Help! My Room Exploded

Review #1: Courtnee Turner Hoyle

Reviewed by: Courtnee Turner Hoyle

Review Rating: 5 Stars 


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 is a great selection for readers who have a family member with ADHD in their home.

Review #2: K.C. Finn

Reviewed by: K.C. Finn

Review Rating: 5 Stars 


Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

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.

Review #3: Jamie Michele

Reviewed by: Jamie Michele

Review Rating: 5 Stars 


Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite

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.


Name or Amazon Alias: Alexander777

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Transform Your Space, Transform Your Life: A Guide to ADHD and Decluttering

Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2024

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“Help! My Room Exploded” offers a fresh and practical approach to the often-overwhelming challenge of managing a home with ADHD. The book delves deep into the connection between clutter and ADHD symptoms, transforming what feels like an insurmountable problem into an achievable goal. Through relatable storytelling and clear, actionable steps, it provides a path to not only a more organized home but also improved focus and calmer family dynamics.

What makes this book stand out is its blend of empathy and practicality. It’s not just about decluttering—it’s about reclaiming peace and mental clarity, especially for families managing ADHD. Each chapter serves as both a guide and a source of encouragement, proving that small changes can lead to profound transformations.

If you’re looking to create a more serene environment while fostering better relationships within your family, this book is a must-read. Its compassionate insights and easy-to-follow strategies make it an invaluable resource for any parent navigating the chaos of ADHD and clutter.

Name or Amazon Alias: D.Rob

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Provides simple steps to a clean and more peaceful home

Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2024

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Eklov’s wrote a great book for families dealing with ADHD. It provides simple steps to clean and organize your home, making it calmer and more focused. Her helpful tips and easy-to-read stories make this book perfect for anyone wanting a tidier and more peaceful home.

Name or Amazon Alias: Disappointed Reader

5.0 out of 5 stars 

A Must-Read for Parents Navigating ADHD and Household Chaos

Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2024

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“Help! My Room Exploded” is a gem of a book that effortlessly combines empathy, expertise, and practical advice. As a parent who has spent years working with therapists, behavioral specialists, and consuming countless resources to support my ADHD children, I found this book both refreshing and enlightening.

Annie and Lage’s journey is not just relatable; it’s inspiring. The way Annie uncovers the link between her son’s ADHD symptoms and their chaotic environment is eye-opening. The book provides a roadmap that is easy to follow, making the daunting task of decluttering feel achievable. What I appreciated most was the balance between approachable storytelling and the wealth of well-researched information that supports every strategy shared.

If you’re a parent of an ADHD child and feel overwhelmed by a cluttered home, this book is a must-read. It offers new realizations and actionable steps that can truly transform your life. I’m incredibly impressed and highly recommend it to anyone looking to create a more organized, serene, and connected home environment.

Name or Amazon Alias: Michael N

5.0 out of 5 stars 

A Must-Read Guide for Decluttering Your Home and Strengthening Parent-Child Relationships

Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2024

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This comprehensive guide offers valuable insights on managing your home and nurturing your relationship with your child. Annie has done an outstanding job of sharing her knowledge and experience in this well-written and organized book. It’s clear that she has extensive firsthand experience in this niche. If you’re looking to declutter your home and, more importantly, strengthen your bond with your child, this book is a must-read!

Name or Amazon Alias: John Perrotta

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Life-Changing Decluttering Strategies

Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2024

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This book has been a game-changer for our family! It offers practical, easy-to-follow steps for decluttering and organizing, specifically tailored for those dealing with ADHD. The relatable story of Annie and Lage provides hope and inspiration. We’ve seen a remarkable improvement in focus and calmness in our home. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to create a more serene environment.

Name or Amazon Alias: Sebastian Barros

4.0 out of 5 stars 

Practical guide for families dealing with ADHD

Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2024

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“Help! My Room Exploded” is a practical and compassionate guide for families dealing with ADHD. Drawing from her personal experience, the author offers simple, actionable strategies to declutter your home and improve focus. The book combines practical advice with heartfelt stories, making it relatable and insightful. It’s more than just about cleaning up; it’s about creating a calm, supportive environment where both children and parents can thrive. A must-read for anyone looking to manage ADHD and bring peace to their home.

Name or Amazon Alias: Seamus M

5.0 out of 5 stars 

very helpful

Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2024

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This book is very relatable and deals with situations that will ring true for any parents of an ADHD child. The tips are very detailed, for example, not only talking about the benefits of clear plastic containers, but also advising to fill only 2/3 full to leave space for future additions. There is also advice on the pros and cons of specific toys, as well hints on paint colors that will be calming. The tone is inviting and so much effort and love has been put into this great book. Highly recommended.

Name or Amazon Alias: Peter Andrevsson

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Transformative journey

Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2024

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The book “Help! My Room Exploded” is a great guide for parents who struggle with cluttered rooms of their children, especially those with ADHD. Written by a mother with similar problem the book is full of insightful ideas and solutions that are drawn directly from her personal experience.

Packed with practical and easy-to-follow steps for organizing and decluttering the book will serve as a roadmap for those who want to reclaim peace at home.

What surprised me most was the fact how specific changes in a bedroom can directly improve mental health.

Overall, the book is very useful and informative. Being written from experience makes it especially insightful and inspirational, particularly, but not only, for parents of children with ADHD.


Name or Amazon Alias: Cliente Kindle

5.0 out of 5 stars 

A Parent’s Lifesaver

Reviewed in Brazil on August 25, 2024

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I stumbled upon this gem and it’s been a lifesaver! The practical advice for tidying up and improving focus at home is spot-on. As a parent, I’ve seen remarkable changes in our living space and family dynamics. Truly eye-opening and highly recommended!

Name or Amazon Alias: Claudia Sibesteanu

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Good book

Reviewed in Germany on September 18, 2024

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This book offers practical advice on simplifying life for individuals with ADHD, not just through decluttering, but also by focusing on building strong relationships, improving routines, and creating a more organized environment. It’s a comprehensive guide for parents and caregivers, blending real-life examples with actionable steps to help reduce ADHD symptoms and improve overall well-being. A great resource for anyone looking to create a calmer, more structured home life.

Name or Amazon Alias: El Gran Lobo

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Clear and compassionate approach to parenting a child with ADHD

Reviewed in Spain on August 31, 2024

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As soon as you open this book you feel in safe hands. The author has been there, the author understands. Combining her own experience as a parent of a child with ADHD with the latest research the author writes simply and compassionately about the issues and offers valuable advice. This book is also an enjoyable read in its own right – it’s not a slog through dry facts – but a simple and emotional journey that brings the thrill of all the best self help books – the thrill of knowledge, insight, understanding, and, most importantly, the gentle reminder to love.

Name or Amazon Alias: C Conlan

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Practical Guide for Managing ADHD at Home

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 26, 2024

Verified Purchase

“Help! My Room Exploded: How to Simplify Your Home to Reduce ADHD Symptoms” offers practical and easy-to-implement strategies for organizing your living space to better manage ADHD symptoms. The advice is straightforward and relatable, making it an excellent resource for anyone looking to create a calmer, more focused environment. A great read for those seeking effective ways to declutter and improve their daily life!

Name or Amazon Alias: Elmahna

5.0 out of 5 stars 

A must-read book!!

Reviewed in Italy on July 29, 2024

Verified Purchase

I recommend this book for who’s struggling with ADHD, I think everyone must read this book to deal with ADHD

You can read more Amazon reviews on Amazon.com


LibraryThing Alias: Rosemeg451 

Sep 18, 2024

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

“Help! My Room Exploded: How to Simplify Your Home to Reduce ADHD Symptoms” by Annie Eklöv is a great book for anyone who has ADHD or a family member with ADHD. It is easy to read and organized well enough that one can skip around to the topic most needed at the moment. This book has a lot of good ideas. It is obvious that the author has personal experience with this subject and wants to use her experiences to help others.

 

LibraryThing Alias: IamAleem 

Sep 4, 2024

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

I quite enjoyed “Help! My Room Exploded: How to Simplify Your Home to Reduce ADHD Symptoms”

you can tell the author did her research and supplemented it with her personal tidying and de-cluttering experiences and tips with readers.

So glad i got my hand on this book and look forward to implementing some of these tips into my own life! (  )

LibraryThing Alias: JJ23 

Aug 28, 2024

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

In this book, Annie Eklov outlines what she (with the initiative of her son) did to change their living space to make it easier for him to function with his ADHD.

My son with ADHD picked up this book and read it. Although he was not exactly the intended audience, having the information conveyed to him directly (from someone other than his mother) was invaluable. We have been in communication about what we can implement.

The tips about decluttering and the references to research and other resources were so helpful.

We are looking forward to making some big changes and highly recommend this book that we received through the Early Reviewers program.

LibraryThing Alias: mvillaa1 

Aug 28, 2024

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

I really enjoyed reading “Help! My Room Exploded: How to Simplify Your Home to Reduce ADHD Symptoms” by Annie Eklöv. It has some really helpful ideas but a lot was focused on parents of children with ADHD. This made me skip some sections and jump around since I was looking for strategies to create a clutter-free and organized environment, to help with adult ADHD symptoms. However, Eklöv’s conversational tone with actionable tips makes this book a great resource, and will recommend it to my fellow ADHD peers. (  )

LibraryThing Alias: SandyAMcPherson

Aug 3, 2024

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

Annie Eklöv has written a book which ranks with the likes of The Anxiety Toolkit (Alice Boyes), Quiet (Susan Cain), Sensitive (Granneman & Sólo), and The Body Keeps the Score (van der Kolk).

I especially appreciated that Eklöv used her personal tidying and decluttering experiences supported by scientifically-validated (and cited) reasons to explain why her management style works. The citations were helpfully listed in the references chapter for further information on any aspect the curious reader might want to explore. Readers will appreciate that author Eklöv presented her information in a highly approachable reading style.

On a personal level, her situation was highly-relatable, even though our family does not include anyone with ADHD tendencies. The proposed management of decluttering for all the reasons Eklöv has mentioned are applicable to any household where too much chaos (and as we learn, elevated levels of stress) prevail. Sharing her personal journey was very much appreciated.

A few glitches in the narrative structure could be improved. I found sections in later chapters repetitive and rather prescriptive. Many of the points were made in earlier chapters. As an example: Chapter 20 (Help! My Child is a Pack Rat) hearkened back to Chapter 13 (with respect to hoarding and its effects on mental health).
There are certainly useful details in these final chapters, but simple summaries in bulleted points at this juncture suffice, principally as useful working lists to remind readers what was explained earlier.

In some instances, suggestions were too detailed, conveying a sense of rescue ~ “Here, let me fix this for you”. I was especially surprised to encounter propositions to make a time capsule, decorate a lampshade, or create scrapbooks, activities entirely unrelated to the objective of simplifying a bedroom. Overall, these are trifling difficulties and do not detract from the sound observations and underlying principles towards creating an atmosphere of calm and relaxation. (  )