A Summary of “The Christian Home and ADHD, Part II.” by Rita Jamison.
Parents who have a child that has been labeled
with ADHD often find themselves confused and frustrated. The think they must respect the Dr. who diagnosed it, but as they look at the literature, the statements are tentative, unproven, and even unprovable. The Christian finds that the literature is often at odds with the Bible. The literature states that the child cannot be cured, that it has nothing to do with mothering or fathering, we don’t know what causes it, and that decades of research have been inconclusive and often contradictory. Often Christian parents draw the same conclusion as Dr. Thomas does in the first article - These are hardly the criteria of which diseases are made. They are
behaviors, sometimes sinful behaviors that have become habits. These are behaviors the Bible addresses. The Christian parent can be confused about who to believe and what to do. This article deals with the characteristic of inattention.
General Parenting Principles 1. Use teaching as well as correction. (Ephesians 6:4)
2. teach children the goal of life. (2Corinthians 5:9)
3. Use the put off / put on principle. (Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:5-14)
4. Use cause and effect. (Galatians 6:7)
5. Identify desires of the heart. (James 1:14-15) Biblical Truths for Specific DSM-IV (Mis) Behaviors.
a) Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other
activities. Teach them to do everything to the glory of God (I Corinthians 10:31), be faithful in little things (Luke 16:10), identify lusts (James 1:14-15), teach them to check their work when they think they are finished,
b) Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities. Teach them to have a disciplined mind. (1Peter 1:13-14)
c) Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly. The child needs to put off being selfish and put on being quick to hear. (James 1:19)
d) Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school work, chores, or duties in the workplace. Teach them not to quit. (Galatians 6:9) The practical example of Aaron is shared.
e) Often has difficulty in organizing tasks and activities. Help your child build an organizational system.
f) Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort. Teach them they are not allowed to say “I can’t.” (Philippians 4:13)
g) Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities. Teach them stewardship. (1 Corinthians 4:2)
h) Is often distracted by extraneous stimuli. Teach them what to do when distraction occurs.
i) Is often forgetful in daily activities. Teach them that remembering is important to God, and help them develop remembering methods.