Regarding children, it is always important to consider the needs of the whole group along with those of the children and parents. How much disruption can the group as a whole tolerate? How flexible is the group? How sensitive are parents to the group dynamics? Individual children differ in their adaptation to group environments. In addition, the number of children in your small group may also play a role in deciding how to best incorporate children into your group.
Making things easier without childcare
- Find a separate place where a parent can calm, feed, or put a child to sleep, as needed.
- The meeting place needs to be safe and without breakables if there is a child old enough to move.
- If only one family has children, the group might meet in the parents’ home where children can entertain themselves, or be put to bed.
- The group meeting time might be adjusted to consider children’s schedules to minimize “fussy” times.
- Parents should bring toys, snacks, and a playpen to occupy a child, perhaps saving something of special interest for that time. It may help if the host has some toys that would be new to the child.
- Many social events should involve the children. Some events may be specifically for adults-only. Some separate male/female social times allow a parent to get out without hiring a babysitter.
- Start and end your group ON TIME. Knowing when group will start and end will better allow parents to schedule their child’s needs ahead of group time.
Incorporating childcare without breaking the family budget
- Have a sign-up sheet with childcare as a group responsibility. Group members could rotate sitting out of discussion to help care for children. This could include the non-parents, both men and women, in the group as well. There will need to be caution if a group member is not appropriate as a caregiver. Avoid leaving kids one on one with anyone other than their parent.
- Consider hiring childcare as a group, or as parents in the group, to watch children in another room.
- Some families have relatives or friends willing to help.
- A couple may be able to trade childcare with a family in another small group, so all adults can participate more easily.
- You may consider asking a college student to exchange meals and opportunities to do laundry for childcare during your small group time.
- Start and end your group ON TIME. Knowing when a group will start and end will better allow parents to schedule their child’s needs ahead of group time, thus easing the strain on anyone helping with childcare.
Involving children in the group
- Some groups have an opening or an ending time with singing, story, or activity appropriate to the children.
- It may help to have a treat time when children join the group and not a separate activity.
- Children should have some time to interact with the group as a whole. Many social events should involve the children. All will be blessed.
Best Practices for Child Safety
- Do not put anyone in a childcare position who has a history of being an abuser.
- Before participating in childcare, ensure a group member is well known (typically in your group and/or attending Hope for at least 6 months). If someone is less-known, they should always provide childcare with another, more established group member.
- Observe the “two-adult” rule, avoiding one-on-one time between an adult and child. This can create a greater sense of community for the caregiver as well as provide accountability and protection from accusation. Additional protection is also provided if parents (and/or two related adults) do not serve together. If having two adults is not feasible, then there should always be multiple children present.
- When possible, avoid having minors provide childcare.
- Use childcare spaces that are well lit and open (avoiding isolation potential).
- Have parents do potty runs.
- All parents should be comfortable with all caregivers.
- Consider doing a background check and/or checking references on childcare providers, especially if someone is hired outside of your group. Hope Community Church can help you with this.
- Any behavior on the part of a caregiver witnessed or reported that seems abusive or inappropriate should immediately be reported to the Small Group Leaders and the Director of Small Groups. The Director of Small Groups will follow the process outlined in Hope Community Church’s Child Safety Policy and Procedures.
