Disruptive or withdrawn behavior in children’s ministry is frequently caused by Sensory Processing Differences—not intentional misbehavior. By identifying whether a child is seeking or avoiding sensory input, volunteers can adjust the environment with “heavy work” tasks or visual boundaries to make every child feel safe and included.
You love children. You love the church. You pour your heart into storytime, crafts, music, and snacks to make Sunday morning special.
But then… a disruption happens.
- A child is crashing and bumping into walls, floors, or other kids.
- Someone is humming, buzzing, or clicking incessantly during prayer time.
- A child hides under a table or pulls their shirt over their face.
- A sudden meltdown occurs when another child gets too close.
Before you react, pause.
💡 The Mindset Shift: This child is not trying to give you a hard time. This child is HAVING a hard time.
Understanding Sensory Processing Differences
What often presents as “difficult behavior” is actually a child navigating Sensory Processing Differences. Their nervous system interprets environmental input (lights, noise, crowd density) differently than others.
Sensory Seekers vs. Sensory Avoiders
| Behavior Type | What You See | What Their Nervous System Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Sensory Seeker | Bumping, rocking, ripping paper, constant noises, running | Deep pressure, movement, and heavy physical input to feel grounded. |
| Sensory Avoider | Hiding under tables, pulling shirt over face, meltdowns when crowded | Lower volume, predictable personal space, and a safe escape route. |
Practical Action Steps for Volunteers
1. Strategies for Sensory Seekers (Proactive Input)
- Assign “Heavy Work” Tasks: Before quiet transitions, give the child a helpful job that provides proprioceptive input (deep pressure). Ask them to carry heavy book bins, stack chairs, or hold open a heavy door.
- Whole-Class Movement Breaks: Incorporate creeping, crawling, or jumping jacks for the entire group. It calms overactive nervous systems without singling anyone out.
2. Strategies for Sensory Avoiders (Reducing Input)
- Build a “Recharging Station” (Quiet Corner): Set up a pop-up tent or a small rug behind a bookshelf filled with pillows, noise-canceling headphones, and visual fidgets (e.g., liquid motion timers). Note: Frame this as a recharging station, never a punishment or “time-out.”
- Define Personal Boundaries: Use carpet spots or poly-spots for group seating so every child knows exactly where their space ends and another’s begins.
Heart Check: People Over Programs
Children’s ministry isn’t about running a flawless presentation; it’s about creating a safe space where every child can hear and engage with the gospel, feel loved, and belong to the body of Christ.
When we prioritize the schedule over the child, ministry can become program over people. Our most vital work is heart work—and if a child doesn’t feel safe or loved, we lose our most important opportunity.
Much love,
Tom, Julie, & Amy Meekins
CONNECT WITH US: We are here for YOU!
We invite you to connect with us:
Email: champions4parents@gmail.com
Phone: 410-746-9010 (Voice or Text)
Facebook: facebook.com/Champions4Parents
Don’t forget our website: Champions4Parents.com
And check out Amy’s websites at:
AmyChristineMeekins.com
Amystories.wixsite.com/heartrecharge
If you would like to support us financially as we provide love and support to Parents and Caregivers as well as Ministry Leaders who serve families impacted by disability, we invite you to our donor page on our website: Champions4Parents.com/giving
