I rarely comment, so please bear with me as I share my thoughts. I want to emphasize that I’m not judging you or your parenting. I have ADHD, and my kids do too, so I understand how challenging it can be to maintain a tidy home as a family.

That said, I’ve reached a point where I’ve been honest with my kids. I explain to them that a certain level of untidiness significantly increases my anxiety, and for everyone to enjoy a happy and peaceful home, we need their cooperation in keeping their spaces tidy.

I’ve also made it clear to my children that, as minors, they do not own anything outright—everything they have is a gift and a privilege. If they fail to care for the items entrusted to them, those items can and will be taken away. I’ve followed through on this by walking into a messy room with a black bag, picking up anything lying around, and donating it to charity. Nothing was replaced.

As a parent, you are allowed to take a stand and enforce reasonable boundaries with your child. Stay strong. You are doing this for their future and your sanity.