10 ADHD Lifehacks from Penn

[@samanthaburd9391]

A drop basket helps! Plac a basket wherever you naturally drop your keys/wallet. No matter how odd the spot is: bathroom, couch, pantry, kitchen table. Label it. And of any other family member stumbles across your stuff somewhere else they can put it in the drop basket for you. My 3 year old know that dad's wallet goes in the basket by the door. She'll take it off his work desk, WHILE HE'S SITTING THERE, and take it to his basket for him.

[@bubzilla6137]

That's actually genius! 🙂🙂🙂

[@naomis2]

Samantha Burd I love that idea!

[@ChanDeereGreen]

I totally have this, it has saved my keys and wallet from oblivion So Many Times!

[@lifethisside5712]

Yes!!! My husband has several "drop zones" around the house, and whenever I find something I put in the nearest one...then later when he asks me where it is, I tell him to check his zones lol

[@stevemcinerney2105]

That story is so cute

[@surething180]

Most organized point in my life was in college. This was due to always having a backpack. I now embraced the backpack, everything is packed in said backpack the night before, to make less stressful mornings.

[@thisguyhd6591]

I should do that :I

[@tracimichellewellness]

YES!!!! My backpack was always a wreck, but I had EVERYTHING IN IT. ALWAYS. I have a music backpack that I keep all of my music stuff in. If I start taking things out, I will lose them every single time.

[@ibreathefiction]

I'm a 26 year old, married, homeowner and I legit still use a backpack. All. The. Time. I own no purses. Just the backpack. And I embrace it by covering it in fun pins and buttons and tie cool bandanas to it. I dont care if it looks silly. I nearly always have what I need

[@LittleDergon]

Yes! This is where my important stuff goes like my prescription sunglasses, purse, keys etc. And I always try to put them back as soon as I don't need them out anymore

[@happyinhome]

Same :)

[@tinkershell1856]

My grandfather used to walk with a cane in his backyard. As he’d pick from the fruit trees, he’d hang the cane on a branch and forget it. Every weekend I collected a dozen canes from the “cane trees” like Easter eggs. I wish I’d taken a picture! 😂 He left cash everywhere. His rule was that if you found it, it’s yours now. Sweet guy ❤️

[@karengerber8390]

Thank you for sharing your memory. ♡

[@deidreritter1165]

I’m becoming your grandfather because lately anytime my son finds money I tell him to put it in his piggy bank

[@tinkershell1856]

@@deidreritter1165 aww, that’s very sweet of you! 🥰 it’s probably a fun game for him ❤️

[@JohnVella1968]

You know how whenever you lose something, it always turns up in the last place you look? If you look in that place first... Sorry, I'll behave now. 😁

[@andreaboots5533]

I don’t have ADHD, but I’m dealing with post-covid brain fog, and the “Getting out of the Car Song” has become my thing every time I leave the house as well as get out of a car! Absolutely fantastic!

[@nfries58]

Me too! But… I forgot the first 2 things in the song and had to search for the video. This time, I wrote them down. I’m learning! Last summer I couldn’t find one set of keys. Four days later, found them in the freezer, where I had laid them while putting groceries away. 🙄

[@Steve68686]

For anyone (else!) who was hoping one of these folks would actually say the four things: GLASSES, WALLET KEYS & PHONE (keys and phone!)

[@CLGragg]

OH MY GOSH!!!! I LOVED this video!!! I'm 57 and was JUST diagnosed with ADD after suffering for 50 years! I SO relate to what you said and am SO releived to know I'm not alone in my forgetfulness. Thank you again and again! Charlene~

[@brittanyjones3226]

SET ALARMS FOR EVERYTHING!!!!

[@dday9433]

Phone alarms are a lifesaver

[@henxinggan]

As long as you can remember what you have to do between turning the alarm off and going toward your target objective. Lol. "Ooo! Look! A squirrel."

[@JynxBlack13]

So much THIS!! sweet alarms especially AFTER YOU GET OUT OF WORK! I can't count the number of times I have left work, gotten home, sat down at my computer. Then when my wife gets home she asks me if I did X and I look like a pathetic child 😖

[@mammamathews]

Good idea!

[@Panroles]

Or if your me, procrastinate setting alarms.

[@bingbox32]

I am a 28 year old mom with ADHD and this video rocks! Sometimes I feel like I'm the only adult with ADHD, glad to know I'm not alone. Your videos are so inspiring!

[@dbfangirl8484]

There are a ton of us out there. Some ppl are just not diagnosed or in denial.

[@karlaps3994]

Hi! Have you heard of the KZbin channel How to ADHD? I love it - there's a lot of great content for our tribe :)

[@thisguyhd6591]

Dude we are sooooo freaking many it’s insane o_o

[@amandagiles1674]

@@karlaps3994 Thank you!!!!!

[@autumnjohansen3910]

Right there with you!

[@JanecShannon]

A tip that I use... When I know I need to take something with me in the mornings that isn't a part of my routine, I stick it on the floor in front of the door. I can't forget my dance bag / workout clothes / whatever if I literally have to step over them to get out the door. If I'm taking a tray of cookies to work? I put my keys *on* the cookies (on top of the plastic wrap) because I can't start the car if I forget them so I literally can't leave without them. When I pick them up.. Oh right, cookies too!

[@alittlepieceofearth]

Awesome tip!

[@Maisysmumma]

OMG I so do this too! I also have some hooks that are right by the door that I cannot pass by without seeing whatever it is hanging on the hooks that have to go out with me

[@Brandyalla]

I try this all the time, and it never works. I put the whatever on the table by the door, remind myself not to forget it while I'm getting ready, happily breeze by it on my way out the door, and remember that I forgot it halfway to my destination.

[@JanecShannon]

@@Brandyalla No, no the point is to put it in the way. It's in the middle of the doorway so you won't ignore it because you'll trip over it if you ignore. If I just put it near the door, then i do the same thing... Breeze past it as I walk right out. But if I literally have to step over it I'm far less likely to ignore it. 😂

[@Brandyalla]

@@JanecShannon Mine is usually paperwork of some type....no go for the floor

[@jeniferhenton8344]

Thank you for being positive about adhd. We love all your videos but your ADHD vids hit home. I have adhd and so does my oldest son. Recently, when I asked my 10 year old what he likes best about himself... he said “ I have ADHD. It’s like a superpower! “

[@Elizabethatthebeach]

"Tile" key chains for wallet, phone, keys etc.. LIFE-CHANG-ING!!

[@kimnapoleone9934]

So true! My adhd, fidgeter husband lost his wedding ring at the movies. We heard it ring as it rolled 7 rows away. Had to wait an hour until the movie was over. I could not enjoy seeing Captain Jack Sparrow as I panicked about the ring. Also #3 put items on your car hood, not the top of car. Can’t drive forward without seeing it! #8 My husband asks for a list, but leaves it at home. So we take a photo of the list too.

[@BobbiGail]

These are awesome ideas! Lol! Thanks for sharing

[@Gibson99]

We use the Our Groceries app on our phones. No paper list to lose that way, and easy to reuse lists for common stuff like groceries... Automatically syncs in real time with each other's phones, so if my wife adds something to the list while i'm at the store, it shows up on my phone right away. We use android but I think it's available on iOS too. i have separate lists for to-do's, and we even use it to keep track of christmas gifts we buy, since we shop throughout the year to get the best deals.

[@ebriggs3498]

Kim Napoleone: if you have an Echo it will make your lists also. But you have to make sure you haven’t left your smart phone somewhere.....THEN you sing.....

[@FixItPleaseJ]

Been there on both. At least he remembered his phone to get the pic. I've had to abandon my shopping cart because I didn't have a wallet several times before all the phone pay apps.

[@CreativeIsolation]

As I read this, I’m recalling leaving the grocery list on the counter... yesterday. Wife had to send a picture

[@minecraftingmom]

"can't lose your pants", but you can totally put them in the laundry with all the stuff still in. Or at the end of the bed and then kick it under the bed...

[@KaffekanAnna]

Yup that can happen. Did that. With all of my sons favorite Pokémon cards. I was not his favorite parent that day 🙈

[@citizensoldier3848]

Or forget you had stuff in your pocket and then look everywhere 12 times for it

[@annwhale4418]

😆 my husband and I have both done that!

[@AshleeKnowsNot]

.... This is likely what happend to my ID.

[@jollyfamily9138]

Yes!!! My husband keeps all his important stuff in his pants pockets so he won't lose them, then loses his pants in the house.

[@elisabethkohrman7697]

My dad past down his ADD to me, his daughter. I just wanted to remind everyone that it isnt just males

[@MaggieValera]

I can't share the meme here, but you can see it at photos.app.goo.gl/VBf3M5nYPiUcpKvWA It gives a list of symptoms for girls. I will post it on Facebook from time to time, along with a reminder that ADD tends to present differently in girls and it's rare when girls have the hyperactivity component.

[@elisabethkohrman7697]

@@MaggieValera yeah. I feel like a lot of those apply to me. The only one I can’t see is speaking out of turn

[@poltive]

And so underdiagnosed in girls too, especially non-white girls!

[@poltive]

@@MaggieValera I was 'lucky' in that I had hyperactivity to the point doctors couldn't deny I had ADHD.

[@starshinewindlord2716]

@@MaggieValera "album is empty" darn, must have put it down somewhere

[@fippie7]

Thanks for making ADHD fun. Just realized at 61 the issue I have had all my life is ADHD and it's put me in a weird place. This was helpful and good to laugh about it a little.

[@ropshubop]

As a 37 year old new dad with ADHD, I really can't buckle my brain down well enough to think of a way to express how much I appreciate your ADHD content so I just wrote this instead.

[@AJTivol]

Sometimes the making words follow each other thing is so hard. 2 days ago my brain said it was done for the week.

[@angelamiske2610]

I absolutely love this! I have one small objection, if you’re going to bedazzle your keys, make sure it’s still light because you can damage your ignition with the weight. I’ve done it on two different cars! 🤦🏻‍♀️ Story time: I got into my car, started up the hill on a very warm day, asked my husband where my drink was as it fell upside down through the window into my lap. 🤣

[@denisegrant3613]

Glasses, wallet, keys and phone Keys and phone have been singing this since I watched this

[@alaboutfood2326]

I have my own version of the Macarena. Every spot that the dance places a hand is somewhere I put stuff I carry with me.

[@LeeAnneRMT]

Listen to podcasts while doing mundane cleaning chores. Set alarm on phone for 10 minutes before you should leave. Group similar activities together.

[@teresahowick5197]

Lee-Anne RMT me!!

[@LifeinBonnieland]

Yes! Great ideas! I do all of these 💜

[@mangosgomexico6343]

Yes there’s about 4 alarms that go off on my phone a day.

[@alittlepieceofearth]

I like to listen to something to keep my brain busy while doing mundane chores.

[@jim-bob3093]

I have my phone clock set 10 min early so i panic and then arrive on time...

[@debbiedashoff6011]

I also find setting an alarm for every 15 minutes if I want to stay on task, because the alarm is just a reminder to get my head in the game. (Very helpful when getting ready to leave for work)

[@jennifertarin4707]

I need to do this as a reminder to get up and walk around more when I'm at work. Once I'm in the "zone" I'm so focused on thr task at hand the world ceases to exist ans when I do get up, I snap crackle and pop like a glow stick minus the glow

[@priscillamerrow996]

I keep telling my husband we need to get him tested. Your ADHD music video really described him. I've learned over the years if I have a designated spot for everything then he gets use to it. If I change it around it takes a long time for him to remember the new location. Our keys go on the hooks near the door. The extra toilet paper is always in ghe same spot. His bath towel is always on the same hook...

[@ruthe6017]

I got diagnosed at 40. So much of my life made more sense. It's also really more of a superpower than a problem especially when you understand it. Knowing which quirks were part of it and things to could help make a big difference.

[@teambeining]

Buy bulk imitation wedding rings 😂😂😂 I think they sell those at Costco 😂😂😂

[@alaboutfood2326]

Ring very rarely is removed. 1) intentionally get it slightly smaller so its difficult to remove but not impossible in case it does need to take off.

[@dinglebarry528]

Silicone rings are safer, and inexpensive. Plus, I’ve heard all the cool kids are wearing them.

[@newyorkification]

8

[@jennrowe7693]

This is so amazing. Its so hard to explain what's it's like to be ADHD and this not only explains in a great way, but provides great hacks. I sent this to my husband and he was like "this is so you!" I think he's bedazzling my keys right this second.

[@annehalkyard]

Penn I just forgave my husband for losing his wedding ring, like eight years ago. He gets “distracted”. Now I can let go of that particular resentment. Thank you for improving my marriage. (The libido killer video also helped. Y’all rock. Truly)

[@zyrinaz]

Libido killer?

[@IzziedeD]

@@zyrinaz kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqfPgoOppbZlodU

[@lostvampgurl]

I recently found out i have adhd, i always just thought i sucked at adulting and was really weird. These tips actually help. especially the last one, and the list one. thank you.

[@LimegreenSnowstorm]

Ooh, one of my best hacks especially during college was the pencil case hack! Of you’re constantly switching from purse to backpack, it’s a nightmare tryna remember everything you need to bring. I have a little zipped handbag with my wallet, chapstick, pens and pencils and eraser, nail clippers and USBs, and I put it in whatever bag I’m bringing, or just bring it by itself when I go places. I call it my taco because it’s yellow and shaped like a taco. It’s real fun seeing the looks on faces the first time they hear me ask where my taco is XD

[@jluzanger]

I have an oversized changepurse in the shape of a penguin where I keep important things - money, credit cards, chapstick. It fits in a pocket or a purse or a backpack. If I can't find it, I'm like "where is my penguin?" and somehow making it like a little buddy is so much less stressful than "help, i can't find my wallet." Bonus, my penguin buys me stuff and takes me out to dinner. He's sweet like that.

[@DanUtley]

I thought you were gonna say you glued magnets to everything so it would stay put on your roof... Just an alternative idea, everybody!

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

D. Utley yep me too. I was quite disappointed and as a non driver I want to know if it would work

[@ameliasaurusrex1393]

Lol

[@saraa7841]

Same! I wanna know if it would work.... would have been helpfull!! my dad (non diagnosed) once left my MP3 on the car and drove away... I was seven it is a trauma😂 (I have ADD and my brother has ADHD.. my dad has similar habits so we think he has a form too)

[@DoraBea]

My mum was putting my cousin in the car and had her hands full so she put his shoes on top of our car and forgot about them but somehow they managed to stay on the entire way home

[@chrispartosbro4555]

A roof rack could be a idea with a nice deep shelf lol.

[@valioceans]

Love it! As the mother of sons, I established the rule the the LID had to be closed. One - it’s much more hygienic when flushed (think about all the crap in the air spreading over all surfaces), and two, everyone has to close up the commode, not just the fellas 👍🏻

[@MegaMindyLou]

ADHD how to stay married hacks. If you didn’t know all those ‘quirks’ could really ruin a relationship. So happy you guys can embrace it and hang in there. ❤️

[@tamamariastormymorris9937]

So understand. 😔

[@Andrea-xs4ny]

Mega MindyLou - Agreed. It takes 2 very flexible people. If you have 1 or 2 stubborn people, well, we know how that can go.

[@Mistakenlym]

Yesssssssss 🤣👏🏻👏🏻

[@leannewith3]

It has helped me so much realising that my husband has ADHD and isn’t just being a pain. Although he is still resistant on using things to help him (like lists) Small steps...

[@idkosel]

There is a book called The ADHD Effect on Marriage that really helped me (the one with ADHD) and my wife.

[@WayToVibe]

I LOVE how supportive your wife is. How many alarms do you have on your phone? Also, fun story, I was once a housekeeper for a married couple. They trained me to clean out their pockets before I wash their laundry by telling me I could keep any money I found. The husband was always forgetting he had $1s and $5s, along with his $400 cellphone and one-time a glass ornament. To this day I still habitually check pockets, so at least my cargo pants won't ever cause the destruction of my cellphone or loss of an old family heirloom.

[@orchman]

I think of ADHD not as a disorder, but a different, possibly more efficient in some ways, way of thinking. It can be a challenge to live with but your attitude is so healthy and positive and you are so obviously “functional” in so many ways that you are living your best life. Thanks for being so fun and open! You guys are Amazing Racers!!!!❤️✌🏼

[@tomrowe8728]

You nailed it

[@cotyc6691]

I called a blessing and a curse.

[@Delicate_Disaster]

Omg. My fiance and son have ADHD. This literally sums up living with them. I cant even count how many phones, glasses, keys, wallets (and contents) weve had to replace since we met. I joke that I'm going to get those chains banks use for their pens and tie everything to their bodies so they cant lose them. I hear "Where is my ____?" About as often as I hear "I love you" lol

[@Teddy-up5cd]

Wow they must say "I love you" a lot

[@Delicate_Disaster]

@@Teddy-up5cd they do! :)

[@KatyaKean]

Okay you kid, but my keys are literally chained to my purse. It’s a long chain. And my purse is bright, bright yellow. When I get into my car, I pull my keys out and start the car without ever detaching the keychain from my purse. It’s clipped in tight. This of course works best for women, but I have also clipped the keychain to a belt buckle and then put the key in my pocket.

[@eleaseroberson4243]

@@KatyaKean I use a long elastic cord that I got at a casino. Chaining things to my desk and lots of “decorative” boxes around my house helps too.

[@fishtaylfertility]

@@KatyaKean This is genius and I may steal this idea 😁

[@EJofLA]

Really sweet of Penn to share his challenge and his solutions...

[@beautywearsboots6458]

I legitimately already do all of these things except the ring one because I'm not married. I'm having a really hard time feeling like a productive, fully functional member of society during quarantine, and this really was the confidence boost I needed. Thanks Penn.

[@KatlynJShute]

Rewatching these after getting officially diagnosed in March. You inspired me to get tested, thank you. I had no idea all my little quirks where actually symptoms of adhd and not just me being a blonde. Thank you again for making me feel comfortable to actually ask my doc to get tested. My quality of life is already gotten so much better. My husband also thanks you. Lol

[@bethwilliams8748]

My daughter has just been diagnosed with ADHD and the food one is spot on. “Look in the kitchen” is basically the first thing I say to her when she’s lost something

[@whenfandomsandlifecolide4232]

This is so amazing and helpful in more ways than just the tips growing up I always heard teachers saying stuff like “shell grew out of it” “adults don’t have it” and as I enter adulthood it is so comforting to know that there are adults with ADHD.

[@alexisdandrea7576]

This totally applies to anyone going through stress too. Stress totally messes with day to day brain function which in turns creates more STRESS! 😱

[@elevateandempower]

Love it!! I actually put my keys on a big carabiner so I can hang them up & also clip onto my purse or belt loop if needed while shopping. I bought a set of those 'tile' electronic tracking sets because I was frequently 'temporarily misplacing' my keys, wallet, etc (instead of saying I lost them, lol). Now, I can track my keys on my smart phone & make it ring; can find my smartphone by using the tracking tile to ring IT; & I have one more thin 'tile' in my wallet in a credit card space, to help avoid missing my debit cards & license. ;) You're welcome!

[@henrydavis2028]

Laura White thank you! I’ve been considering this for a while, but haven’t heard of anyone actually talking about them. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@LAFarley1212]

Henry Davis the Tile has saved my marriage and my job!

[@FixItPleaseJ]

I love having a carabiners on my keys! Done it for years because they will fall out of pants pockets and start playing hide and seek otherwise. Clipping them to a belt loop keeps them from escaping. I switched to 3" electric blue black diamond climbing carabiner. It's bright and easy to spot, and you could also use it to repel in an emergency.

[@tarae85]

Yaaaas! Carabiners!

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

My mom was recently complaining a ton about how she always forgets to take her keys out of her pocket before buckling her seatbelt, or that she loses things out of her pocket when she pulls out her keys (one of those things, I found it 3 months later sitting on my curb and was like, "how the _HECK_ did this get here?!"). My response to her every time? "That's why I keep my keys on a carabiner." She always responded that that's not something she would want to do, so I was like, "fine, I get that, but it also means that you're the one choosing to continue to lose all of those things," since, even after all these years, she still hasn't established any way to avoid losing them, carabiner or otherwise. A couple of my college classmates are the ones who inspired me to use a carabiner (I didn't get my license until I was in college, so I had zero reason to carry keys on a regular basis before that), and I will NEVER do it any other way! If I don't have a belt loop (more than half the time I don't), I just hook them on my waistband. Problems solved - it has been almost 9 years, and I've never had them fall off on me, ever. Not sure whether my older sister was inspired by me (she has kept hers on a carabiner for as long as I can remember, and keeps them hooked to a ring on her purse) or whether she had already started doing it before I got my license (she got her license only about 6 months before I did).

[@lisamariejg641]

Oh my goodness! THANK you! As an adult, seeing you share this just made me want to cry. All these years I just though I was an airhead ;)

[@jessieelliott3157]

Love the song... I'll teach it to some members of my family. My sons first imitation of someone was a 2 or 3 yrs. He put on my husbands shoes and walked through the house yelling "wheres my wallet, wheres my keys, wheres my phone."

[@Mommyof425]

Love love love!!!! Just found out our 8 year old has ADHD. Love seeing successful guys. He is so creative and artistic. Now to help him channel it.

[@FixItPleaseJ]

One of the secrets is finding ways to do things you don't like is by combining it with things you do like. work and coffee...

[@happymommaa]

@@FixItPleaseJ Yes!!

[@katherinejohnston-thom9893]

For the older guys: “Glasses, wallet, keys, and phone Hearing aid!”

[@katcochrane01]

so true

[@babysittingtipsandtricks8869]

😂

[@gracey8442]

I added something to this: “Glasses, wallet, keys, and phone Hearing aids to hear every tone!”

[@ElizabethsLizard]

Besides the hearing aid one, that is exactly what my dad says in that order

[@maggiedogos6329]

Mask!

[@rianaconklin6954]

Loved this!! My whole family has either ADHD, or ADD, and making lists has always been a big help, that is unless I forget my list (which happens...a lot 😏) great video!! 🤣😆😁

[@karengerber8390]

Try taking a photo of your list with your phone. Because phone goes with you.

[@sarahweikert]

I am currently reading your (amazing) book to better understand my eight year old son (recently diagnosed with ADHD) and my husband (who realized he has ADHD at age 46 when my son was diagnosed!) Anyway, I just had to tell you how wonderful it is. I was nearly ugly crying within the first 20 pages at your beautiful and direct description of living as a person with ADHD. It's the first book I encountered from this perspective and it is rocking my world. Thank you, Penn and Kim!

[@joniseith2227]

Yay, disposable sunglasses and reading glasses. I restock once a year at the Dollar Store. Love your videos! Kim is a saint. So is my husband!!!

[@rochellecrews2800]

the list actually helps my adhd son feel calm, he needs to know where we are going or what we are doing

[@brandywiles3289]

Would love to see Kim do a “mom brain” version of this. I do these things sometimes, but it’s not from ADHD. Mom brain also has other effects. Help us out, Kim!

[@alaboutfood2326]

YES!!

[@shealynbaldridge7251]

All those in favor, say I.....I!!!

[@KristenMangus]

Aye!

[@henrydavis2028]

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea.... I don’t even watch that show and seeing that “Aye” popped up in my head! 😂😂😂 What were we discussing?? Oh! Clocks all over the place. ADHD-ers lose track of time so easily. If you are like me, work doesn’t allow watches or wedding bands (lost three already I think)(lost count also) so place analog clocks all over the place. Not digital! Digital doesn’t require you to use your head enough. You’ll find yourself looking at the clock 10 - 15 times if it’s digital.

[@ajc484]

I need an ADHD Mom Brain version 😂

[@war5561]

I didn’t realize it until just now, but having a big phone and big keys is probably why I don’t lose mine now. I actually attached my large key ring to my even larger wallet and this has worked really well. I can’t start my car without my keys which means I always have my wallet too. They are one unit, which is one less thing to keep track of!

[@chrishegley1100]

Love this video! I use my huge set of keys to remember things like taking my lunch with me to work, taking my lunch container home. I leave my keys in the refrigerator with my lunch, and then leave them with the cleaned container to take home. Kind of hard to leave without your keys! Remembering where you left them.. that's a whole other story!

[@Lookinglost]

I have hardcore adhd and recently found your channel. I just want y'all to know you've been such an inspiration to me

[@maryo.paddock8093]

Thank you for this video--I've sent it to my third borne who just refuses to acknowledge that he has this. Those of us who live with/have lived with him can only give him so much advice before he decides that we just don't understand. And here's the thing-- I am 54 and have ADD (in the 70s they called it "mild hyperactive disorder." Back then, they believed that you outgrew it. LOL). I've been singing a variation on your song forever. Because I forget and misplace things chronically, I didn't carry a purse until I had kids and even then it was a diaper bag because somehow I almost never forgot the diaper bag (motherhood hormones, I guess). I now carry a purse or backpack depending on where I'm going. But I put things that matter in them. In my purse I carry my kindle. I never lose books. Ever. I still lose my glasses on a daily basis. I've left them dangling from tomato cages in the garden, on top of the hot water heater (no, I don't know why either), dropped them into the trash, in the bottom of the dog food container, and put them in drawers I never, ever open. Because I'm blind as a bat without them, my husband has finding them for me down to a science. Go ahead. Tell me to put them down in the same place every time. I dare you. I have often joked that if dementia strikes me, no one will notice. Alexa and my cellphone help enormously. I can make lists and have them repeat them to me at specific times. To college students: Writing out a schedule and (mostly) sticking to it for at least the first half the semester saved me.

[@brittanycatherine4947]

I was going to suggest getting one of those necklaces that hold your glasses, so you can't put your glasses down 😃

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

To the college student note - I didn't always have the same class in the same room (or even building) every time (same 2 places every week, but those 2 places weren't always the same as each other), so from the very beginning, I wrote every building and room number in my planner right under the subject name every single day, so I never forgot where I was supposed to go - it became part of setting up my planner for the week, and for me, I wasn't finished setting it up until all the room numbers were written in.

[@salimalbitar]

This is AWESOME! this is the most fun I've ever had watching something related to ADHD! I just subscribed for that.. Thank you ❤

[@Ms.OliversLife]

Penn, you are HILARIOUS. I’m dying from laughter. The car, the rings, the song. I also wear a fake ring because I don’t wanna lose the real one. All excellent ideas. I’d like a part 2, of this!!!!!!!!!!!

[@tamster2k]

I am so thrilled you mentioned sitting down. I can’t stand my ex H, but seriously, his sitting to pee habit was so awesome. Dudes, there’s absolutely NOTHING wrong with doing that. You make your woman so happy, because 1. Her ass isn’t going for a surprise water dip. 2. There’s never accidental pee drips on the seat. 3. When she cleans there’s NO PEE ALL OVER THE PLACE, floor, back splash, around the bottom of the seat, on the floor!! 4. Your bathroom won’t smell like pee, and you won’t get pee under the flooring or absorbed by the flooring or around the toiled bowl. So many reason to be happy!

[@propman3523]

I love you videos and have passed them on to literally thousands via my newsletter. My partner has ADHD (dad was bi-polar) and we've been together over 20 years. Your wife must be a saint.LOL

[@tntmc2482]

I would love to see one of these dedicated to women and mom's as well. Our family loves watching you all, thanks for the helpful video.

[@TourPace]

I find that routine is my key to not losing everything constantly. My phone goes on the charging pad as soon as I walk in the house, and it stays there unless I'm using it. As soon as I finish using it, straight back to the charging pad. After I finish hair & make up in the morning, I walk out of the bathroom, grab my phone, and put it straight into the same pocket of my purse (which hangs from the same hook every single day). Phone stays in my purse until I get to work and then it sits in the same place on my desk every single day. I have a similar routine with my keys & debit card - they stay in the same pocket of my purse and always go back to that pocket right after use. I almost never lose any of these items anymore.

[@MrsSoupyCup]

I appreciate this! I'm 37 and just recently diagnosed. I just thought this is how everyone lived. 😂

[@ericafolange9497]

Love love love! I'm 46 with ADHD and the life hacks sometimes work, and sometimes don't!

[@Br0nto5aurus]

It's important to remember that you don't have to have ADHD to find ADHD life hacks helpful. I've talked to people with an ADHD diagnosis, people with an ADHD diagnosis in denial, people who suspect they have ADHD but don't have a diagnosis, and people who probably don't have ADHD and could just use a little help, and tips to help people remember things are universally helpful. My favorite ADHD life hack I've ever seen is "have trouble remembering thing? Have you tried put-thing-in-way?" If you have to remember something in the morning, put that thing in your path the night before. If I plan to bring a book to someone at work, I put that book on the floor outside my bedroom so I will step on it in the morning and go "oh, yeah".

[@susanhenderson3369]

Ha ha! I just put my watering can inside my lunch bag to remind me to water the plants before I leave for work!

[@MrsNerdRN]

I frequently leave myself post-it notes on my microwave and my front door 😁

[@BEM684]

I love this. I independently discovered 4 or 5 of these on my own but I'm glad you confirmed them, and the rest are great too!

[@CommonGroundGardens]

OMG you just described our life. Mom here with one ADD husband and two ADD grown kids. Love this

[@tiffanyoverby1361]

I will think of things hours before I leave and simply forget about it when it’s time to go. Soooo.::: I will hang a bag on the front door knob. PERFECTION !!

[@teresahowick5197]

Tiffany Overby I’ve done this.

[@joshuaary3191]

as someone with ADHD I needed to hear this.

[@Daniel.Simmonds]

Spent 30 minutes looking for my glasses, wallet, keys and phone. Humming the tune to myself, forgot the words then realised.... I don't wear glasses. 😋 Joke aside I replaced it with: "Smile and wallet, keys and phone" Remembering to smile has helped me appreciate the little things. I'm recently diagnosed with ADHD and overcoming depression and anxiety. Your videos have helped ALOT. Thank you and I hope everybody is having a good day. :)

[@SwissAdelina]

This comment about having lost 3 wedding rings is some real solidarity. I got married this past year, and I lost my engagement ring a few weeks after I got it - down the bathroom sink drain. Then my wedding ring flew off my finger a couple months in bc I was walking on the edge of a short backyard wall while talking on the phone and I tripped off the wall. I didn’t have the patience to look all through the grass, but my husband combed through for over an hour with a makeshift grid system to keep track of his place and he found it again for me. (I’m glad our brains work differently). That made this particular ring more special, but it’s always reassuring to see that other people have lost them and it says nothing about you or your relationship. Thanks, Penn! Several of these are genuinely good tips.

[@juliettelynne5861]

My favorite ADHD moment was when I couldn't find my house keys, broke into my own home through a window, ended up breaking the glass, taking my coat off once inside and finding the keys on my arm under the coat on one of those stretchy bracelet things. Yeah, ADHD keeps you on your toes 🙄...

[@theriddlerUSA]

I thought I was the only one who has done this. Good to know I'm not alone. 😁

[@Sam_on_YouTube]

I lowered my 6 year old daughter through the basement window once.

[@jenniem4989]

In high school, I had to find alternative ways into my house quite often. I'm surprised that no one called the cops on me for the number of times I climbed my fence, into my tree, up onto my garage roof, and then checked all the windows I could reach to see if any of us had left one unlocked. There often was one. Of course, I had no idea I was ADHD. I was just the motor-mouthed, daydreaming, disorganized GT girl who doesn't apply herself and annoyed the teachers by knowing 90% of the answers while doing 5% of the homework. I didn't learn that I was ADHD until my child was diagnosed and the pediatrician said, "You should get assessed, too, Mom." Oh, what could have been.....

[@Sam_on_YouTube]

@@jenniem4989 I was told by my AP Calculus teacher that if I didn't start doing my homework, my Ivy League college would rescind my acceptance. Then I got a perfect 5 on the AP test and placed out of the first year of calculus when I got to college.

[@heatherzwicker8031]

I found my mittens the same way OP! After 40 minutes of looking around Zellers and goodness knows how long the mall! Yep, lost one and the mate was in the other pocket. Put it back. Walked around, pulled the other out to ask if its mate had been seen, shoved it back in. Got to the exit doors of Zellers in a panic having not found the pair. Lifted the left one out, sobbed. Then the right, wailed. Held them both out in front of me and waved them, finally aware of THEM. Bounced for joy using them to wipe my eyes. Why didn't I get the autism diagnosis yet? I mean really!

[@naomis2]

I don’t have ADHD but I’m just super flakey. Something that has helped me is making a habit of putting things in the same spot every time. My shoes come off at the door. My purse goes by my daughter’s diaper bag (they are both always in the same spot). My phone is either on me, in my purse or plugged into a charger. The list goes on. But it was something my mom encouraged me to do when I was a kid and it helped so much with not loosing things. Obviously you’re always gonna get distracted at some point and leave something somewhere else, but creating that habit has helped so much through the years.

[@alittlepieceofearth]

These days super flaky has a name :) That may be why you are here. :)

[@annameadowshelvie5714]

You can also have ADD without the H. It can manifest in a lot of different ways.

[@carish1452]

Looks a lot different in girls and women!

[@alaskandistractions]

I lived 43 years, thinking I was just flakey...lazy, spacey, incompetent etc etc...finally got diagnosed at 43 and I wish I had known way before! Just knowing that it wasn’t always a character flaw, but that my brain is wired differently, has been HUGE for me!

[@tc4327]

These are great tips for those of us with Asperger’s/Autism, too, because most of have major executive functioning problems and short term memory issues from the Autism-even though -like those with ADHD- we also have the obsessive over focus and hyper focus on our interests. I think all that is connected🤷🏼‍♀️Thanks for sharing!

[@lailanityler2380]

Funny enough, ADHDers also often struggle with executive dysfunction and short-term/working memory (speaking from personal experience and HowtoADHD binges)! So our brains are actually a bit more alike that they may first appear :)

[@Dancestar1981]

I have the dual diagnosis of ASD and combined ADHD

[@FalconStorm]

My wife started sending me these videos since I’m 42 and I was diagnosed with ADHD earlier this year. These hacks have been seriously helping our relationship. The “Getting out of the car song” has been part of my life since the late 90s when I saw The Long Kiss Goodnight. So it doesn’t have to be the head and shoulders song, you can jazz it up and have fun with it.

[@timpowell1971]

From someone who has ADHD, a psychology major, and wrote a paper on what specific Neuro transmitter and hormonal imbalances that are affected by ADHD a lot of these settings start the drop off of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine so yes these all theoretically will work or something to test. Thanks Penn, a practical guide for what to do with the theoretical research. I needed this. These are all practical solutions

[@sarahkline9738]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS ,YOUR PARODIES ,AND YOUR FAMILY IS SO FUNNY.

[@DuffyWayne]

These are some legit suggestions. awesome video

[@denisejackson4819]

Love it! Such self awareness! Ok you’ve learned the hard way. But true pearls of wisdom for most of us! 😄💜💜💜

[@stephanielamm9561]

I've been told for some time I should confirm if I have ADHD, but I've been too scared because when my brother was diagnosed as a kid it was brutal and dehumanizing for him. Seeing Penn, and the whole family and these videos gives me positive feelings and hope.

[@cindiowens6528]

This is so my son! Thank you for sharing and making it "fun" to have ADHD. I love that you and Kim have worked as a team to help find solutions to minimize the everyday reality of this! God Bless you!!

[@cassandragjones]

Love it. Can you make an ADHD life hacks for the parents of adhd kids?

[@kimnapoleone9934]

Jones Family Academy - Lists help! for my ADHD son we put a list on the door before leaving the house for soccer. Water bottle, cleats, shin guards, hat, sun screen. When he was 5, I drew pictures of the items he needed to pack for a trip. He is 15 and relies on a list for packing but now it is in words.

[@brittanykonold6553]

We do post it notes for the morning routine. That way he can carry the post it note to the next step, and be reminded on the way

[@beverlyhernandez8121]

Yeeeessss.... plz!

[@jeremyroman8067]

My number one tip that helps me to this day: Don't treat it like a disability. treat it like a super power, that needs to be controlled. Super hearing would drive superman crazy if he had to listen to every thing at once, but once he harnesses that power he is unstoppable.

[@heatherhealy315]

Also yesssssssss! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 I like the ideas in this thread already! Thanks y’all!

[@whisperingeaglelanders2339]

Love it..I TOTALLY understand! "It's just part of my life"!!🤣😂 Lock my door, go check my door to see if I locked it...waiting for Mom to hurry up, go check my door one more time(I am pretty sure I locked it), ready to leave? Go check one more time to make sure that I locked my door! Oh, I forgot my purse, unlock the door, get purse and lock my door! I'm exhausted and we haven't even left yet! Get to front door, tell Mom I've got to see if I locked my door! Yes! It's locked! Whew!😳🙃😅

[@scottcped]

Life hack: a drop bowl on the shoe cabinet next to the front door. In go the wallet, keys, phone, pocket knife. Shoes go on my shelf. Leave my orthotics in today’s shoes, tomorrow morning I switch the orthotics into tomorrow’s shoes. That way I never wear the same shoes two days in a row, AND THEN MY FEET DON’T STINK....AT ALL! You’re welcome, Kim.😉

[@MaureenTenney]

Thank you so much for "normalizing" ADHD and helping my kids understand just what it is!

[@rebekahnerad4900]

For school, what worked for me was detailed, frantic note taking during class. Also , negotiating due dates with my teachers for English papers and projects. Since I was an A ( with occasional Bs) student I got away with the negotiation of due dates. I had no diagnosis or accomodations at this point; but I recognize now the coping skills and self advocacy I was deploying. Until I had a breakdown my senior year of high school ... College wise I spent 13 years on/ off again finishing my two year degree. On the latter half of that I had a diagnosis but got no formal accommodations; I continued my frantic note taking and negotiation of due dates with my professors. I also failed quite a bit, but after retaking several key classes multiple times, I graduated with a B average. Studying with classical music ( nothing with words);is helpful.

[@mommy2kdk]

Alarms! For everything! Pills refills, warning of needing to leave, etc

[@Fiery154]

It’s a prosthetic brain 😅

[@DontKicktheBritV2]

Echo dots are the best for this. I get distracted between pulling out my phone and opening the reminder app. I need to yell it the moment I think it, or it's lost.

[@jessicasharpe1925]

And label them!

[@MrsNerdRN]

​@DontKicktheBritV2 oh my goodness, yes!!! I need some way to prevent my phone notification banners from distracting me before I forget to set up the reminder for which I opened my phone! 😂🙈🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️

[@jmk1962]

"Glasses, wallet, keys and phone" I can't get that damn song out of my brain now, thanks. 😉

[@imforeveru]

That keychain one really got me! Even before I realised what ADHD was, my mum got me a HUGE keychain!

[@netzel8547]

Thank you so much for making this video! I’ve struggled with ADD for years now and it feels like I’m finally beginning to take control and use it to my advantage. Thanks again for everything that you do in entertainment as well as self help vids like this!

[@elizabethburns-gundel1052]

I have terrible ADHD as well. I started to find coping strategies for myself in middle school, and I'm always happy to share some of the things I've done: -I write notes on my hands in ballpoint ink. (It doesn't work as well lately with all the hand sanitizing, so I've had to move to my forearm.) Then I set an alarm to go off on my watch, causing me to look at it and see the note. -I always have a post-it note pad and pen in my pocket. (I'm a girl, so pockets can be hard to come by, but like you, I avoid bags because they can be left somewhere.) -I do a "pocket patdown" for every transition: out of the house, out of the car, leaving a table at a restaurant, leaving family's house, etc. Any time I am going from one place to another, I pat down my pockets to make sure I've got everything. And everything goes into a specific pocket. -I have a white board on the wall right beside the front door at eye level. I write things I need to bring or do. It's also the place where my husband knows he can write a note where I have cultivated the habit of looking. Despite the severity of my ADHD, I have rather successfully channeled it into enthusiasm and energy. I teach first grade, and while of course there are struggles and mistakes, I wouldn't trade my brain for even Einstein's! :)

[@allisonsmith8025]

Funny you should say that because they now suspect Einstein had ADHD

[@chagrinmf]

Cargo pants have too many pockets! I forget which pocket things are in and end up feeling myself up in public often! 😁 win? Magnet idea is great! I have a bowl near my front door (or above my fridge at my old place) I put my keys, wallet, and whatever else I need to remember to take . If I can’t find something it’s always in my bowl!

[@CaptivePuppet]

I’ve lost my phone for a day and found it in the freezer.

[@rd6203]

Yes. Exactly! It belongs there, I think

[@billfreeman5914]

Ha ha! My father found his glasses in the freezer MONTHS after losing them!

[@carsonbeeman5796]

Wow haha

[@alleycatalog]

Did it still work?

[@CaptivePuppet]

@@alleycatalog It didn’t work until it warmed up again. I was told to just set it out on the table to thaw it. It did eventually work as normal.

[@narkfly]

If you get cheap shades that don't have adequate UV blocking, then your pupils will dilate due to darkness & allow in more unfiltered UV radiation than otherwise. So if you're going to go cheap on shades, make sure they're blocking UVA & UVB. Important for long term eyeball health. Good video. 💜

[@rhiawhite8853]

This family cracks me the freak up! Holderness Family, I love you all!

[@carried3741]

PLEASE KEEP SHARING.... This is GOLD

[@midorishiwa]

For my keys I have a little hook just by the front door. When I get in, I put them on the hook. When I get out, I grab them from the hook. It's just at eye level so it's in front of my face when I get in and I can't miss it. Also, get a smart watch that can make your phone ring when you lose it.

[@ashhy94]

Some really great tips! Will definitely be using some of these

[@thisamaesinglife9513]

These are hilarious and pretty legit! I just recently asked my hubby to make me a chore chart. And that food tip is genius! PS: Wen high fining, look at the other person’s elbow...you’ll never miss!

[@keegansmom2008]

Join adhd groups on fb! It is so encouraging to see others having the same quirks as you. "Oh, that is a real thing? I do that too!"

[@ryanwieckowski3402]

This is so true, thanks for positively putting a spin on ADHD. I’m a 46 guy with ADHD, with a 12 year old son with ADHD ha lol, so we can use all the help we can get.

[@laurakat98]

I love this! I have ADHD and I just found my very expensive wedding ring in the lint trap of our dryer yesterday. It had been missing for about 7 months and during that time I came to realize I do not want a really expensive wedding ring anymore. It’s too difficult and stressful to keep track of. It is now located in my husband’s gun safe where it will remain for the rest of our lives 🤣

[@ahnihope7126]

Life hack, keep a sticky note of everything on ur forehead 😂

[@zurychacosta3483]

YOU'RE JOKING.. I literally do most of these things already for these EXACT REASONS... I'm dead lmao

[@RamLaska]

Sitting down for #1 is blissful. Nice and relaxed. Especially when you get a little older and it's not as quick a procedure.

[@PheydraSunstar]

The car magnet is an absolute lifesaver. I’ve lost many many coffee cups and most recently my cell phone on the freeway from leaving them in the car. My hubs was about to murder me over the phone. The giant keyring is also awesome. I even had a little thingy that beeped when I whistled to locate them, but the flaw in that plan was I can’t whistle for beans. “Hubs can you whistle for my keys” was turning into a thing.

[@MrsNerdRN]

I can't count the number of times I've left my phone in bathroom stalls! 😂 I'm so grateful for GPS phone locator! This is a real lifesaver on road trips 😅😆🤣