Christian Mom’s Guide to Helping Your ADHD Child with Homework

If you’ve ever tried to help your ADHD child with homework, you know that it can feel like you’re trying to herd cats on a sugar high. There’s fidgeting, wandering, weird, but wonderful thoughts, and endless distractions.

As a Christian mom, you may find yourself praying for a little extra dose of patience and that the math assignment won’t take three hours (miracles do happen!). Never fear! The cavalry is here. Here are a few practical strategies to keep homework from being a daily battle.

Lean on God’s patience when your own is tested by an ADHD child

As much as we would like to be Christlike at all times, it can be challenging when your child is bouncing off the walls and asking a million questions about everything except the homework due tomorrow. We all fail to model perfect patience at times, but God is there to be our ever-present help.

Stop, breathe, and say a quick prayer for patience and guidance when the world around you feels chaotic. God is working through your child and you can trust that the fruits of your labor and the patience you’re practicing are helping both you and your child grow closer to God and to fulfilling His perfect plan.

Find the balance between structure and flexibility

Children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) thrive on routine but they also need breaks. Set up a predictable homework time but keep it somewhat flexible. If your child needs to get up and move every ten minutes, just build that into the routine. Posting a daily schedule in a visible place will help your child know what to expect and allow them to digest their day in manageable chunks.

Use fidgets to keep hands busy

Keeping your ADHD child’s hands busy is key to keeping their mind focused. Old-school teaching methods would discourage fidgeting, but modern-day educators know that for children with ADHD, fidgeting actually helps their minds stay on task.

Use stress balls, fidget spinners, or even a homemade fidget toy (made by filling a balloon with rice). Just make sure that the fidget toy isn’t too much fun, or it could become distracting. If you notice that the toy is not helping them focus, maybe it’s time to trade out toys or just take a break.

Invite a professional into the process

Most people think therapists are just for working through mental and emotional traumas. The truth is, they are so much more than that. They can help you and your child learn how to embrace ADHD and overcome any obstacles that it presents. A therapist can also give you specific recommendations that can benefit your unique child’s needs which means less struggle for both you and your child.

Breathe

While it might feel overwhelming at the time, in the grand scheme of things, homework is just a minor blurb in your child’s life. Homework is important, but if one assignment doesn’t get done perfectly, it’s not likely to have a huge impact on their life.

Homework time shouldn’t be solely about rushing through assignments; it should be looked at as an opportunity to grow together as a family, practice patience, and develop faith. It’s also a good time for your child to learn how to work with and through their ADHD to become the focused and successful people God intends and to discover their learning style in their own special way.

Christian Counseling for the ADHD Child in Carrollton, Texas

You and your child can benefit greatly by consulting a Christian counselor in Carrollton, Texas to learn more about living with ADHD. Call our office today at Texas Christian Counseling, Carrollton to learn more.