My Favorite Parenting Tips & Toys That Actually Work in Our Neurodivergent Household
I’m not a parenting influencer. I’m just a mom to a kid with ADHD who’s learned a few tricks and found some toys that make our days smoother (and give me a chance to work while the kiddo plays). If you’ve ever wished you had a list of things that are actually helpful, here’s what’s worked for us.
1. Magnetic Cubes That Go Everywhere
These are a staple in our house. My kiddo builds with them every single day — towers, houses, “machines,” you name it. They hold up beautifully whether they’re outside in the grass or inside in the bathtub.
We use Gobidex, but you can find lots of brands as long as you stick with the same size pieces.
Pro tip: keep a bag in the car or take them to playdates. They’re a lifesaver when the adults want to talk and the kids need something fun to do.
2. The Invention Box
This one is so simple and so good. I keep a bin filled with recyclables, random Dollar Tree finds, and little odds and ends. Then I add kid-friendly scissors, washi tape, post-its, and our Makedo Cardboard Construction Kit.
The result? Hours of creative play that requires zero setup from me. He gets to build whatever’s in his head, and I get a few uninterrupted minutes to work.
3. Tonies for Storytime
The Toniebox is hands-down one of our most-used toys. My kiddo listens every night before bed (and plenty during the day). Favorites include Dr. Seuss, Captain Underpants, and Octonauts.
We also love Creative Tonies — we’ve loaded them up with favorite songs and family-recorded stories. It’s screen-free, easy for kids to use, and part of our daily routine.
You can save $15 on your first order by signing up here.
4. Audiobooks on Libby
If your kiddo needs constant sensory input like mine, audiobooks are a game-changer. I borrow them through the Libby app from our local library and play them on an old phone.
I love this option because can move around and play while listening, and it keeps him from defaulting to shows on his tablet. Plus, I can listen to my books instead of hearing his for the 13th time.
Some of our favorite audiobooks have been:
Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson
Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey (we also have some as Tonies)
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
I Survived by Lauren Tarshis
Planet Omar by Zanib Mian (we also have a Tonie)
5. A Ready-to-Go Craft Station
We turned the IKEA Moppe drawers into a mini craft hub in our kitchen. It’s stocked with markers, colored pencils, scissors, glue, stickers, and more. Add a stack of paper and coloring books nearby, and suddenly the kiddo can create anytime he wants — without me having to drag out a giant box of supplies.
6. Baby & Toddler Hack: Double Up the Sheets
This one isn’t mine — a friend gave me the advice when I was pregnant, and it saved us. Put two sets of mattress covers and sheets on your kiddo’s bed. If there’s an accident in the middle of the night, just strip off the top layer. No remaking the bed at 2 a.m.
7. Always-Stocked Car Kit
I keep a 16 qt plastic bin (with lid) in my car with the things I’m always needing when we’re on the go. Over the years, this kit has evolved, but the basics stay the same:
Extra clothes
Wipes
Car potty
Wet bag
Depending on the season, we also keep sunscreen, bug spray, a bathing suit, towel, utensils, and a bag of sand toys. It’s like a traveling safety net — and it has saved the day more than once.
8. The Best Parenting Advice I’ve Ever Gotten
“When everything is spinning out of control, put them in water or take them outside.”
It sounds too simple to work, but nine times out of ten, it does. A bath, a sprinkler, a quick trip to the park — movement and sensory input reset everything.
Final Thoughts
These are just the things that work for us — nothing fancy, nothing Pinterest-perfect. But they’ve given us more calm moments and creative play (and given me a little breathing room as a working mom).
If you’ve got a favorite tip or toy that makes your days easier, I’d love to hear about it.
