Help! My Room Exploded

How to Simplify Your Home to Reduce ADHD Symptoms

Non-Fiction - Parenting
212 Pages
Reviewed on 05/22/2024
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Annie Eklöv, a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and mother of three has a wealth of insight into organizing for ADHD. Wisdom gained from two ADHD diagnoses (ADHD hyper and ADHD inattentive) and seventeen years of living with ADHD in the home.

Her blog TheADHDMinimalist.com opened her eyes to the need for decluttering, organizing, and cleaning strategies for Kids with ADHD. Those were the topics readers asked about the most.

Annie writes from home in the Swedish mountains, where she spends winter weekends downhill skiing with her family and evenings cross-country skiing with friends. During the summer, her family enjoys visiting extended family in America and relaxing in Småland.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite

Annie Eklöv wrote Help! My Room Exploded: How to Simplify Your Home to Reduce ADHD Symptoms to help caregivers who work with children with ADHD to organize their bedrooms. After her son provided an eye-opening revelation, Eklöv changed her mindset. She reveals tactics for creating a freer, more organized room and home for children. The author discusses decluttering, donation, constructing spaces that accumulate less mess, and tips to involve children in cleaning, reorganizing, and reimagining spaces. Eklöv outlines triggers that prevent decluttering, suggests games, discusses items bought for the future, and includes sleep tips and room colors. With a link to a free handbook and helpful resources, Eklöv hopes her book will open up conversations between caregivers and children and help individuals better manage their ADHD symptoms.

Annie Eklöv focuses on decluttering your home and building a more connected relationship with your children. Through her personal experiences and the books she's read on ADHD, Eklöv guides you in the way you can make your home become a place with less stress so children may decompress. I have seven children, and two of them have ADHD. The author detailed things I could do right away to help my children, and I saw instant results. Some of her statements about her family made me feel like I was looking in a mirror and validated my experiences with my children. Eklöv has researched the subject well, and she presents it conversationally, making Help! My Room Exploded a great selection for readers who have a family member with ADHD in their home.

K.C. Finn

Help! My Room Exploded is a work of non-fiction in the self-help, motivational writing, and memoir subgenres. It is best suited to the young adult and adult reading audiences. Penned by author Annie Eklöv, the work presents an engaging and practical guide that explores the profound impact of clutter on ADHD symptoms, particularly in children. Through her personal journey with her son, Lage, Annie discovers the link between a messy environment and ADHD. The book provides actionable steps to identify triggers of clutter, implement effective decluttering techniques, and create organized spaces that foster focus and tranquility. Written with empathy and practical insights, it offers families strategies to transform chaotic homes into peaceful havens, ultimately enhancing focus, reducing stress, and improving relationships.

Author Annie Eklöv has crafted a work that is both enlightening and inspiring, filled with warmth and compassion in a deeply personal narrative about her son, Lage, and their battle with the chaos of clutter due to ADHD. The transformation they achieved by addressing the root causes of their messy environment was compelling and hopeful. I loved the way the work never sounded punishing or negative, which I’m sure will teach a lot of people with ADHD a wonderful lesson in positive self-talk. The step-by-step approach to decluttering and organizing was practical and easy to follow, making the daunting task of cleaning up seem achievable for anyone, no matter your barriers. Annie's empathetic writing style and deep understanding of ADHD created a sense of connection and trust, like an old friend offering sage advice, and the strategies she shared were not only effective but also perfectly tailored to the unique challenges faced by those with ADHD. The positive changes in focus, calmness, and family dynamics that emerged from their efforts were inspiring. Overall, I would certainly recommend Help! My Room Exploded as a valuable resource for anyone struggling with similar issues, offering a roadmap to a more serene and organized life.

Jamie Michele

Annie Eklöv's parenting guide, Help! My Room Exploded, discusses the importance of nurturing loving connections with children, focusing primarily on those who have ADHD, to foster healthy development and manage behaviors. She cautions against conventional disciplinary measures like time-outs, which may exacerbate anxiety and feelings of rejection, instead prioritizing quality time to strengthen parent-child bonds. Drawing from personal experiences and expert insights, Eklöv talks about the transformative impact of decluttering and valuing meaningful connections over material possessions. She offers practical advice for initiating decluttering conversations with children, turning decluttering into enjoyable activities, and creating conducive bedroom environments to promote concentration and reduce stress. Throughout, Eklöv stresses the significance of intentional parenting, understanding children's perspectives, and nurturing environments that support their well-being and development.

As someone who has a household with two family members who struggle with ADHD, I picked up a significant number of game-changing pointers in Help! My Room Exploded by Annie Eklöv. There are countless reasons for and ways to declutter, which are a necessity in both a practical sense and greatly informative concerning background, and I loved the ways to make it happen and involve the children. What struck gold for me was the concept of a bedroom as a sanctuary. Eklöv discusses how a monochrome decorating scheme might offer a solution to distractions when decluttering is already employed but not quite enough. She brings in studies that suggest calm environments aid concentration. Choosing calming colors, like white, can improve sleep quality and reduce ADHD symptoms. Creating cozy, clutter-free spaces enhances relaxation, crucial for overall well-being and improved focus. Overall, this is a wonderful guide and an excellent resource that will, without a doubt, help many readers. Very highly recommended.

T Adams

I found the chapter on Relationships to be extremely enlightening, especially where it discussed the effects of "time-out" on children with ADHD. Listening to your children and understanding the reasons behind their desires is key. The topic of decluttering is applicable to everyone, and I saw myself reflected in many of the areas discussed. The chapter on Fear raised important points for self-reflection. "Inspiring Kids To Declutter" provided a wealth of great information. Overall, this is a great book with a lot of valuable information. I highly recommend it!

Joyce Brand

This book illustrates how common solutions to raising ADHD children isn't necessarily the best advice. I especially liked how the author discovered strategies that worked in unusual ways, mostly by working on the relationship rather than the behavior.

Patti E. Retired Teacher

Inspired by the thoughts and actions of a child with ADHD who succeeded in resolving issues that complicated and confused his life, this book is a wonderful handbook for anyone with ADHD of who simply wants to declutter and reclaim their space and their world. Every chapter holds a surprisingly informative and useful resolution to the overwhelm of too much stuff. The free workbook is a huge plus to this great book. Author Annie Eklov's common sense ideas, useful strategies, and common sense solutions are presented in an easy-to-understand approach, wonderful explanations, and family-focused book that anyone would find beneficial and inspiring! I recommend it to anyone with or without ADHD who just wants simplicity and peace in their world!

Evgenia

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by a cluttered house this book is a must-read. This book offers valuable insights and practical advice that can benefit anyone striving for a more organized living space.

The author expertly combines personal advice with engaging stories from their own life, making the book both relatable and informative. Through their experiences, you'll learn how to tackle clutter in a way that reduces stress and enhances daily living. Whether you're a parent of a child with ADHD or simply someone seeking a tidier environment, you'll find the content incredibly beneficial.

Cindy A

I could relate to so many examples in this book, the child reacting to inflection changes in my voice and not wanting to part with items are among the many examples. This is the first book I have seen to break things down in this way. I am so glad I found it. It is extremely helpful.

Big Smile

I'm so glad I read this book. There are many good strategies to implement for the average family. The advice on decluttering and organizing with ADHD is spot-on, and I especially appreciated the chapter on how clutter affects your health. I'm definitely buying a copy for my neighbor because it's such a great resource.

Greenacrebonsai

I know this book is written with an ADHD outlook, but it is an excellent read for anyone looking to de-clutter their life. It is full of practical tips and applications that can get you started immediately and slowly turn you into an organizational machine.

Jbrogden

"Help! My Room Exploded: How to Simplify Your Home to Reduce ADHD Symptoms" by Annie Eklov will transform your life! This book shows you practical, doable ways to transform chaotic homes into peaceful sanctuaries, particularly benefiting families dealing with ADHD.
From the first page, I was drawn into Annie and her son Lage's journey. The way they discover the link between ADHD symptoms and a cluttered environment is eye-opening. Annie’s narrative is authentic and relatable, filled with moments of genuine discovery and practical wisdom.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its actionable advice. Annie breaks down the overwhelming task of decluttering into manageable steps, making it accessible for everyone. The strategies are straightforward yet profound, making it easy to implement changes that have a lasting impact.
I particularly appreciated the focus on how a clutter-free environment can improve mental health and relationships. The chapter on the health impacts of clutter was a real eye-opener! Eliminating clutter will reduce anxiety, stress, and depression—not a surprise. But consider this: clutter can reduce immunity, reduce muscle tissue and bone density, raise blood pressure, create blood sugar imbalances, and impair cognition!
Several chapters are devoted to the impact of using different colors in bedrooms (or any rooms). You’ll never guess which color is the #1 color that will increase concentration and put you in a calm mood. I was shocked! We need to know this!
Annie’s approach to involving children in the decluttering process is brilliant. The tips on inspiring kids to declutter teaches them valuable life skills.
The practical advice is complemented by Annie’s warm and encouraging tone. She writes with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by families with ADHD, offering hope and solutions that feel achievable. This book is not just about tidying up; it's about creating a home where everyone can thrive.
"Help! My Room Exploded" is a must-read, invaluable guide for any family. Annie Eklov’s insights and strategies are life-changing. Highly recommended!

Amazonian

This book is a game-changer for anyone seeking to bring order and calm into their lives, particularly those dealing with ADHD. This book beautifully chronicles the journey of Annie and her son, Lage, as they uncover the profound impact of a clutter-free environment on managing ADHD symptoms.

The narrative is both heartfelt and insightful, offering a unique perspective that blends personal experience with practical advice. Annie’s writing is infused with empathy and expertise, making the content relatable and actionable. Each chapter is filled with common sense ideas, useful strategies, and easy-to-understand explanations that can benefit any family, regardless of whether ADHD is a concern.

The chapter on relationships offers profound insights, especially the discussions around "time-out" and other disciplinary methods. It all makes perfect sense! Her alternative approach is so logical and obviously works! I loved chapter 8 on tools to keep an organized room. It even includes a chart which is so helpful. Having a visual is so effective. The free workbook included is a fantastic bonus, providing practical tools to implement the book’s suggestions.

Overall, "Help! My Room Exploded" will change your life as it transforms the way you think and live. Her list of references is extensive! Wow. I highly recommend this to anyone, not just those with ADHD.

Laura 85

Un libro pensato per la gestione dell’ADHD in famiglia, ma che a mio parere tutti dovrebbero leggere. Oltre a sensibilizzare indirettamente sul tema, fa riflettere su quanto sia essenziale per la salute, in qualsiasi contesto, mantenere l’ordine intorno a sé, e suggerisce strategie efficaci da mettere in atto.

Richard Walker

This book has such a great mix of personal stories, scientific research, and helpful suggestions for any parent. The traumatic-turn-success story about your son getting rid of possessions was a real eye opener and I thank you for sharing it. It’s amazing how we can always think of a reason for keeping our stuff and ignore how much our junk holds us back.

Aleksey

The book has many useful tips for those with ADHD. I liked it, it's easy to read, the text is clear. The book is not very long, so I finished it in a couple of evenings. Highly recommend it for reading!

Heidi Skinner

Spot on! Having ADHD kids and being ADD myself, I wish this book had been around when my kids were little and when I was little. Too. Much. Stuff! Decluttering is hard!

Jay Helms

Annie Eklov's "Help! My Room Exploded" is an insightful guide for parents of children with ADHD, emphasizing the importance of strong, loving relationships. Eklov explains how clutter and chaos can worsen ADHD symptoms and provides practical tips for creating a more peaceful home environment. Filled with personal stories and expert advice, the book underscores that true success lies in fostering positive parent-child connections. Her guidance on spending quality time with children, despite behavior, is both inspiring and transformative. Eklov's compassionate approach and practical tips offer a roadmap to building stronger family bonds and a more peaceful home.

Kim S

This book is a game-changer for anyone seeking to bring order and calm into their lives, particularly those dealing with ADHD. This book beautifully chronicles the journey of Annie and her son, Lage, as they uncover the profound impact of a clutter-free environment on managing ADHD symptoms.

The narrative is both heartfelt and insightful, offering a unique perspective that blends personal experience with practical advice. Annie’s writing is infused with empathy and expertise, making the content relatable and actionable. Each chapter is filled with common sense ideas, useful strategies, and easy-to-understand explanations that can benefit any family, regardless of whether ADHD is a concern.

The chapter on relationships offers profound insights, especially the discussions around "time-out" and other disciplinary methods. It all makes perfect sense! Her alternative approach is so logical and obviously works! I loved chapter 8 on tools to keep an organized room. It even includes a chart which is so helpful. Having a visual is so effective. The free workbook included is a fantastic bonus, providing practical tools to implement the book’s suggestions.

Overall, "Help! My Room Exploded" will change your life as it transforms the way you think and live. Her list of references is extensive! Wow. I highly recommend this to anyone, not just those with ADHD.

Elin H

A practical guide for every family!

For every family that struggles with maintaining order at home due to ADHD, Help! My room exploded is a practical guide that provides the reader with many valuable insights. The author provides step by step strategies tailored specifically for kids with ADHD, but I found it helpful for the whole family, not only for family members with ADHD.

But it is more than a book on decluttering. It is a personal story that many families can relate to and the author lets us in on both struggles and successes. The book is providing many tips on how to build a strong relationship with your kids and work together for a better home environment.

The book is well grounded in recent science as well as what works “in the real world” for a family that struggles with ADHD symptoms.

You also get access to a workbook that will help you start, stay on track and succeed. If they could accomplish it, so can you and I!

Victoria Griffith

useful

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by a cluttered house this book is a must-read. This book offers valuable insights and practical advice that can benefit anyone striving for a more organized living space.

The author expertly combines personal advice with engaging stories from their own life, making the book both relatable and informative. Through their experiences, you'll learn how to tackle clutter in a way that reduces stress and enhances daily living. Whether you're a parent of a child with ADHD or simply someone seeking a tidier environment, you'll find the content incredibly beneficial.

David from USA

This book was great for reducing clutter. The tips on donating made it a great opportunity for giving as well. The ideas it gave me for decluttering my kids rooms was my favorite part. Also the section on hoarding and it's effect on anxiety was really eye-opening. Overall a well thought out book with some great ideas for decluttering your life!

Kelsey Hensley

This book humanizes our chaos and gives practical ways to work through it. If you are tired of living in a mess this is the book for you.

Dockie

A common sense way to declutter.
This book is easy to read and gives great examples and advice, especially for those with ADHD. The stories are personal but the advice is totally usable for anyone. Glad I read it!

DrRoz

So HELPFUL!

I love that this author taught both the art and science of decluttering. I didn't anticipate it would be well-researched or cerebral; I anticipated a mere how-to guide. This is a comprehensive book on the topic!

Charlie

I found the chapter on Relationships to be extremely enlightening, especially where it discussed the effects of "time-out" on children with ADHD. Listening to your children and understanding the reasons behind their desires is key. The topic of decluttering is applicable to everyone, and I saw myself reflected in many of the areas discussed. The chapter on Fear raised important points for self-reflection. "Inspiring Kids To Declutter" provided a wealth of great information. Overall, this is a great book with a lot of valuable information. I highly recommend it!