Healthy KidMin Tips (cont.)
5. Provide home-based learning.
Be proactive! Plan a program to help parents and sick children feel connected even when they miss a service. Let them know in advance that resources are available (such as any services your church streams online) so they won’t feel like they’re missing out if they stay home with an illness.
6. Downplay perfect attendance.
Some kids (and parents) try so hard for perfect attendance that it can be tempting to go to church simply to avoid being counted “absent.” Be thoughtful if and how you reward attendance, especially during cold and flu season. Consider making an exception for sick days.
7. Follow recommendations.
Next up: Place yourself on the mailing or email list for your local health department. Visit informational websites and stay proactive when illnesses make the rounds in your community.
8. Communicate with parents.
Let parents know what steps you take to ensure their kids stay healthy. Ask for their help complying with a well-child policy to keep the children’s ministry a great place for kids.
Last but not least… Have a plan to effectively deal with and communicate with parents in the event of an incident or outbreak. When we partner with families, we can keep a healthy kidmin throughout the year.
Brad Hennessy is the former vice president of operations for KidCheck, Inc.
This article was originally published on ChildrensMinistry.com, © Group Publishing, a division of David C Cook.
