What if my child is upset?
Children are often nervous about being away from loved ones and we are sensitive to those needs, as well as to the discomfort it causes a parent to see a child in distress. Separation anxiety is normal and expected in all children at various stages of development – especially in the preschool years.
This will come as no shock to parents or guardians of “little ones”, but preschoolers cry. It’s their job and they are good at it! It is completely age appropriate for preschoolers to cry or be upset when their loved ones leave them. The stress of moving, a deployment for military families, recovering from illness, or just the stress of being a kid can get the best of even an older child and can manifest itself with anxiety at “drop off” time. Our teachers are empathetic to each child’s feelings of distress and are prepared to handle the situation with love.
Parents, we in Children’s Ministries want you to be comfortable leaving your children in our care.
Here are a few tips for parents:
* Drop off your child quickly. The longer you stay at the doorway or in the classroom, the more stressed an already upset child is likely to become.
* Be reassuring. “Mama will be back later. I love you and have fun.”
* Please don’t let your child see you peeking in the doorway. You are welcome to stand outside the doorway and listen as long as you wish, or you can come back anytime to check on your child. However please know that if your child sees you, it will actually prolong the stress instead of being a comfort.
* Consistency brings comfort. Bring them week after week. They will learn that loved ones leave them and come back for them. They will also learn that their teachers love them and that church is pretty fun!
What we will do:
* We will love and comfort your child.
* We will do our best to get your child involved in an enjoyable activity to help him or her transition.
* If we are unable to calm your child within 15 minutes, we will send for you. (For preschoolers, the security tag you put on your preschooler shows your location in the church.) This is very rarely necessary, but we will do it if your child needs it. If your child cries but can be distracted and engaged in an activity and starts crying again, that means the child is adjusting. That’s good! Unless he or she is inconsolable for 15 minutes or more, we will continue comforting, loving, and engaging the child. We do our best to keep the child in the classroom because retrieving a parent for an upset child almost guarantees more stress for the child the next time.
We want your child to love coming to church. We will do everything in our power to create a fun, safe, and loving environment that your child will enjoy.
Questions or comments?
Contact our Children’s Ministry Director, Donna Walden, at dwalden [at] richmondhill [dot] org or call her at the church at (912) 756-2196, extension 131