Church services are often challenging times for kids with ADHD and their parents.
Sunday morning - in many households, a time for families to attend church services. However, the change in routine and expectations can be tough for kids with Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder and their parents. Instead of struggling through and hoping all will go well, I would like to encourage you to try some of these tips.
Talk with your spouse about the things that you would like to see happen on Sunday morning. From the get-go the routine on Sunday mornings are different. Everyone gets ready at the same time, instead of at the staggered routine during the week. Some families also plan to have a "big" family breakfast that morning. What are the wake up plans for your family? How can they be simplified so that getting to church is not so stressful?
Plan what services and activities you will attend. For many families this is a given, but in others there is not a consistent plan. If children with ADHD understand and can plan on the sequence of the day, they will be better able to function without acting out or meltdown.
Talk with your child about expectations during the actual worship service. Is your child old enough to listen to the sermon? Are there children's activity pages for younger children? If so, when would you like your child to use those? After the music is finished? Also talk about bathroom expectations. If a child knows that he should make that stop before church and then not leave during the service, he will get used to that routine.
Having a calm family worship experience is truly a matter of planning, expectations, and practice . . . like every area of life for the child with ADHD.
