What if my child cries? | First Baptist Church of Richmond Hill GA

What if my child cries?

"What if my child cries?"

I know this will not be a shock to any parents or family members of preschoolers, 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.  Our teachers are empathetic to each child's feelings of distress and prepared to handle the situation with love.

Parents, we in Preschool Ministries want you to be comfortable leaving your children in our care.  We know that it's very stressful for mom, dad, grandpa, or whoever happens to be dropping off your child if the child is upset.

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.  The security tag you put on your child shows your location in the church and we will retrieve you.  This is very rarely necessary, but we will do it if your child needs it.
  • If you 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 once  because retrieving a parent for an upset child almost guarantees more stress for the child the next time.