How to Help Your Homeschool Child Get Organized (When You’re Brain is Unorganized)
The term "organized chaos" isn't just a catchphrase if you're anything like me; it's a way of life. I frequently feel like I'm barely surviving as a mom with ADHD who homeschools. Nevertheless, here I am, attempting to teach my children the same skill that I find most difficult: organizing.
I recognize the irony. The good news is that you don't need to be a naturally organized person to help your children learn how to be organized. Teaching them can actually be a learning experience for both of you. Even if you've never used a planner before, you can still come up with a method that works if you have a little humor, patience, and ingenuity.
Learning Alongside My Kids
I’ll be honest: when I first tried to get my child to organize his homeschool work, it was an absolute disaster. Papers everywhere, lost pencils, and forgotten assignments. I tried color-coded folders, elaborate schedules, and even bought a fancy planner, but within days, it all fell apart.
That’s when I realized I was approaching it the wrong way. Instead of trying to teach a system that I wasn’t even good at, I needed to make it a team effort. So, I reframed my approach:
💡 Instead of "Let me teach you how to be organized," I switched to "Let’s learn this together."
That one change made a world of difference.
1. Start Small & Keep It Simple
Burnout is inevitable if you attempt to change your homeschooling system all at once (for you and your child). Rather, begin with tiny, doable measures.
✅ Choose one thing at a time—maybe organizing their daily assignments or setting up a routine for putting supplies away.
✅ Set a timer for five minutes at the end of the day to do a quick tidy-up of the homeschool area.
What is working for us: We started with a "Clean Desk Challenge." At the end of school or when I want my 6-year-old to clean his toys, we set a timer and spend five minutes organizing our workspace. No pressure, no stress—just a quick reset. Small steps, big impact.
2. Make It Visual (Because ADHD Brains Need It!)
I cannot rely on memory alone to keep us on track. So, I turned to visual supports—the lifeline of every ADHD household.
📌 Charts, color-coded labels, and sticky notes are our best friends.
📖 What worked for us: We created a homeschool binder where my child can see everything at a glance. Inside, we have:
A checklist of subjects for the day
A simple, flexible "unscheduled schedule"
A place to store completed work so nothing gets lost
My son loves checking things off. It gives him a sense of accomplishment, and I love that it keeps him on track without me nagging.
3. Make It a Game (Because Fun = Engagement)
Let’s be real—if it’s not fun, ADHD brains check out. So, we turned organizing into a game.
🎯 How we do it:
We play a game called "Speedy Clean"—where we race against a timer to see who can finish their task first.
My job: Organizing the papers and books
His job: Sorting crayons, markers, and supplies into their proper spots
Guess who wins every time? Hint: It’s not me. 😂
🏆 Bonus Tip: Add rewards! Stickers, small treats, or extra screen time work wonders for motivation.
4. Lead by Example (Even If You Struggle)
This part is hard because—let’s be honest—if I were naturally organized, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. But the truth is, kids learn from what they see, not just what we say.
What worked for us: I started doing one small, visible habit every day—making my bed.
One morning, my son saw me doing it and proudly announced: "I’m going to make my bed too, Mommy!" It wasn’t perfect, but he tried, and that’s what matters.
Moral of the story: Your kids don’t need you to be perfect. They just need to see you trying.
5. Celebrate Progress (Not Perfection)
Organization isn’t about doing things perfectly every time—it’s about building habits.
🙌 How we celebrate: We have "Organization Fridays." Every Friday, we:
Do a quick reset of our homeschool area
Reflect on what worked that week
Treat ourselves to something fun (a movie, game night, or a treat)
These little victories keep us motivated and remind us that progress is more important than perfection.
Final Thoughts: Growing Together
Helping your homeschooled child get organized when you feel entirely unorganized yourself can feel impossible. But the truth is, it’s one of the most humbling and rewarding things you can do.
💡 You don’t have to be a master of organization to teach it. You just have to be willing to learn alongside your child.
💡 The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. And along the way, you’re teaching them not just how to arrange their schoolwork, but how to be resilient, adaptable, and problem-solving thinkers.
That’s a win for both of you.
Ready to build systems that work for you and your child? Download my guide, Homeschooling Like a Pro (Even With ADHD!), for more practical tips and strategies to thrive in homeschooling and beyond.