We’ve come a long way — my ADHD son and I.
And honestly? It’s been a learning curve for me just as much as it’s been for him.
I used to crave calm.
Rules followed.
Chores done on time.
Structure that stayed put.
He?
He’s my opposite.
At the beginning, I kept wondering:
Is he just being difficult? A rule-breaker? An outrageous kid?
No.
His brain is simply wired differently — and I had to adapt, not fix him.
Once I stopped trying to force him into my version of “normal” and started learning how his brain works, everything began to shift. Slowly. Imperfectly. But meaningfully.
Today I want to share a few tools we use daily that help him regulate, focus, and feel supported.
But first — an important reminder 👇
Some days are just hard.
No tool works.
No routine sticks.
Nothing goes as planned.
On those days, I drop expectations and lean into connection through play.
No pressure. No checklist. No “you should be able to.”
Because not every day has to be perfect.
And connection always comes first.
Tools That Help Us (Right Now)
Every child is different — what works for us might not work for you. But these have made a real difference in our home.
1. Foot Bands (a.k.a. the quiet lifesaver)
These are elastic bands wrapped around the legs of a chair.
They’re amazing for:
- Homework time
- Meals
- Table activities
He can push, pull, and move his feet without leaving his seat — and it gives his body the input it’s craving.
Simple. Cheap. Effective.
2. Wobble Cushions / Moving Seats
This one’s especially helpful during schoolwork.
He needs to move — constantly — and a wobble cushion lets him do that without getting up every 30 seconds.
Does it keep him seated forever?
No.
But even a little longer is a win 😉
3. Fidgets (with boundaries… and patience)
He loves fidgets.
They help and hurt — depending on the moment.
They’re great when:
- He’s listening
- He needs something hands-busy
They’re not great when:
- They become the main event
We’re working on awareness — learning when to use them and when to put them away.
Progress is… slow.
(You probably guessed that.)
4. Chewable Necklaces (oral sensory input)
This one was huge for us.
There was a time when:
- T-shirts were chewed through
- Pillows and blankets weren’t safe
- Everything ended up in his mouth
Chewable necklaces gave him a safe outlet for that sensory need.
Now:
- He knows where they are
- He grabs one when he needs it
- Sometimes I still gently remind him
5. Eating While Standing (yes, really)
This one took me the longest to accept.
I wanted “table rules.”
Sitting properly.
No movement.
But he wasn’t being disrespectful — his body just couldn’t handle it.
Now?
- If the wobble seat or foot band isn’t enough, he stands
- He eats
- He engages in conversation
- He enjoys meals
Is it a little messy under the table sometimes?
Sure.
Is it worth it for peaceful, connected family meals?
Every single time.
6. Checklists & Visual Reminders
These are GOLD.
We use:
- Before-school checklists
- After-school checklists
- Bathroom routine visuals
- Bedtime routine visuals
They:
- Reduce constant verbal reminders
- Build independence
- Create predictability
And here’s the best part — over time, some reminders aren’t even needed anymore.
We’re Still Learning (And That’s Okay)
We’re not “done.”
We’re still learning.
Still adjusting.
Still trying new things.
And I’ll keep updating this as we go.
💬 Tell me — what tools help in your home?
Let’s learn from each other. That’s how we play, connect, and repeat. 💛
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
🧩Tools similar to what we use
These are tools similar to the ones that support our days at home. Every child is different — take what works and leave the rest.
Foot Bands
Before buying: Check if you have a resistance or Pilates band at home that you don’t use — they’re a great DIY option for foot bands.
Wobble Cushions
- Option 1: Wobble Cushion
- Option 2: Wobble Cushion – 2 pack
Fidgets
- Option 1: Sensory Gel Cube – Good to know: This type of sensory tool has gel inside. My son eventually put a hole in one, so we only use these with supervision.
- Option 2: Fidget Magnet Toys
- Option 3: Fidget Sliders
Chewable Necklaces
- Option 1: Chew Necklaces
- Option 2: Chew Necklaces 2
Note: Both are labeled as non-toxic and made from food-grade silicone.