I walked around the house today with a role of scotch tape and brightly colored notes. It is the latest countermeasure to jog the memories of the ADHD and FAS children in the house. Living with several children who require constant reminders to stay on task or even to begin a task can wear a person down after 14 years of foster care and adoption. Yes, we all go through training in dealing with special needs adopted children. However, I am not sure that we are ever completely prepared for the reality of 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for years and years.

In a large font, I typed notes that say, “Did you turn in homework?” Those notes are on neon yellow paper. I placed them strategically on the front of the computer screens, mirrors, and on the bathroom door at eye level when a person is sitting on the stool.
Bright orange notes say, “Did you take your medication?” I placed one inside each person’s toothpaste bag, one on the bathroom mirror, and inside the kitchen cupboard above the cereal bowls.

Then we have neon green notes that say, “Eat your lunch 11am-12:30pm” and “Do your jobs at 1pm.” These are also on mirrors and computer screens. Lunch was from 11am until 1pm, but Lyn usually chose to begin her lunch at 12:58 and then she wouldn’t finish until 1:15 so I changed it. There are also notes that say, “Is it Wednesday? Leave for piano lessons at 4:40pm.”
Yesterday was also Lyn’s fourteenth birthday. She seemed quite happy to receive the talking watch and talking clock. Each has four alarms, which I took the liberty of setting for her to ring at 8am, 11am, 1pm, and 4:30pm. These times, of course, coincide with the times on the brightly colored notes.

I am hoping to see some progress towards independence with these new countermeasures. I’ll be sure to keep you posted.

They Called Him Ninja – Living with ADHD
Should I Try Medication Now or Wait
ADHD Don't Babysit
Time Alone? – Living with FAS and ADHD
Did You Ever Think, “My Child’s Special Needs Are Too Much to Handle?”

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