Organise Your Family’s Week with the V.I.E.W. Strategy

At REACH ADHD Coaching in Perth, we acknowledge the impact of "Last Minute Syndrome" on families, particularly those affected by ADHD. Recognizable by the frantic rush for materials, overlooked appointments, and the sudden awareness of impending deadlines, this phenomenon poses significant stress and frustration. Individuals with ADHD often struggle with planning and time management, exacerbating the frequency of these eleventh-hour panics.

The good news? You can turn things around with a simple, effective weekly planning strategy we call V.I.E.W.: Visualise, Initiate, Engage, and Weekly. By setting aside time each Sunday to plan, communicate, and prepare for the week ahead, your family can reduce stress, build better routines, and bring order to your days.

V.I.E.W. — Your Family’s Weekly Planning Strategy

So, what exactly is V.I.E.W.? It’s a weekly Sunday meeting where everyone gathers to Visualise, Initiate, Engage, and plan for the week ahead. Here’s how each step works and why it’s especially effective for families dealing with ADHD.

V — Visualise Your Week

Start by visualising the week ahead. When everyone knows what’s coming, there’s less chance of being blindsided by events or deadlines. Visualizsng together as a family helps each person feel prepared and ready for what’s coming.

“When family members can see what’s happening, they’re less likely to feel blindsided by events or deadlines.”

“A visual overview of the week ahead gives everyone clarity,” says Debbie Hirte.

I — Initiate Conversations

V.I.E.W. isn’t just about parents directing the week; it’s a collaborative conversation where each family member contributes. Everyone shares their plans, events, or deadlines, allowing for open communication and coordination.

“Encourage everyone to share what’s happening in their world,” explains Fiona Alexander. “This builds communication skills and empowers those with ADHD to speak up about what they need.”

E — Engage in Planning

This is where V.I.E.W. becomes a learning experience. By engaging in weekly planning, those with ADHD develop critical executive functioning skills, like prioritizing and scheduling. Model the behaviours you want to see; show them how to think ahead and anticipate what’s needed.

Share your plans.

“Share your plans, even if they don’t directly involve them, to show how planning works,” says Romney Taylor. “When they see you planning, it normalizes the behaviour and makes it easier for them to follow suit.”

W — Weekly Routine Building

Consistency is key to developing executive functioning skills, so make V.I.E.W. a weekly event. It might take a few weeks for everyone to get into the rhythm, but over time, those with ADHD will develop stronger routines and greater accountability.

Consistency is key to developing executive functioning skill.

“Executive function skills are learned through practice,” says Fiona. “It might feel awkward at first, but keep going. Over time, you’ll see real growth in their ability to manage their tasks.”

Tips for Making V.I.E.W. Work for Your Family

1. Use Individual Calendars or Whiteboards: Encourage each person to have a small calendar or whiteboard to bring to the meeting. This adds a personal touch and allows everyone to actively contribute to the family plan.

   

   
   

2. Make It a Team Effort: V.I.E.W. works best when everyone has a voice. Let each person talk about their week, even if you already know their plans. This helps those with ADHD feel included and responsible for their schedule.

   

   
   

3. Model Planning Behavior: Show how you plan by sharing your own responsibilities and deadlines. Demonstrating how you think ahead normalizes planning as part of daily life and helps those with ADHD learn by example.

   
   

   

   
   

4. Celebrate Small Wins: Building planning skills takes time. If the first few V.I.E.W. meetings are met with blank stares, be patient. Celebrate each small success and gently guide them back if they forget a task.

   

   
   

5. Make It Fun! Use stickers, colours, and emojis to keep the process lighthearted. V.I.E.W. is here to reduce stress, not add to it! Plan the meeting before or after a family favourite activity to make it an enjoyable routine.

   

V.I.E.W. is a simple yet powerful tool for families with ADHD. By setting aside 15 minutes each Sunday to Visualise, Initiate, Engage, and create a Weekly plan, you can bring order, communication, and predictability to your week. If you’re tired of feeling rushed and disorganised, give V.I.E.W. a try. It’s a small step that could make a big difference.

“When it’s visible, it’s actionable,” says Debbie Hirte. At REACH ADHD Coaching in Perth, we’re here to help families establish routines that bring focus and calm. If you’d like more support in helping your family plan and organise, reach out to our team. Together, we can create a supportive environment that works for everyone, especially those with ADHD.