Helping Children with ADHD Thrive in Church

Children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) bring a lot of life into the children’s ministry. Their high energy, creative minds, and natural curiosity can be a delight to teach. That doesn’t mean that these balls of energy don’t face challenges in traditional ministry settings. Many kids with ADHD struggle to sit still during sermons and have a hard time focusing on structured lessons.

Children with ADHD in Church

As a result of these challenges, these precious children may feel out of place or discouraged in the church environment, the very place they should feel the most accepted and loved. There are a few strategies that a ministry can leverage to ensure that the church meets the needs of all children. After all, ministry is meant to reach all people, even those who may pose a challenge.

Create a structured (but flexible) environment

Children (and adults) with ADHD often struggle with unpredictability. A clear, consistent routine helps them feel secure and in control. To help students with ADHD feel secure, stick to an established schedule during your children’s church or Sunday school lessons to help create predictability. However, be sure to allow for some flexibility, such as a movement break when the wiggles start getting the best of them.

Incorporate movement

Speaking of the wiggles… Sitting still for extended periods can be tough for kids with ADHD. Help engage their minds by encouraging movement throughout your sessions. This can help them focus on the central point of the lesson. Incorporate activities such as role-playing, using hand motions during worship songs, or allowing kids time to walk and talk to each other during discussions. Include hands-on crafts and activities to help them refocus.

Offer concise instructions

Kids with ADHD may struggle to process multi-step instructions. Breaking directions down into smaller, manageable steps can help. Reinforce verbal instructions with visual clues such as a bullet point list, written prompts, or even hand signals. Be sure to give instructions one step at a time and use simple language.

It may be tempting to be flowery and creative in your communication, but you will see far better results from your students with ADHD if you keep your instructions concise and simple.

Offer sensory-friendly and calming times and spaces

Not all children with ADHD process the world in the same way. Many children with ADHD like calm, uncluttered environments. They may experience sensory overload if the classroom is overly cluttered or bright, making it difficult for them to concentrate. For these students, it’s good to have a designated room or corner where they can retreat when they feel overloaded.

Offer noise-cancelling headphones and a soft chair for them to utilize when they need a break. You may offer some Christian-themed books, a quiet activity such as coloring, or some fidget toys to help these students.

Other children with ADHD thrive when their senses are engaged. You may find that these students like sticky, gooey, and slimy textures. They may gravitate toward toys that offer a tactile experience. These children will thrive with hands-on crafts and activities that allow them to use their sense of touch.

Set the pace of your lessons to allow for some quiet time for all children, but especially for those with ADHD. Dimming the lights, turning on soft music, and encouraging quiet conversation can help calm nerves and suppress anxiety.

After God’s Own Heart

Matthew 19:13 gives us a glimpse of Jesus’ heart toward children. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Children are precious to God.

As his ambassadors, we should create environments where they feel welcomed, included, and valued. Making church accessible and engaging for all kids, including those with ADHD, is part of the Great Commission that we have been sent to complete.

If you are working with children with ADHD, consider talking with a mental health professional who can help you learn specific strategies to better understand and work with these special kids. If you would like help connecting with that kind of support, contact our offices today. We have a group of therapists eager to work with you.