Let’s talk a little about children, and tears. There are some obvious points, and some not so obvious ones. But first, if you haven’t seen it yet, I definitely recommend this article for the days when tears–be they your child’s, your own, or those of the children in the seats around you–feel like more than you can take.
True things about children and crying:
1) All children cry, for all sorts of reasons. Some of those cries are sweet little whimpers, others are full out wailing, and many are in between. You are not a bad parent, and you are not a bad children’s volunteer, if a child in your care is crying. Love them and hold them and help them, and in so doing demonstrate Jesus’ love and care for them….but sometimes they will cry anyway.
2) Our policy is to let a child cry for around 10 minutes (depending on where on the whimper-wailing continuum the cries are). If he is inconsolable, we will text the parents. We will not let a child cry throughout the entire worship service. If, as a parent, you know your child tends to struggle in the nursery, keep your phone handy so we can reach you if needed.
3) Typically, in the Sprouts classes, perfectly happy children will ALL start to cry as soon as the first parent comes to pick up a child. At that point, they all seem to realize “hey, my mom isn’t here!” So if you come to pick up your child, and you can hear the crying down the hallway, know that most likely it is the case that they were all fine just a minute ago.
4) Mommies, you hear your children’s cries (and other noises) far more than anyone else does. Don’t feel obligated to keep your children silent in church. Certainly we are seeking to worship, but the little squeeks, and whimpers, and wiggles are signs of God’s grace in bringing new life into our body. If they’re screeching, please take them into the hallway for an opportunity to settle, but otherwise, allow us as a body to participate with all of us.
5) Have you noticed that we have a de facto “children’s section”? The left seating section (St. Gabriel’s), and the back left (Park Hills), tend to be where families with young children sit. That’s a matter of convenience–they’re close to the exit if a child has a need. If you tend to be distracted by the wiggles and noises, I encourage you to sit on the other side of the sanctuary, where those distractions are less.
6) At last count, we have 276 children 5th grade and under. It’s no wonder there’s a bit of crying on Sundays! Isn’t it amazing that the Lord, in his sovereignty, has made us, for now, such a child-heavy congregation? That reality provides opportunity for all of us to learn and to love; to serve boldly even when we’re not quite sure about the crying thing; to encourage each other through the hard days; and to practice the “let the little children come” modeled by Jesus himself. And just think, in a few years these kids will be our teens….imagine the dynamics then. 🙂
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