How to Find Peace & Productivity for Parents When Your To-Do List Is Chaos
As a parent of a child with a disability, your to-do list isn’t just a list—it’s a living document that’s constantly being rewritten by the unexpected. One minute, you’re on a roll, and the next, a crisis hits and your perfectly planned day falls completely apart.
In our latest podcast episode, host Tonya Wollum sits down with Jen Anderson, the brilliant mind behind the to-do app, ACCOMPLIST. Jen, a foster mom to a child with complex needs and a member of the autism community, is a master at helping imperfect humans like us stay productive without the pressure of perfection.
This conversation is a must-listen for any caregiver who feels overwhelmed. Here are three key takeaways from the episode on how to find productivity for parents in the midst of chaos.
The Power of a Mindset Shift for Caregivers
Traditional productivity advice often fails parents because it’s based on a rigid, linear view of the world. But as parents of children with disabilities, we know that our lives are anything but linear. A diagnosis requires a mindset shift, and so does managing our daily tasks.
The key, as Jen explains, is to stop measuring your success by what you didn’t get done. Instead of focusing on the tasks that remain at the end of the day, a healthy mindset focuses on the progress you did make. Jen’s app helps with this by removing the dreaded “overdue” alerts and the color red, which only serves to make you feel like a failure. The goal is to give yourself the same grace you give your child.
Why the “Skipped” Button Is Your Secret Weapon
We all have tasks on our list that we keep putting off. Maybe it’s a call you’ve been dreading or a project that seems too big to tackle. These undone tasks can sit on your list, weighing you down with guilt and anxiety.
This is where the ACCOMPLIST app’s unique “skipped” feature comes in. Jen says, “If you skip it, it’s just this weight off your shoulders.” It’s an act of intentionality, giving yourself permission to say “not today” without the negative emotional baggage. This simple action can free up mental space and help you focus on what’s truly important right now.
Beyond the List: Tools for Getting Organized
The episode goes beyond mindset to offer practical tools for getting organized with ADHD and other forms of “chaotic brain” thinking. The ACCOMPLIST app allows you to nest lists and break down big projects into micro-steps. This feature is crucial because, as Tonya notes, “The more micro you make your steps, the more success you have.”
The app also features a habit tracker designed for the realities of an unpredictable life. Unlike other apps that punish you for missing a day, ACCOMPLIST understands that your goal might be to walk three times a week, not every single day. This approach reinforces positive habits without the guilt of missed days.
Listen to the Full Episode
This conversation is a powerful reminder that raising a child is a long-term project and that every moment you spend with them is a productive one.
If you’re ready to let go of perfection and embrace a more flexible approach to your to-do list, this episode is for you.
- Listen to the full episode
- Check out the ACCOMPLIST App
What is your biggest to-do list challenge? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Key Takeaways
- Embrace a Flexible Mindset: A rigid, traditional to-do list won’t work for the unpredictable life of a parent with a child who has a disability. The key is to find peace and a sense of accomplishment by embracing a more fluid approach.
- Give Yourself Grace: Don’t let undone tasks weigh you down with guilt. Intentionally “skipping” a task is a powerful psychological tool that frees up mental energy, allowing you to focus on what matters most.
- Celebrate Small Victories: Break down big projects into micro-steps. This “gamifies” your progress and allows you to celebrate your accomplishments at the end of the day, instead of just focusing on what’s left to do.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the ACCOMPLIST app and how is it different from other productivity apps?
The ACCOMPLIST app, created by Jen Anderson, is designed for people who feel overwhelmed by traditional to-do lists. It features an “intentional skip” option, no “overdue” alerts, and a focus on small, attainable progress rather than rigid, linear schedules.
Q2. Why is it important to “skip” a task instead of just leaving it undone?
According to Jen, intentionally skipping a task provides a psychological benefit. It’s a conscious decision that removes the mental weight of a task you’re not going to get to, helping you feel more in control and less burdened by a never-ending list.
Q3. How can I manage my schedule when my child’s needs create unexpected disruptions?
The key is to build flexibility into your plan. Instead of a rigid list, create a master list of tasks and focus on a few key priorities for the day. Use a tool like the Accomplice app to intentionally “skip” non-essential items, giving yourself permission to adapt to unexpected events without feeling like a failure.
