Welcome back! It’s officially November – time to get those holiday playlists going (here’s my favorite one so far).
Do you ever get to Sunday night and feel this sense of dissatisfaction? Like you wasted a perfectly good weekend and now you’re heading back into a week where everyone is going their own way and you missed out on this time?
Yeah, me too. It’s not a great feeling.
So I wanted to share three ways that I help my family to feel better heading into (and at the end of) a terrific weekend. I hope this helps you to go from having boring weekends to having fun and fulfilling time with your family!
One. Make a Plan and have a Family Meeting
The first essential element for a successful weekend is having a clear plan in place. This plan should encompass your family’s activities and commitments, the necessary preparations, and your meal plans. To implement this, follow these steps:
- Family Calendar Review: Take a moment to review the family calendar, ensuring you’re aware of all upcoming events and commitments.
- Event Preparation: Make sure you have everything you need for those events. Check that you have all the essentials, especially if you have children.
- Meal Planning: Consider what meals you’ll need for the weekend. Having a meal plan can save you time and reduce decision fatigue.
Additionally, it’s a good practice to sit down with your kids after school on Friday and create a visual schedule for the weekend. Outline the tasks and activities you’ll do together in a clear and engaging way. This approach helps children understand what to expect and eases transitions from one activity to the next.
This planning method works well when you incorporate it into your weekly routine. By looking ahead to the following weekend, you can identify potential issues and address them in advance.
Two. Plan your “have-to’s” and motivators
The second element focuses on identifying your “must-do” or “have-to” tasks that might need a little extra motivation. While intrinsic motivation is ideal, it’s not always feasible, especially when it comes to less enjoyable tasks. Here’s how you can approach this:
- Intrinsic Motivation: Understand that intrinsic motivation is the most effective way to bring about change. However, not all tasks can be tackled this way.
- External Motivation: Recognize that external motivators can be valuable. Sometimes, the promise of a reward, even a small one, can help you push through less appealing tasks.
Remember that the key is to balance the two. While you may not be naturally inclined to clean a toilet, knowing that you’ll enjoy a cleaner, more pleasant bathroom can serve as a motivator.
Three. Plan an Adventure
Finally, an adventure is a must for the perfect weekend. This concept is inspired by Laura Vanderkam’s book “Tranquility by Tuesday.” Plan a family adventure that allows you to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. Here are the steps to make it happen:
- Schedule an Adventure: Block out time for a family adventure, even if it’s just for half a day. The adventure could be a hike, a visit to a new place, or a fun family project.
- Anticipate the Event: To make it even more exciting, plan the adventure in advance. Knowing it’s on the horizon can build anticipation and add an element of joy to your week.
Incorporating these three essentials into your weekend routine can help ADHD moms make the most of their time with their families and reduce stress. Remember, planning, setting goals, and prioritizing family adventures can lead to happier and more harmonious weekends. Share your thoughts and experiences in our “Mothering Together with ADHD” Facebook group, and let’s support each other in this journey.
That’s a wrap for this blog post! I hope you find these tips valuable for “Weekly Planning for ADHD Moms.” Until next time, take care and keep “Mothering Together with ADHD!