lights or turn on the cat feeder is tough on busy mornings, this can help you! https://amzn.to/4vonJfI
For younger kids, or more visual folks, these luggage tags can be given the same job of supporting working memory! Simply put a picture of your kiddo ready to leave the house, or of the inside of their backpack, and the reminder is right there,hanging on the strap! Works for the inside of adult carrier bags too! https://amzn.to/4fYxVqD
Colorful Rubber Bracelets
Here is an awesome ADHD hack I picked up on the “ADHD Chatter” podcast (highly recommended, BTW)! When there is something that we will need to remember to do later or tomorrow, write it on one of these bracelets, and keep it on until you’ve completed the task. You can write directly on the bracelet or use some medical tape. Wearing something physical is a much more in-your-face reminder than one on your phone. The suggestion that got me was leaving some bracelets that say “empty washing machine” on top of the washer. Pop on the bracelet, and there it will stay until you move the wet clothes to the drier! https://amzn.to/3QXr46u
NFC Stickers
This is something I learned about through one of my clients, and although it involves a bit of prep work, once it’s set up it’s brilliant. Did you know that you can set up shortcuts on your phone? (I am referring to iPhone, however I would imagine there’s a way to do this on Android). What that allows you to do is to put a few different actions together under one shortcut. For example, you can build a shortcut that will start a particular motivating playlist at the same time a list of kitchen cleaning tasks pops up. How do the NFC stickers come in? You can start the shortcut by programming your phone to recognize the NFC sticker for that shortcut. So I can put my phone next to the sticker in the kitchen, the playlist pops on, and the list of kitchen tasks opens. Again, a bit of work to get going, but once you do it, it’s a great way to automate your daily stuff! https://amzn.to/4ae16SQWrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy: The Special Education Survival Guide
The Wrightslaw website is THE source of information on special education law for laymen (https://www.wrightslaw.com/). This is where you can find out what qualifies for a Section 504 plan, how the IEP process works, and all things legal relating to advocating for your ADHD kiddo. This book contains so much information that you will find useful. Remember, you are your child’s advocate; it is vital for you to inform yourself about their rights. https://amzn.to/4w177L1Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock
So many parents tell me that their ADHD kiddos cannot be awakened by any alarm clock, and so they must wake their little darlings…multiple times. Or there’s the “I can only be awakened by my phone” line, which of course means you have your phone the night before, for scrolling indefinitely. This alarm clock has a very loud alarm, as well as a vibrator that will cause the bed to shake! I would give this one a try – it seems hard to ignore! https://amzn.to/4xCdh5P
Skylight Calendar
This is a bit pricier than my usual recommendations, but I have so many clients that swear by it, I would be remiss if I didn’t include it. The Skylight Calendar can link together the calendars of the entire family in one place (regardless of what system they are from), so that when you look at Monday, you can see your wife will be late coming home due to a meeting, one child has soccer practice and the other has tutoring. It enables you to plan better. It also helps with the ADHD issue of being unable to see time. By being able to look at all of the blocks that are filled, you will be able to see where you have room to do what you need or want to do. It can also be used for to-do lists, and there is an app for it as well. https://amzn.to/4gt8PQMSilicone Magnetic Fidget Toys
Choosing fidget toys that help ADHDers focus and stay calm is a very individual matter. Some people need roughness; others like smooth objects. What struck me
about this particular set is that there is the tactile piece, with each ball having a different texture, but also a magnetic component, so that it can be arranged in lots of different ways. And best of all, it’s SILENT – a huge bonus! Many, many positive reviews for this set, so if you’re looking for a new fidget, you may want to check this one out! https://amzn.to/4uLogXZAre there any items that you would like to recommend? I’d love to hear from you!
Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate, and have an affiliate relationship with Amazon.
- Self Compassion – A Magic Wand for ADHD Challenges
Clients come to me wanting relief – from being late for work or school, not paying bills on time, missing an important deadline or a loved one’s birthday, and the guilt and shame they feel from it all. They ask for strategies and hacks, hoping that I will provide the one technique that will be life changing.
I don’t have all of the answers. But I do have one “magic wand” for my clients, and for you.
It’s self-compassion. Treating ourselves with the same kindness we would use for a close friend – especially when we mess up. Self compassion aids in dealing with ADHD challenges.
When I ask clients to tell me what happens internally when they forget to feed the dog, it is a torrent of critical verbal vomit, both about this particular inaction, and their worth in general. “I’m a horrible person, the poor dog was starving.” “I don’t deserve to have a pet.” “What is wrong with me??”
And many ADHDers are afraid to let go of this narrative, because they feel it is the only way they will ever become “better.” That this self criticism will serve as motivation to change.
How’s that working out for you?
That criticism, that shame and guilt, will not help you to remember to feed the dog next time. In fact, it will have the opposite effect. Research tells us that all of the stress you are feeling due to the critical way you are talking to yourself, about YOU, makes feeding the dog something to avoid – because you don’t want to feel this way again. So actually, it’s the opposite of motivating.
However, exercising self compassion allows ADHDers to let themselves off the hook. Which makes it a lot easier to try again. Motivating.
So, how does an ADHDer who has been hearing from others, and from themselves, that they are lazy, incompetent, unreliable people, develop self compassion? How is it possible to cut down on the negative messages that are the background music of every single day?
First, we need to get a more detailed definition of what self compassion actually is. According to Dr. Kristen Neff, self compassion has three parts: self kindness, shared humanity, and mindfulness. So, treating yourself as you would treat a dear friend, recognizing that no one is perfect, and that everyone on this planet makes mistakes, and having awareness of what you are telling yourself, so that you can change this negative diatribe, rather than becoming consumed by it.
Second, we also need to understand what self compassion isn’t. It’s not thinking “everyone else is wrong, and I’m right” or “so I didn’t feed the dog, who cares? The dog doesn’t need to be fed all the time anyway.” It’s not about denying responsibility.
When you mess up, you’re still responsible. It’s just that it’s not unforgivable, or a sign of a flawed character. So you can own your mistake, because it’s just that – a mistake. Not the end of the world! Quite a different message than your inner critic is feeding you, no?
Using our dog example, taking responsibility would be “Darn it, I forgot to feed the dog again!” Being mindful would help us to stay aware of the messages we are giving ourselves in this moment, and letting the negative narrative go. Then kindness and shared humanity would kick in: “I feel badly that I forgot to feed the dog. I got busy and lost track of time. Typical ADHD! But It doesn’t mean I’m a bad pet parent, I love our dog! Sometimes people forget things. I’m doing the best I can.”
One additional part I like to add in is the “and” statement. This gives you a chance to try to improve the situation. So, in our dog scenario, it would sound something like this: “And I’ll feed her right now, and try setting an alarm to help remind me next time.” Your energy isn’t drained by inner criticism, so you can use it to address the actual issue.
Not easy, I know. Breaking a years – or sometimes decades – long habit of being the villain in your own story can be incredibly difficult. But it is 100% worth it. Research has shown that developing self compassion can absolutely be life altering. That calm verbal hug that you are giving to yourself can help you to feel safe, and secure in the knowledge that if you mess up, it’s okay.
PS – For some strategies for making self compassion, rather than self condemnation, your go to, click here! https://digioh.com/em/33248/200780/evndrbqfty?demail=(email)
- The Change In Your Kid Starts With You
Parents often ask me to coach their pre-teen and teenage kids. They are concerned that their children are having difficulties in school, with homework, chores, handling their emotions, mornings and evenings. Parents would like to see their kids change.
Many parents are completely surprised when I tell them that in order to see their children make progress, the first place that change has to happen is with them.
Wait, what??
Yes, it’s true. YOU are going to have to make some changes if you want your kiddo to do so.
Here’s a common example. Your kid is constantly running late in the morning. They have missed the school bus many times, causing you to run behind on starting your day because you have to drive them to school. There are arguments every morning. You feel exhausted right at the beginning of the day. How can this situation be addressed and improved?
We could say that your child needs to get out of bed earlier, should put their phone away, ought to pick out their clothes the night before, or just needs to grow up. But saying this over and over will not make change happen. However, if YOU make changes – for example, taking their phone out of their room at bedtime so that it’s unavailable for morning scrolling, working with your child to figure out timing for the different parts of the morning routine, maybe even setting up a reward system – then there is a shot at improvement.
Here are some general parental changes that are a good starting point:
1 – Learn as much as you can about ADHD – Read. Watch videos. Go online – not TikTok, but real qualified sources of information. Join CHADD and other support groups. Develop a really solid understanding of what ADHD is and isn’t, the science behind ADHD, and common misconceptions. I’m alarmed when I find out that parents haven’t done this. If your child had diabetes, wouldn’t you want to know everything about it? Well, the same applies to ADHD.
2 – Keep in mind that kids with ADHD are often 2 – 3 years behind their peers in terms of their executive functions – So this means the statement “a kid who is _____ years old should be able to _________” is completely pointless. By their birth date your child may be 13 years old, but in terms of their development, they could be somewhere around 10 or 11, causing them to be incapable of what their age mates can do.
3 – Take the role of advocating for your child seriously – As a retired teacher, I hate to say this, but many teachers still have not gotten the training they need to work with kids with ADHD. Other adults may not know anything at all. You may have to (nicely!) go toe to toe with teachers, principals, sports team coaches, camp directors, family members. This is, however, your job as a parent. Your kid should know unequivocally that if there is anyone in this world who will fight for them, it is you.
4 – Shaming and guilting your child will actually make things worse – Ah yes, the old “my parents yelled at me and embarrassed me in front of my friends, and it worked.” Perhaps that is so. Thankfully, we know more now about what is effective and appropriate. Kids with ADHD already feel “less than.” Making them feel badly about themselves will not help them to change their behavior in a positive direction.
5 – Tell your child about their ADHD – Your kid has a right to know that his brain works differently than some others, and that does not make him dumb or bad. Give them at least the basics; sprinkle in some knowledge of both famous people with ADHD, and family members who may have it.
6 – Work collaboratively with your child to solve problems – In the scenario above, sitting down with your kiddo, talking about what you see as the problem, and asking them how they think it should be solved gives them agency and motivation. It also can be a huge time saver. They know themselves best!
7 – Sometimes, you will have to do something unpopular – Kids love their electronics. Many parents use taking them away as a punishment, which very rarely does anything to change behavior. You may have to say “no electronics until homework is done” or “you can have your phone after you’ve cleared the table.” Your kid will not love this. That’s okay. The idea of work before play is a solid one for kids to learn early.
8 – Every single day, love your child – Kids with ADHD can be difficult to raise. Between executive function challenges and emotional dysregulation, home life can become very chaotic and charged. Take breaks when you need to (I’m a big fan of the lock yourself in the bathroom strategy). But strive to show your child that you love them, whether it’s a quick hug or a compliment. Don’t skimp!
9 – Try to keep your sense of humor – This can be very hard to do. There are days where nothing seems funny at all. If possible, try to step back just a little, and see if you can find some humor somewhere. You can’t yell while you’re laughing!
As you can see, your change comes first. I put learning about ADHD first because I feel that sets the stage for seeing your child as a person with a brain that works differently than the typical kid, which will in turn help you to help them.
Change IS gonna come. For your kid…but first, for you.
- Spending Control the ADHD Friendly Way, Part 2!
In my last blog post, I talked about doing some detective work to find your particular spending patterns. This would help you to develop spending control strategies that match up.
But, what if, despite your best efforts, you find it almost painful to give up the dopamine charge one gets from shopping? Suppose you are having a really hard time controlling your spending?
First, and probably most important – self compassion. No shame, no guilt! You are not bad, or selfish, or irresponsible. You are, in fact, dealing with a neurological difference that causes you to be motivated by what interests you (yup, that’s ADHD). Giving up that immediate dopamine hit is HARD! So give yourself kudos for trying, not thumbs downs for failing.
Plus evidence shows us that exercising self compassion actually helps us to accomplish our goals faster than being negative towards ourselves. Makes sense, when you think about it – who would want to pursue a goal that results in feeling badly about ourselves?
Second, it can be helpful to put some small, one size fits all strategies in place to get things moving. Here are some tiny tweaks you can make to get the spending control ball rolling in an ADHD compassionate way:
- Make a list of small things to buy that can make you happy – Can buying a new nail polish color scratch the itch of wanting to shop? I know I can go to any Staples and feel joy by purchasing new Post-Its. The idea is to own your dopamine chasing, but keep a lid on how much you spend to do so.
- Secondhand/thrift store, Free Cycle – My daughter-in-law is the queen of Goodwill shopping. She can spend hours looking for deals, and always walks out of the store with a designer outfit that costs her next to nothing. The thrill of the hunt! Also, if you have a Free Cycle in your town, it is a great way to “shop,” with all merchandise costing zero. Free dopamine!
- Make controlling spending fun! – Partner up with a friend, for accountability and cheerleading. Tally up all of the times you DON’T buy something. Make up a rap or poem to remind you of your non-spending goal. Getting that dopamine in other ways!
- Unsubscribe from shopping emails – this is SO effective! If you need something, you will be able to get it, without the help of the thrice daily emails. And I get that little dopamine push every time I see “you are now unsubscribed.” Win/win!
All of the above strategies can work for pretty much anyone. Remember, though, that the most effective way to control spending is to understand the B and the E in B.E.A.S.T. – background and emotions. Armed with that information, you will be unstoppable!
PS – Want a copy of my “Strategies To Control Spending?” You can find it here, free! http://digioh.com/em/33248/200557/j9j2ny23pd
- Spending Control the ADHD Friendly Way!
Gas prices are skyrocketing. Actually all prices are climbing. And with that, our spending is rising daily.
We know we should “tighten our belts” (btw, I hate that expression – tightening your belt sounds so uncomfortable), But, what do we do if ADHD makes it so, so difficult to gain control of our money? And how do we deal with the guilt, shame, and fear that we feel when we can’t do so?
Let’s first briefly discuss WHY ADHDers have trouble controlling spending. First, buying things can make us happy. It can be a high dopamine activity, which, since ADHDers have low dopamine levels, is something we might seek out. Until the guilt kicks in. But then, we may double down to feel good again – retail therapy, am I right? This treadmill, which I call the ADHD Spending Cycle, can be difficult to jump off of.
Add in the impulsivity of ADHD, which causes action before reflection. Now we have a killer recipe for overspending, feeling out of control, getting into hot water with credit card companies and the IRS…the list goes on and on.
So…what do we do?? How can ADHDers successfully get a grip on spending??
Usually, when using my B.E.A.S.T. Method of ADHD Friendly Financial Control, I would start with the B – background. However, I’d like us to gain some traction during this chaotic time. I’m going to suggest we jump to the E and A – emotions and actions/avoidance.
It’s time for you to be a detective.
For the next five days, take note of your spending, in terms of what you are doing, and how you are feeling. So, for example, last night I was scrolling the internet, and almost bought a new pair of pants. I was feeling excited to buy them for a trip I’m taking, but also was bored while watching TV. And I was lying around while doing it.
The more we can learn about what we are doing and feeling while spending, the more easily we can see patterns. This helps us to develop better strategies to counteract our actions.
So, in the example above, maybe I should be doing my crocheting while watching TV, instead of looking for things to buy. Also, making a list of what I need for my trip can guide me as to whether I actually need something new.
See how that works?
Also, I can use a few other strategies – ones that you might find useful, and can put into practice right now:
- Build in a way to change your mind – Leave items in the cart for 48 hours; leave tags on so items can be returned easily.
- Find other ways to curate items – Make an Amazon list; Pinterest; bookmarks.
- Budget a small amount for discretionary spending – In other words, scratch that itch, but in a controlled way.
There are countless other ways to get a grip on spending, but their effectiveness relies on knowing what is driving it.
You may feel embarrassed, or fearful, when studying yourself. So I’m going to flip the script on this. You can feel PROUD that you are working on your spending patterns. And knowing the enemy, whether it’s impulsivity or dopamine chasing, makes you MORE POWERFUL.
You can do this! More strategies next time!!
PS – Here is a link to a spreadsheet to help you take note of your spending, actions, and emotions, including an example! https://digioh.com/em/33248/200393/47wv8xr54d?demail=(email)
