Dealing With a Child With ADD/ADHD

Dealing with a child with ADD/ADHD

Daily Prayers for dealing with a child with ADD/ADHD

In these last days Satan is working harder than ever to destroy our children. One of the areas of his attack is what psychologists and educators call Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. These disorders are tools of the enemy to disrupt households — causing confusion, frustration, division, and every evil work. Their effects are far-reaching.

Children and adults with ADD/ADHD are thought of as bullies, unruly, destructive, overbearing, impulsive, defiant — and the list goes on. It has been estimated that about two to five percent of school-aged children are now diagnosed with the disorder, and many adults who have it have never been diagnosed. Many who might be helped if properly diagnosed are in mental institutions, jails, and prisons.

For additional information on ADD/ADHD, including instructional practices for use in dealing with this disorder, see “101 WAYS TO HELP CHILDREN WITH ADD LEARN, Tips from Successful Teachers,” published by Division of Innovation and Development, Office of Special Education Programs, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education.

Although working with children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD can sometimes be frustrating and discouraging, as believers we know that God’s Word, prayer, understanding caretakers, Christian counseling, medication, and their peers can all help them become overcomers.

In our ministry to these special children, we must remember that, according to 2 Corinthians 10:4, “…the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” Psalm 107:20 AMP says of the Lord’s intervention on behalf of those in need, “He sends forth His word and heals them and rescues them from the pit and destruction.” Prayer, according to the Word of God, will avail much (James 5:16).

Declare and decree victory for the child as you teach and direct him/her through the following prayers.

The first two were written by a grandmother, one of our associates at Word Ministries, whose grandson has been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. They pray together each morning before he leaves for school.

The third prayer and the following series of daily prayers were based on conversations and prayer times that I have had with this young man. He and I have cried and laughed together in my office, where we talk privately and confidentially.

At times, he asks to sit in a class where I am teaching, and later we discuss the subject matter. For instance, we may talk about abandonment issues and how Jesus felt when He was on the cross. He is not shy about asking for prayer when he is having a problem.

If you use any of these prayers, I encourage you when necessary to explain in simple language the meaning of the terms found in them. Remember, the child’s imagination is creating pictures with the words he or she speaks and hears.

As the child prays, listen carefully, allowing him/her to express his/her feelings, fears, thoughts, and ideas. Ask the Holy Spirit for discernment — it can be difficult to separate seriousness from horseplay. If you give the child time, he/she will let you know the difference.

Prayers To Be Prayed by the Child
I. Coming Against ADD/ADHD
Father, in the name of Jesus, I come against ADD/ADHD and say that I have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart; I am able to concentrate and stay focused on each task.

I am a disciple (taught by You, Lord, and obedient to Your will), and great is my peace and undisturbed composure. I do not have a spirit of fear, but [You have given me a spirit] of power and of love and of a calm, well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

In the name of Jesus, I come against my defiant behavior and tantrums and hyperactivity and speak peace and love to the situations in which I find myself. I cast down imaginations and every high thing that would exalt itself against the knowledge of You, Lord, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Father, I ask for Your wisdom to reside in me each day as I learn new techniques for handling stressful incidents.

Father, Your Word says not to worry about anything but to pray and ask You for everything I need and to give thanks when I pray, and Your peace will keep my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. The peace You give me is so great that I cannot understand it.

Thank You for keeping my mind quiet and at peace. I declare that I am an overcomer; I am in control.
In the name of Jesus, amen.

II. Making New Friends

Father, I am asking You to supply me with good friends I can relate to, spend time with, and enjoy as You intended. I desire to develop relationships that will be lasting and helpful to both me and my friends.

Father, I will be sound-minded, self-restrained, and alert — above all things, I purpose to have intense and unfailing love for others, for I know love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].

I ask You to help me manage my behavior and attitude so others will want to be around me. I purpose to bridle my tongue and speak words of kindness. I will not insist on having my own way, and I will not act unbecomingly. When someone is unkind and falsely accuses me, help me to maintain a cool spirit and be slow to anger. I commit to plant seeds of love, and I thank You for preparing hearts ahead of time to receive me as a friend and as a blessing to their lives.

Father, thank You for causing me to find favor, compassion, and loving-kindness with others.

Thank You, Lord, for my new friends.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

III. Having a Bad Day

Father, this was not a good day. My scores were low. It was a hard day for me at school and at home. I feel that I messed up a lot. Because I know that You love me unconditionally and You are not holding anything against me, I come to talk with You.

Father, You expect me to be accountable to You, my teachers, and my parents for my behavior.2 I ask Your forgiveness for acting mean and disrespectful to ________. I acknowledge my misbehavior, and I ask You to forgive me for ________.

Thank You, Lord, for helping me as I learn good social skills and how to do unto others as I want them to do unto me.

2 NOTE TO PARENT: Effective reprimands should be brief and directed at the child’s behavior, not at the character of the child. Direct him/her in assuming responsibility for his/her actions, acknowledging and asking forgiveness when appropriate.

Father, I release my disappointment to You, and I believe that tomorrow will be a great day! I look forward to the new day with its new beginnings.

In the name of Jesus, amen.

Living Each Day

Monday:
Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for giving me life. You picked me out for Your very own even before the foundation of the world — before I was ever born. You saw me while I was being formed in my mother’s womb, and You know all about ADD/ADHD.

Lord, You see the weird things I do, and You know all my weird thoughts even before I think them. Thank You for loving me and helping me replace bad thoughts with good thoughts.

Help my parents, teachers — and, especially, the bus driver — to help me do right things. Help me to be kind to others.
In the name of Jesus, amen.

Scripture References
Ephesians 1:4 AMP Psalm 139:2 TLB
Psalm 139:13-16 TLB Ephesians 4:32 TLB

Tuesday:
Father, Psalm 91 says that You have assigned angels to me — giving them [special] charge over me to accompany and defend and preserve me in all my ways.

Lord, I need Your help. Sometimes my weird thoughts scare me, and I don’t like the way I behave. I become so frightened and confused that I have to do something: run, make noises — even scream or try to hurt someone. These actions separate me from playmates; and when they don’t want to be my friends, I am hurt and disappointed and angry.

I am asking You, Father, to help me form new behavior patterns and successfully overcome the disobedience and defiance that cause my parents and teachers anguish. I don’t like to see them all upset, even though I laugh about it sometimes.

Thank You for helping me overcome obsessive, compulsive actions that create confusion for me and others around me. Even when others don’t want me around, You will never abandon me. You will always be with me to help me and give me support.

In the name of Jesus, amen.

Scripture References
Psalm 91:11 AMP Psalm 27:10 TLB
Romans 7:21-25 TLB Hebrews 13:5 AMP

Wednesday: Father, thank You for my parents, grandparents, wise counselors, and teachers who understand me and are helping me learn good behavior patterns. Help me to listen and develop good relationships with others — especially other children.

Thank You for giving me the ability to learn how to express my anger appropriately; I rejoice every time I have a victory. Your Son, Jesus, said that He has given me power to overcome all the obstacles that ADD/ADHD causes in my life.

In His name I pray, amen.

Scripture References
Ephesians 4:26 TLB Luke 10:19 NIV

Thursday: Father, I believe in my heart that Your Son, Jesus, is my Lord and Master and that He has come to live in my heart. Thank You for giving me the mind of Christ (the Messiah), His thoughts (feelings and purposes).

Lord, You are with me when my thoughts get jumbled up, and You have sent the Holy Spirit to help me concentrate and stay focused on each task at home and at school. I am a disciple [taught by You, Lord, and obedient to Your will], and great is my peace and undisturbed composure. Thank You for giving me Your helmet of salvation to protect my thought life.

In the name of Jesus, amen.

Scripture References
Romans 10:9,10 NIV Isaiah 54:13 AMP
1 Corinthians 2:16 AMP 1 Thessalonians 5:8 NIV
John 16:13 NIV

Friday: Father, You have not given me a spirit of fear, but You have given me a spirit of power and of love and a calm, well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. Thank You that as I grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, You are creating in me a willing heart to be obedient.

Forgive me for throwing tantrums, and help me recognize and control the destructive ideas that cause them. The Holy Spirit is my Helper. Thank You for giving me the ability to channel hyperactivity in constructive, productive ways.

I choose to speak peace and love into the situations that confront me and make me feel uncomfortable and out of control.
In the name of Jesus, amen.

Scripture References
2 Timothy 1:7 AMP Philippians 2:13
2 Peter 3:18 John 14:16 AMP
Exodus 35:5

Saturday: Father, sometimes awful thoughts come to me, and I command the voices that tell me bad things to be quiet and leave me in the name of Jesus.

Lord, in Your Word You said that I can make choices. I choose to cast down imaginations that cause me to feel afraid and angry; these thoughts are not Your thoughts. You love me, and I will think on good things.

Father, I ask for Your wisdom to reside in me each day as I learn new techniques for handling stressful incidents.
In the name of Jesus, amen.

Scripture References
Deuteronomy 30:19,20 TLB Isaiah 55:8 TLB
2 Corinthians 10:5 Philippians 4:8 TLB

Sunday: Father, there are so many everyday things that worry and torment me. I feel so different from other people.

Lord, Your Word says not to worry about anything but to pray and ask You for everything I need and to give thanks when I pray, and Your peace will keep my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. The peace You give me is so great that I cannot understand it.

Thank You for keeping my mind quiet and at peace. I declare that I am an overcomer, and by submitting to Your control, I am learning self-control.

Father, I thank You for teaching me how to be a good friend to those You are sending to be my friends.
In the name of Jesus, amen.

Scripture References
Philippians 4:6,7 ICB Revelation 12:11
Isaiah 26:3 AMP Galatians 5:23 AMP

Prayer To Be Prayed by the Caregiver

Introduction

Caregivers of ADD/ADHD children often find themselves in situations that far exceed their parenting skills. Much prayer and faith are required to see the ADD/ADHD child as God sees him/her. The emotional turmoil and disruption to the household often become overwhelming, and caregivers sometimes discover that the challenges are greater than themselves.
Responsible adults involved in the life of an ADD/ADHD child need godly wisdom, spiritual discernment, and mental and emotional alertness to overcome weariness, bewilderment, and anxiety. Often, they second-guess themselves, processing confusing emotions and scenes of great conflict. Words spoken to the child and over him/her can comfort, giving him/her hope — or they can reinforce his/her belief that he/she is bad and that something terrible is wrong with him/her. Words can heal or words can wound.

The prayers of the ADD/ADHD child must be reinforced by those who love him/her. Often our image of another individual — even our children — can only be changed as we pray according to God’s will and purpose for him/her. The following personal prayer for the caregiver is a composite of things the Holy Spirit has directed me to pray for my friend and associate and her husband who are raising their ADD/ADHD grandson. I have observed in them the heartache, the delight, the exasperation — the full gamut of emotions involved in this challenging experience. But through it all, God is faithful!

Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for this very special child. You see my confusion, anxiety, frustration, and bewilderment as I attempt to rear him/her [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord. Forgive me for times when I knowingly or unknowingly irritate and provoke him/her to anger [exasperate him/her to resentment].

You see my intense pain when I observe the rejection this child suffers by adults who speak harsh words against him/her and our family. Children refuse to play with him/her, and it hurts even though I understand. I know that those who have never walked in our shoes cannot fully understand us.

But, Lord, where others are unmerciful and unkind, You are merciful and kind. Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives, and we shall dwell in Your house forever. Hide us in the secret place of Your presence and keep us secretly in Your pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Lord, perfect the fruit of my lips that I may offer to You effective praise and thanksgiving for this child who is a blessing from You. His/her intellect astounds me, and his/her wit is a delight. I ask You for divine intervention and guidance as I train him/her up in the way that he/she should go. I thank You for the awesomeness of Your handiwork and the techniques that You have given him/her to survive — to overcome emotional turmoil — and the ability to function in this world around us. Truly, this child is fearfully and wonderfully made. I plead the blood of Jesus over him/her to protect him/her in every situation.

You have a divine purpose for this child. You have foreordained steps that he/she is to walk in, works that he/she is to do. Help me to look at his/her strengths and weaknesses realistically, that I may know how to help him/her develop and demonstrate self-control techniques. Forgive me for times when I lose patience and berate him/her for his/her behavior. Sometimes, I lose sight of who he/she really is. Anoint my eyes to see him/her as You see him/her.

Father, help me to speak works of grace; anoint my lips to speak excellent and princely things over him/her, about him/her, and to him/her. May the opening of my lips be for right things. Help me to give him/her healthy doses of unconditional love, administer to him/her appropriate discipline for misbehavior, and reward him/her for his/her good behavior. Anoint my lips with coals of fire from Your altar that I may speak words that comfort, encourage, strengthen, and honor him/her. Keep watch at the door of my lips, and forgive me when my patience has come to an end.

Father, You are my Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby. Whatever comes my way, help me to consider it wholly joyful, allowing endurance and steadfastness and patience to have full play and do a thorough work, so that I may be perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing. When I am deficient in wisdom, I will ask of You, and You will give wisdom to me liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or finding fault in me.

I pray that I may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of Your glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy.

Father, You have seen the tears in the night season, and I know that I shall experience the joy that comes in the morning times. You are my Exceeding Joy! You are my Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption. Thank You for being a constant companion.

Lord, I see my child, ________, growing and becoming strong in spirit, increasing in wisdom (in broad and full understanding) and in stature and years and in favor with You and with man.
In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Scripture References
Ephesians 6:4 AMP Isaiah 6:6,7
Psalm 117:2 Psalm 141:3 AMP
Psalm 23:6 John 14:16 AMP
Psalm 31:20 AMP James 1:2,4,5 AMP
Hebrews 13:15 Colossians 1:11 AMP
Psalm 127:3 AMP Psalm 22:2
Proverbs 22:6 Psalm 30:5
Psalm 139:14 Psalm 43:4
Ephesians 2:10 1 Corinthians 1:30
Proverbs 8:6 AMP Luke 1:80; 2:52 AMP

Daily Affirmations for Use by the Caregiver

Introduction

Often it is very difficult for ADD/ADHD children to learn, to develop new learning techniques in their lives and to change their negative behavior patterns. When working with them, it is so important that we love them with the God-kind of love and praise them for their accomplishments.

The following are examples of the kinds of positive daily affirmations that can be said to the ADD/ADHD child to help him/her develop a good self-image and to become all that God intends for him/her in this life.

Affirmations

• Great job • Well done • I’m very proud of you • Good for you • Neat • Outstanding • That was a smart decision • You are smart • God loves you • I love you • I knew you could do it • I believe in you • I know you are trying • Super-duper • You are a good boy/girl • Way to go • What an imagination • You are growing up • Good memory • Amazing • Nice work • What a wise choice • You are a blessing to me • You are special to me • You are valuable • You are a gem, a precious jewel • You are more precious than gold • You are incredible • You are important • Outstanding performance • You are a winner • Remarkable • Nothing can stop you • Now you’ve got it • Excellent • You are catching on • Great • Wonderful • Good • Terrific • Beautiful • Now you are cooking • You are fantastic • Beautiful work • Outstanding • You are spectacular • You are a real trooper • You are unique • Great discovery • You try so hard • Good try • Good effort • Magnificent • You’ve got it • Super work • Phenomenal • Marvelous • Dynamite • You mean so much to me • You make me laugh • You brighten my day • Hurray for you • You are beautiful • You are handsome • You are a good friend • You are a loving son/daughter [grandson/granddaughter] • You light up my life • You belong • You are an important part of our family • We are family • You mean the world to me • That’s right • You are correct • You are a success • Hurray • You are growing in wisdom every day • You are a beautiful creation • You are loved • I love you • WOW! • You are a success • You are an overcomer • You are a child of my love • You are victorious • You are a ray of sunshine • You are patient • You have a good attitude • You are a doer • You know how to get the job done • You are a chosen one • You give good hugs • Thank you for being a part of my life • You are deserving of praise!

Scripture Passages for Meditation
A GOOD REPORT: Proverbs 15:30; Philippians 4:8
A SOFT ANSWER: Proverbs 15:1
PERFECT LOVE: 1 John 4:18
Scripture References:
1 Corinthians 2:16 AMP Philippians 4:6,7 ICB
Isaiah 54:13 AMP Isaiah 26:3
2 Timothy 1:7 AMP Revelation 12:11
2 Corinthians 10:5

1 Peter 4:7,8 AMP James 1:19 AMP
Proverbs 21:23 1 Corinthians 3:6
1 Corinthians 13:4,5 Daniel 1:9 AMP
Proverbs 18:24 AMP

Romans 8:33-39 NIV Matthew 15:4 NIV
2 Corinthians 5:18 TLB 1 John 1:9 TLB
Matthew 12:36 NIV Luke 6:31 NIV
Romans 13:1-5 NIV Proverbs 4:18

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