Tag Archives: executive functioning

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…ADHD in families

Posted on July 4, 2015 by Dr. G

When kids have ADHD, we’re often relying upon parents who themselves have difficulty setting priorities, following through on tasks and maintaining focus to be their primary faith trainers. Continue reading →

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Mental health inclusion…creating more welcoming ministry environments

Posted on May 28, 2015 by Dr. G

Every church can make a conscious effort to make their ministry environments more friendly to kids and teens with common mental health conditions and their families. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Ministry Environments, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Christmas challenges for kids with common mental health concerns…

Posted on December 21, 2014 by Dr. G

We’ll look at three common struggles the kids with mental illness experience over Christmas break and offer ideas parents might try to minimize the impact of the holidays upon their children. Continue reading →

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Updated…How are kids and teens with ADHD different?

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Dr. G

Dr. Barkley’s theories suggest that ADHD is a disorder not only of attention, but of executive functioning as well. Executive functioning describes a set of cognitive abilities involved in controlling and regulating other abilities and behaviors. Such functions are necessary in initiating goal-directed behavior, suppressing impulses arising from lower brain centers, and planning future behavior.
Continue reading →

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What does “executive functioning” have to do with kids and church?

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Dr. G

Through identifying the other challenges executive functioning weaknesses present to a person’s ability to maintain an ongoing pattern of involvement with a local church, we hope to assist leaders in designing ministry environments and developing supports to welcome kids and families who were “unsuccessful” in previous experiences of church and strengthen their connection to the local church once they become attenders. Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Intellectual Disabilities, Key Ministry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Christmas struggles for kids with mental health issues

Posted on December 15, 2013 by Dr. G

Kids with common mental health conditions react to the holidays very differently than do adults. Today, we’ll look at three struggles common during Christmas break among the kids and families we serve, and suggest practical strategies for parents to minimize the impact of the holidays upon their children. Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Families, Key Ministry, Resources, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

When are kids most at risk of aggressive behavior at church?

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Dr. G

Most kids who display aggressive behavior serious enough in terms of frequency and/or severity to be of concern to church staff and volunteers will meet the criteria for one or more mental health or developmental disorders. Nevertheless, children’s and youth ministry staff and volunteers need to take steps to minimize antecedents to aggressive behavior without specific information about a child’s diagnosis or treatment. Continue reading →

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