| 2009-05-27 - My Preschooler Cries During Sunday School School: What Can I Do? |
Anybody who has taught a classroom full of three and four-year-olds
during Sunday School has dealt with crying children. It seems that not
all children are thrilled about the idea of being dumped off in a
classroom with an adult they don't know, and children they do not know.
Even if your child is familiar with the class surroundings, there is a
reason for the crying, and finding out the reason can be a huge help to
the teacher and to your child's well being.
It is difficult for a Sunday School teacher to deal with children who cry, but it is also difficult for you as a parent to know that your child is the one causing all the chaos. If you are a parent of a crying preschooler, here are some things that may help you, your child, and the teacher.
Know That Kids Do Cry
The first thing you should understand is that children do cry and most children go through some sort of separation anxiety. Whether you are taking them to preschool or taking them to Sunday School, your child is not the only one that is
crying. If it is separation anxiety, then the best thing that you can
do is to work with your child and the teacher to work out a solution.
Brief goodbyes are always best. Assure your child that you will make a
speedy return and that he will have fun in the class. Your child's
teacher has probably dealt with the situation before and will have
activities to keep your child busy during class. It may take a few
times, but eventually your child will learn that you will return and
they will start to have fun during Sunday School.
Talk To the Teacher
If
you find that your child is still crying during Sunday School for no
apparent reason, then it is time to not only talk to your child, but to
talk to the teacher as well. Many times children cry for a particular
reason. Perhaps they have had a bad experience in the classroom, maybe
another child hit him or threw a toy at him. Children have a way of
remembering these things for a long time, and it may cause your child
to have anxiety about going back to the class. Talk to your child and
find out if this is the reason why he cries during Sunday School. Don't
hesitate to discuss the matter with the teacher as well. The teacher
may offer some insights on why your child does not want to return to
the class.
Help Out in the Classroom
If all else fails,
and your child is still crying every time he goes to class, then you
might want to consider helping out in the classroom. Perhaps your child
just needs reassurance that you are there and helping out a few times
may ease those fears. Helping out in the classroom may also show you
more about what is going on in the classroom and what is causing
anxiety with your child. You can be sure that your child's teacher
would love to have you help out.
Many times children who cry in
Sunday School just need a little reassurance and a little time to
overcome their fears. Hopefully these tips will help you and your child
have a peaceful Sunday at church.
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