As parents, we have always been deeply concerned about all four of our children. Trying to put ourselves in each of their shoes was a constant conversation between Tom and me. That was true before our Amy was born and it was especially true after she was born. Even though we tried so hard to be diligent to be sensitive to our Katie, Becca, and Josh, we missed things. We often missed the mark. Parents, you will probably find yourself in our shoes as well. We had to learn to forgive ourselves and move on and you most likely will...
Sometimes when you are leading a class, and particularly when you have a child or multiple children who are especially active, disruptive, prone to be sad or upset, or who have various challenges or special needs, things can get a little chaotic. Maybe you have a child who is reluctant to enter your group or for some reason gets upset or sad in the middle of your time together. Here are some ideas that you can do with typically developing children and special needs children as well. Remember, as you get to know the children in your group, you will...
Sometimes as people who serve in children’s ministry we might encounter this: Children who are very sensitive to their world. Lights are often too bright. Sounds are often too loud. Even the slightest hints of perfumes or cleaning chemicals or scented candles or even, children’s markers are too smelly. Wall art and floor displays and simple touches are too much. These are children whose world is overwhelming. They have sensory overload 24/7. This makes it hard to focus. Hard to concentrate. You know when an annoying noise like a car alarm is beeping loudly for a while, or when you are in a...
7 Steps for Parents to Survive a Difficult Day with a Challenging Child What can you do to put a spring in your step when you are having a bad day? Do you sometimes just want to wallow a bit in the hard moments? After all, we all tend to say from time to time, “I deserve a little pity party once in a while, right?” Okay. Well, we can give you a few seconds to feel sorry for yourself — but then we suggest that you choose a different mindset, one that will serve you better in the long...
