Being Neurodivergent is your SUPERPOWER

Does this sound like you?

“Getting housework done or even started is a struggle.

I just get overwhelmed and spin

and give up because it’s too anxiety provoking.”

“It’s very hard to transition from one activity to another.

Getting ready in the morning is a nightmare.”

“No matter how badly I want or need to do something there is either

no motivation or severe anxiety attached to it.”

“I start cleaning one room and then notice something else that needs to be done

and then go to that thing and forget about the first thing and the cycle continues.”

I’ve talked with countless neurodivergent Moms (including myself) and learned that keeping up with the home is a struggle.

I surveyed over 50 moms and here are the top 5 home struggles for Neurodivergent Moms:

Squirrel Brain- you get distracted easily and skip from one task to another

Big Emotions- you or your kids are too overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or stressed to do it
Hyperfocus- you focus on ONE task and get really good at it but everything else doesn’t get done
Transitions- going from laundry to dishes to kids’ needs seems impossible
Task Paralysis- you don’t know where to begin or get stuck

If any of the above sounds like you, no worries you’re NOT alone! And you’re in the right place!

Did you know?

Being neurodivergent is your SUPERPOWER, not your limitation.

Your neurodivergent brain makes you who you are and you have SO many strengths! Problem solving, hyperfocus, detail oriented, excels with repetitive tasks ALL give you the ability and power to declutter and complete home tasks.

As Moms we already have SO many responsibilities when it comes to taking care of the home.

It’s easy to shut down, not clean up, or hire someone else to do it.

And I’m ALL about hiring someone else (if it’s in your budget), but if you’re “pre-cleaning” before the cleaners- then what is really the point?! And if you have hired an organizer to come into your home, but the mess just comes back and the bins are overflowing- then something needs to change.

Does this sound familiar??

Your kids' toys are scattered all through the house. You’re literally tripping over them. (Of course stepping on legos is the worst! I’ve been there!) There’s craft supplies, kids’ artwork, the endless papers from school, random rocks/sticks covering your countertops. It’s impossible to find your kids’ favorite shoes and you’re constantly running behind. You can’t keep up with ALL the activities your kids are doing, let alone your own schedule. Your playroom bins are overflowing with toys your kids don’t even play with.

All of this leads to visual overstimulation- not only for you, but also your kids.

What do you THINK when you see all of this??

“My home is a mess.”

“I’m a failure.”

“How does anyone keep up with this?”

“I’m not a good mom.”

It’s also super easy to get into a comparison trap from that Mom you saw on social media with the perfectly organized playroom that never looks messy.

What you THINK affects what you DO and how you FEEL.

So, what do you DO?

You shut the door so you don’t have to see it or deal with it. Cuz if the door is shut- it’s not there right? I see this with SO many Moms, because you just don't have time to deal with the item or figure out where it goes. This leads to the "stuffing" system where you're constantly stuffing items into drawers, bins, and closets. Or "doom piles" of papers or random items on your counters or kitchen table. It's not super effective in the long run.

You don’t clean up, so the kids don’t clean up. You shut down and don’t do anything because it’s too overwhelming. You hire someone to come in, but the mess continues to come back. You take an organizing course or read that book everyone recommended, but then never implement it. And sometimes you SCREAM! (Trust me, I’ve been there.)

How do you FEEL?

The build up is REAL! And the feelings are real TOO! You don’t have to feel bad or judge yourself for what comes up in your mind.

You feel angry and frustrated with your kids or spouse. (Hence, the screaming.) You’re anxious, stressed, depressed. You’re overwhelmed and overstimulated by everything in your home, including the noise! You’re stuck, shut down, burned out. How can you take care of your home when you're feeling like this?

Did you know your kids can also feel ALL of these things in a cluttered environment??

What you and your kids feel affects your self esteem and who you are as a person. Clutter affects more than your physical environment- it also affects your mindset!

It’s NOT about creating NO mess in your home or having perfectly organized containers. It’s about creating more function with LESS stuff. Having simple systems in place that work for YOU and your brain (and your family).

What do you desire?

No one really wants to live like this, but it maybe your current reality. It doesn't make you a failure and it's never too late for you to start decluttering (even if you've tried ALL the things). It’s a challenge to know how or where to start, especially if you have a neurodivergent brain.

You know what you want! You want improved focus and attention for your kids during playtime (so you can have a break and drink your coffee in peace). You want a system that flows throughout your home and be able to find what you need when you need it. You want clean up to be easier and faster (sounds like a dream, right?!). You want the big emotions to not feel so big. You want more time for you (who doesn’t!).

You want your space to be functional, visually appealing, & calmer.

Clutter goes against all of these desires. Clutter in your home causes decreased focus, productivity, and attention. There’s dysfunction and visual overstimulation. You keep losing items or can’t find what you really need when you need it (which is super frustrating causing you to be late for everything!). So, how do you get to this desired outcome?

5 Tips for Neurodivergent Moms

Every item needs a home.

If you can’t find that paper you needed yesterday or your kid’s socks, that is a problem! Knowing where things are helps you find what you need when you need it. Every single item needs a home!

Your environment matters.

Visual overstimulation is REAL. Having a cluttered office space, playroom, kitchen, or really any room in your home can affect your focus and attention. Have you ever tried to cook dinner and can’t find the ingredients you need because your pantry is overflowing? How about your kids dumping ALL the toy bins everywhere? (it's so triggering!) Have you ever thought that they may be looking for their favorite toy, but there’s too many toys to sort through. It’s frustrating for you and the kids!

Most used items need to be most accessible

Placing items within reach and in the same location of where the item is actually used is super helpful and creates more function. Items you use the most need to be at eye level or within safe reach- same goes for the kids. Utilizing wall space is also helpful.

Having too much stuff causes dysfunction

Dysfunction is a common challenge with cluttered homes. You want to be able to use the space for what is actually for and it to be functional!

You want to be focused and productive

If your environment doesn’t promote focus and productivity- it will lead to burnout. I teach that burnout is inevitable as a Mom, but there are solutions and simple systems to put into place that can help decrease the symptoms of burnout.

Need Support?

Moms need an environment that improves flow, function, and a system to decrease visual overstimulation and overwhelm. I give you the support you need in the busy times of your life. Because when are we NOT busy as moms?? Remember you make time for what is important to you- so think about what is important to you?

So many Moms struggle with the overwhelm of clutter in their home and don't know where to begin or are too embarrassed to seek help. That's where Calm Cottage Coaching shines- teaching clients a simple system with small achievable steps that leads you to success in your home. I work with you on an individual level to customize what is actually going to work for you and your neurodivergent brain. You don't have to do this alone and you can take back control of your home!

I would love to talk to you personally and hear your struggles and vision/goals for your home.

You can DM me on social media here

OR schedule your FREE Curiosity Call here.

Look forward to hearing from you and remember you are capable and deserving of a Clutter Free Life!