For every season there is a chart. We have a chart for the school year that tracks schoolwork, personal hygiene, and chores. We have a chart for the summer that tracks reading time and the computer and television time it 'buys'. We have a weekend chore chart. The boys generate their own reading logs and grade sheets. Charts are a visual way for the ADHD child to be organized.

It wasn't always like this. I used to spend all of my seasons nagging. Life at our house used to sound like this: "Ron, did you brush your teeth? Joe, is your snack in your bookbag? Mike, are your gymclothes ready? Ash, have you done your reading log? Ron, did you finish your math? Ron, did you vacuum the living room? Joe, did you do your social studies? Joe, is the trash at the street? Mike, did you clean the bathroom? Ash, are the dishes put away? Ron, did you brush your teeth…"

We had no time of silence and no time of peace. The constant sound of my voice annoyed ME, and I know it annoyed my kids. Multiply four kids, eight daily responsibilities, about three reminders per task, and I was averaging close to 100 nags per day. Since we posted the chart, I only have to ask, "Is your chart done?" Even on bad days, nagging is only a fraction of what it was before.

During school, we have chores for daily work and charts for weekend work. In the summer we have a chore chart and our popular television spreadsheet. The boys make their own charts for homework and grades. I also have charts for me; keeping up with what is required of me is hard to remember.

Charts can be prepared on a spreadsheet or word document with chores and tasks written. Visual learners may benefit from charts generated using pictures. Whatever the method, charts can provide the visual reminder that will make the difference between a task being completed, left hanging, or forgotten.

Give every season a chart, and you may discover that it will help you find more time, including a time to speak of something besides chores and homework!

*We have an Excel spreadsheet with examples of different types of charts that I'd be happy to send you. Send an email to and request this free resource.