Fern and Fog

In a family where depression, anxiety, autism, and ADD are part of everyday life, routines have become little lifelines for us all. It’s not about strict schedules or rigid plans—it’s more about finding simple habits that offer each of us a bit of calm and comfort. With our unique needs, these routines help anchor our days, giving us spaces to breathe and recharge when things feel overwhelming.

Whether it’s sensory-safe spaces, morning rituals, or routines we can share as a family, we’re figuring it out one day at a time. Here are a few ways we bring moments of peace and focus into our lives.

Morning Rituals for Grounding

Mornings in our house are all about starting slow and finding what works for each of us. My husband kicks things off by waking up early and catching a few minutes with his morning show, while I get our kid off to school. After that, I like to “wake up” the house—opening curtains, tidying up a bit, and tackling a few small chores like dishes. Once that’s done, I take a moment to unwind with a little me time—catching up with my sisters, checking messages, and sipping on my morning energy drink. It’s a nice little break before diving into blog work, house tasks, and whatever else the day throws at us. Just a way to find calm before things get rolling.

Creating Sensory-Safe Spaces

At home, everyone has their own special retreat in their rooms, but our living areas are designed for family togetherness. We’ve got comfy furniture, tons of blankets, and cuddly animals everywhere to create a cozy vibe. Whether we’re eating, playing video games, or getting lost in a good book, there’s space for everyone to relax. Headphones come in handy when we need a little extra quiet, but mostly it’s about finding joy in each other’s company while creating a comforting atmosphere that supports us all.

Shared Routines to Keep Things Simple

To keep our lives from feeling like a chaotic whirlwind, we’ve found a few laid-back routines that help everyone stay on the same page. We’ve got this big family calendar (it’s a white board)hanging up, where we mark important dates, appointments, and maybe even some fun family nights.

And those weekly family meetings? They’re not super formal—just a chance to gather around the room, chat about what’s going on, and what’s happened or happening through the week. Sometimes, it’s just a space to vent or share something funny that happened during the time the big kids were with their mom. It’s all about keeping things relaxed and making sure everyone feels like their voice matters. We go with the flow, adjust as needed, and try to make it work for each of us. It’s a little rhythm that helps us manage the craziness together!