Finding ways to make life simple when you are a family of three all diagnosed with ADD or ADHD can be challenging. I have learned how not things the hard way, but to keep it simple do. I am learning my limitations and I am teaching my children to watch out for themselves.

No one will take care of you, except you. You are responsible and accountable for your actions, even when you have been diagnosed ADD or ADHD. Accountability means taking responsibility for the good and the bad you may do in this world, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

People with ADD or ADHD are impulsive. Impulsivity is a behavior characterized by lack of thought or planning for all the possible consequences. Impulsivity is a behavior, which means it can be unlearned or a new behavior can be learned to prevent one from acting impulsively.

If one tends to be impulsive during conservations or meetings, then practice taking a drinking of water before blurting out an idea or answer. Another option might be to chew a piece of gum, or write down the idea on paper, and if after writing your idea down it sounds reasonable the share your idea.

One blessing for those who are ADD or ADHD is that we tend to think outside the box to find new and creative solutions to obstacles preventing us from getting where we want to be. Thinking outside the box means, you have innovative and original ideas to solve problems. Ideas that if given consideration by people who do not have ADD or ADHD can not only open up new doors so to speak but allow others to appreciate that ADD and ADHD truly is a gift and can manifest itself in ways one might never guess or try otherwise.

Now look at your life and consider what areas are causing you the greatest distress or hindrance. Make a list and ask those around you for ideas on what can make life easier. For instance, we do not fold washcloths at our house. There is a big drawer in the kitchen and a basket in the bathroom and washcloths are simply tossed in their places once washed and dried. Please feel free to share any ideas you may have that help you and your family be more organized and less impulsive in the ADD forum.