Helping Kids with ADHD: Tips from a Christian Counselor

ADHD is a mental condition affecting millions of children in the United States. The common symptoms of ADHD include:

• Unable to focus on tasks
• Forgetfulness
• Impatience
• Anger outbursts and mood swings
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsiveness
• Disorganized
• Communication problems

Unfortunately, many children are diagnosed with ADHD and are not given the opportunity to learn how to manage the symptoms before adulthood. This leads to issues as an adult that can affect their education, work, and relationships.

Parenting is Kingdom work; as parents, we build a kingdom of godly men and women. What we pour into our children will take root and sprout. Give your child the advantage by learning how to help kids with ADHD not just survive symptoms, but thrive.

Strategies for Helping Kids with ADHD

You don’t need to hold a Doctorate in Psychology to give your child an advantage when it comes to mental health. Children with ADHD can thrive in a structured and routine environment. Children may behave as if guidelines and routines are suffocating, but if they can adapt to these routines as habits, they will naturally have a system in place to manage ADHD symptoms.

As you read the following strategies, keep your child in mind. You know your child best. However, it is also important to consider that sometimes breaking out of one’s comfort zone can make a significant difference in a child’s life and help them grow.

For example, many kids with ADHD have communication issues and struggle with social skills. Keeping them isolated at home will not help these children learn to work well with others and express their thoughts and emotions. Joining a small group with other children could help your child step out of their comfort zone and build on those important skills.

Break tasks into smaller steps

Kids with ADHD need larger tasks broken down into smaller and more manageable steps so they do not feel overwhelmed, procrastinate, or lash out. You can use this strategy for homework, schoolwork, or chores.

For example, if your child has homework in English Language Arts, Math, and Spelling, you may experience resistance if you order them to “get your homework done.” The truth is, they don’t know where to start, and they may lose focus quickly. Instead, you could tell them to do their math homework first, and you will check it, then they can play for 5 or 10 minutes. After the small break, they can do spelling next before the next break time.

You can break cleaning their rooms into smaller tasks by section or time. For example, you can split their room into several sections, such as at the foot of the bed, the closet floor, a tote, or a drawer. Have your child pick up in that area as fast as they can. When they complete one section, give them a small break, then move on to the next section. You can use a timer as a tool. Set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes and have them work quickly. When the timer goes off, let them have a short break.

Stick to routines

Children feel secure knowing what to expect in their day and from adults. You can implement morning, afternoon, and evening routines. Try to keep routines short but effective. For example, a morning routine could consist of waking up for school, brushing teeth, getting dressed, and filling a water bottle.

The afternoon routine could be eating a snack when they come home from school, playing for 30 minutes, and then doing homework. The evening routine could be helping with dinner, eating dinner, bathing, laying out the next day’s outfit, and listening to you read before bed.

Stay as consistent as possible with routines, but offer some flexibility if needed. If your child is ill, your routine changes, as does theirs. The routines should make life easier for both of you.

Use charts and other visual reminders

Kids with ADHD may forget specific tasks even if they are part of a routine. To help keep them on track, create charts, posters, or other visual reminders about what needs to be done. For example, you could hang a chart made from a dry-erase board in their room with their morning, afternoon, and evening routines. After they complete each step, they can mark it off the chart.

Sticky notes are good reminders for tasks like brushing and flossing teeth or remembering to put homework in their backpack. As your child grows, you can teach them the importance of a to-do list, which will help them stay organized.

Remove distractions from homework spaces

Getting distracted easily is a well-known symptom of ADHD. If homework is challenging for your child, remove any distractions from their homework space. Turn off the television and other devices. Move their desk to a less family-populated area. For some families, this is in the corner of a bedroom. If your space is limited, speak to your family about keeping it quiet while your child does homework.

You can also make it easier for your child to focus by using a timer for homework and other projects. Set the timer for 10, 15, or 25 minutes, depending on your child’s age, and have them focus entirely on their homework until the timer dings. Allow them a short break to move around, get a snack or drink, or play for 5 or 10 minutes. Start the timer again for another round.

Make exercise fun to improve cognitive function

Exercise doesn’t just do the body good; exercise improves cognitive function. When your child plays in heart-pumping activities, it increases blood flow and other brain chemicals to the parts of their brain responsible for learning. Exercise increases their ability to learn and remember.

You can test this theory at home. Add in playtimes throughout the day when your child is home. Have them work on schoolwork or a project, then take a break to exercise or play. Allow them to calm down after playtime, then have your child resume schoolwork. Do you notice a difference in their work and attitude after playing or exercising? Aim for 30 minutes a day of exercise or recess to improve their physical, emotional, and mental health.

Join small groups to help with social skills

Small groups are an excellent way for your child to practice their social and communication skills. Kids with ADHD are often misunderstood. Allowing them to socialize in a non-intimidating environment will build confidence and self-esteem. Choose a small group with the same interests as your child to keep them motivated to return.

Small groups, such as a summer reading program, can be found at most libraries. You should be able to locate small groups in your area with an Internet search or through social media. There are small groups for homeschoolers, kids with ADHD, kids who love arts and crafts, and gaming clubs. Don’t forget Sunday mornings when many churches hold Sunday School, an excellent environment for your child to make friends and learn more about God.

Work with your child’s teachers

Teachers, staff, principal, and the school counselor can all work with you as a team to help your child with ADHD. More than likely, your child is not the only child with ADHD in the school, and they already have resources available. In some schools, the teachers can make special arrangements for how children with ADHD take tests, turn in homework, and complete projects. Ask your school about the process for kids with ADHD.

Looking for help for kids with ADHD?

Kids with ADHD need structure, guidance, and encouragement. This can be a challenge for many families, especially if your child displays behavioral issues. A Christian counselor can introduce your child to customized strategies and evidence-based psychology methods combined with the Christian faith. Your child will learn lifelong skills to enhance their relationships, communication, behavior, and education.

Contact us today to learn more about how Christian counseling can help kids with ADHD.