If you’re a parent, a caregiver, a business manager, neurodivergent—or in my case, all of the above—you know that staying organized can feel like chasing glitter in a windstorm.
I’ve always struggled with focus, memory, and executive functioning. Add in parenting a high-needs child, managing a dispensary, and juggling 4–5 appointments a week, and it becomes a nonstop game of “What did I forget now?”
I don’t have it all figured out, but I’ve built a toolkit that helps me function most days. From apps to planners to small hacks I’ve picked up along the way, here’s a breakdown of the tools I use to stay (somewhat) organized through the chaos.
📅 TimeTree App – My Brain on a Shared Calendar
This app is an absolute lifesaver. Spencer (my husband) and I both use it to manage everything:
- Braydin’s therapy appointments
- Our store schedule
- Visitation schedules
- Court-mandated classes and court dates
- Family events
The shared calendar feature makes it easy for us to coordinate without constantly texting “what time is that again?”
📔 My Passionate Penny Pincher Planner – For the Pen-and-Paper People
I love the tactile part of writing things down. I use my planner to:
- Brain dump to-do lists
- Track medical info
- Block off time for work, errands, and mental health breaks
There’s something about physically checking things off that helps my brain stay focused—and yes, I’ve definitely written things I already did just to check them off. Zero shame.
🧑⚕️ ModivCare App – Medical Appointment Transportation, Simplified
This one’s huge for families with lots of doctor visits. I use ModivCare to schedule non-emergency medical transportation for Braydin’s appointments when I can’t drive him or need to split responsibilities with Spencer.
It’s one less thing I have to manually coordinate, which means one less thing my ADHD brain can drop.
🎧 Libby App – Free Audiobooks Keep Me Grounded
The Libby app is linked to my library card and gives me free access to audiobooks and eBooks. I listen to audiobooks while cleaning, commuting, waiting during appointments—or let’s be real, when I’m hiding in the bathroom for 10 minutes of alone time.
Sometimes I need escape. Sometimes I need inspiration. Libby gives me both, on demand.
💻 Other Resources That Keep Me From Spiraling
In addition to the apps and planner I swear by, here are a few other things that help me keep it together:
✔️ Sticky Notes
I use sticky notes for urgent reminders. I put them everywhere—laptop, planner, or back of my phone.
✔️ A Timer
I set a timer for everything. Whether it’s a cleaning sprint, a 25-minute “focus” session, or just remembering to switch the laundry. Timers keep me accountable when my brain forgets to check in.
✔️ Grocery Pickup Apps
Walmart Grocery Pickup and Instacart are a godsend. Shopping with ADHD and a high-needs child? Not ideal. I plan our meals and order groceries from my phone while multitasking.
✔️ AirPods
When I need to focus at the shop or decompress at home, they’re essential. They help block out sensory overload, which helps keep my anxiety in check.
✔️ Apple Notes
Simple, fast, and already on my phone. I use Apple Notes for:
- Jotting down questions before Braydin’s appointments
- Tracking medication changes
- Brain-dumping blog ideas when they hit at 3 AM
- Grocery lists, random reminders, or anything I swear I’ll remember later (but won’t)
It syncs across all my Apple devices, so no matter where I am, I can quickly reference or add to it without the “where did I write that?” panic.
🧠 What Works for Me Might Help You Too
Every brain is different, and especially for those of us with ADHD, what works one day might flop the next. But building a toolkit that meets you where you’re at—not where Pinterest says you should be—can make all the difference.
If you’re managing a household, a business, a child’s complex care schedule, or your own neurodivergence (or all of the above), I see you. And I hope these tools help you feel a little more in control, even when life is anything but predictable.
juMOMjia 