15 Best Family Devotion ADHD Child Ideas That Inspire (Pdf)
Introduction
If you’ve ever tried to do devotions with your ADHD child and ended up feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or just plain exhausted—you are not alone. Traditional devotion routines don’t work the way we hope when you’re parenting a neurodivergent child who fidgets, interrupts, or struggles to stay still.
But that doesn’t mean we give up. It means we find a new rhythm.
In this blog, we will look at what is family devotion and fun devotional ideas. I’ll share real-life ways we’ve made devotion time more joyful, doable, and meaningful with my own ADHD child. I pray you’ll get inspired!
You’ll find over 15 creative family devotional ideas to help your ADHD child experience God’s presence in a way that fits their unique wiring. From movement to music to hands-on worship.
There’s something here for every busy, loving, and Jesus-following mama who just wants to help her ADHD child grow in faith—without the daily battles.
And you can download a free printable at the end of this blog: 15 ADHD child friendly family devotion ideas.
When Family Devotion Time Feels Like a Disaster
I used to picture family devotions as a quiet, candle-lit moment—my child sitting peacefully, Bible in lap, soaking in the Word.
Reality? A chaotic blend of interruptions, songs mid-prayer, dramatic reenactments of Bible battles, and me trying not to cry because “this is not how it’s supposed to go.”
As a serious, structured person, I struggled. Devotions, to me, meant order, attention, and a spiritual hush. My son—before we even had a diagnosis—brought energy, questions, and holy disruption.
I had to unlearn what I thought was “the right way” and let God teach me a better way. A way that works for my wonderfully wired ADHD child.
Scroll down to get your free printable Pdf with 15 fun devotional ideas for your (ADHD) family!
The Shift That Changed Everything in Our Family Devotion
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Getting the ADHD diagnosis didn’t just help me understand my son—it helped me release unrealistic expectations.
I started to see that God delights in our children as they are. He isn’t after performance. He wants connection.
That truth freed me to explore devotion styles that felt playful, flexible, and deeply meaningful.
And guess what?
We now laugh during devotions. We act out stories. We sing—loudly!
We even pray in spontaneous bursts while brushing teeth or during car rides. What I once called “messy” has become some of our most holy moments. That’s family devotion ADHD style!
Want to know what is family devotion and how to start one with your neurodivergent child?
How do I start a Family Devotion?
If you’ve never done regular devotions as a family—or if you’ve tried and it ended in tears, tantrums, or total chaos (been there!)—please know you’re not alone.
Starting a family devotion with an ADHD child can feel intimidating, especially if you’re imagining a picture-perfect circle of peaceful, hands-folded kids.
That was me in the beginning—full of high expectations and rigid routines. I thought we had to do it “right” or not at all. But God gently taught me that the goal isn’t perfection, it’s connection.
Here’s how you can begin, right where you are:
- Start small: One verse, one song, one thought. That’s enough. You can build from there.
- Be flexible: It’s okay to shift plans or try again tomorrow if today isn’t working.
- Make it relational: Focus more on heart connection than completing a plan.
- Pick a moment that fits your child: Right after a snack, or during a relaxed weekend morning might work better than late evenings or busy school mornings.
- Pray before you begin: Ask God to lead the time and speak to your child’s heart—even through the laughter, noise, or unexpected detours.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14 NIV).
He welcomes our children exactly as they are—and He’ll help us do the same. I am sure He loves fun devotional ideas with your kiddos!
Wish you had someone who gets it? Someone who understands the meltdowns, the misjudgments, the mom-guilt?
That’s why I became a parenting coach for moms of ADHD kids. Let’s connect and create a new way forward—with grace, strength, and Jesus at the center.
15 Family Devotional Ideas That Actually Work for ADHD Kids
If you’ve ever wondered how to engage your child in family devotion without losing your mind, here are some ADHD-sensitive, God-honoring ways to do just that. They came through trial, error, and lots of prayer.
You don’t need to do all of the family devotional ideas—pick a few, try them out, and see what brings joy to your home. And… add your own!
1. Keep it short: Five minutes of connection is better than twenty minutes of chaos. God sees your effort. Don’t measure the success of your devotion time by how long it lasts, but by the heart connection it creates.
2. Choose the right moment: Avoid high-stress times like mornings before school or the after-school crash zone. We found weekends or mid-evenings (after a snack!) work best. Getting ready for school is like climbing Mount Everest—we don’t need to squeeze in a sermon too.
3. Use storytelling with sound effects: Bible stories become more memorable when we add drama! We stomp when the Israelites march, shout when Jericho falls, or whisper during the angel’s visit to Mary. These moments help my son stay engaged—and honestly, I enjoy them too.
4. Let them move: Stretch while you pray. March in a circle while quoting a verse. Our bodies don’t have to be still for our hearts to connect with God.
5. Repetition is gold: My son often asks me to re-read parts of the Bible that have rhythm or repetition. Psalms are a favorite. I used to think we needed to “move on,” but now I honor his requests. That repetition is how he connects.
6. Worship through music and dance: Sometimes our “devotion time” becomes one big praise party. Singing is worship. Dancing is worship. Even shouting a made-up song to Jesus is worship. I had to learn not to stop the songs that “interrupt” my serious moments—they’re often more sincere than my rehearsed prayers.
7. Let them lead: I started asking my son to choose the song or retell the Bible story in his own words. His interpretations are funny, deep, and often far more theologically insightful than I expect. It builds his confidence too.
8. Use tools like Play-Doh or drawing: Fidgeting doesn’t mean they’re not listening. Giving my son something to hold or do—like molding Play-Doh while I read or drawing what he hears—helps him concentrate better.
9. Add hugs and snuggles: Sometimes our whole devotional is him in my lap, arms around each other while I pray or read. That warmth? It speaks of God’s love in ways words cannot. Many ADHD children have big sensory needs—snuggles, back rubs, or even just leaning against you can help them feel grounded, safe, and more able to focus on God’s presence.
10. Create a “God Journal”: Let your child draw or doodle while you read the Bible. You can also jot down their prayer requests, what they’re thankful for, or what they think God is like. It’s messy and perhaps inconsistent, but it helps reflect and see how God is with us in every season.
11. Create a ‘worship corner’: Even a small basket with a kids’ Bible, coloring sheets, tambourine, and a candle can feel special. When we go to that space, my son knows something important is happening—even if it only lasts six minutes!
12. Be okay with interruptions: My son often bursts into song or asks deep questions mid-prayer. At first, I felt frustrated—why couldn’t he wait till the end? But I’ve realized that his questions and songs are worship. They are his way of talking to God. So I pause, listen, and thank God for the purity of his heart.
13. Use props and costumes: Keep a small box of scarves, hats, or toy swords nearby. Acting out Bible stories with simple props keeps kids engaged and helps them remember the message. It also adds tons of fun and laughter to devotion time!
14. Do a “Bible treasure hunt”: Hide short scripture verses or simple object lessons around the room or house, and let your child find them like a scavenger hunt. Each clue can lead to a small discussion, prayer, or even a song. This works great on weekends or to refresh devotion time with excitement!
15. Take your devotion time outside: A walk in the park, backyard, or even a balcony moment can turn into a beautiful connection point with God. ADHD kids often feel calmer in nature. And pointing out God’s creation—clouds, flowers, birds—turns a simple moment into worship. It helps them move, breathe, and connect with God in a way that feels natural and alive.
Note that family devotion with an ADHD child may change over time. As ADHD shows differently from age-to-age, and adapt your devotion time to that.
Consider a devotional book for special-needs kids, to guide you in your family devotion. And you can make use of ADHD Bible verses–to speak over your child’s (and your!) life.
Why ADHD Family Devotion is Worth It
ADHD Child family devotions may never look “Instagram perfect” in your home.
But if there’s laughter, connection, and even a moment of wonder—then it’s sacred ground.
Our kids with ADHD are wired to move, sing, question, and engage differently. And isn’t that beautiful?
Takeaway Family Devotion ADHD Child
Your family devotion time with your ADHD child doesn’t have to be quiet to be holy. It doesn’t have to be long to be powerful. And it doesn’t have to be structured to be Spirit-led.
Invite Jesus into your family’s unique rhythm.
He’s already there, dancing with your child, laughing with you, and blessing your beautiful mess.
You can still download your printable PDF with 15 ideas for family devotion ADHD child.
Disclaimer
Everything shared in this blog is based on my personal experience, ADHD parenting training, and as a certified, ICF-credentialed life coach. I am not a medical doctor, psychologist, or licensed therapist. The content is for informational and encouragement purposes only and should not be considered medical or mental health advice.
If you suspect your child may have ADHD or any other medical condition, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a clinical psychologist, pediatrician, or psychiatrist, for an official assessment and diagnosis.
I specialize in coaching Christian moms who are raising kids with ADHD—helping you parent with grace, confidence, and faith. If you’d like personalized support, feel free to reach out and learn more about how I can walk this journey with you.
