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Today’s post comes from John Dunstan, a key member of the support team at KidCheck. Allergies have increased steadily over the last fifty years1, and this increase affects your ministry. Eavesdrop on a typical conversation among a group of parents, and the issue of allergies will likely come up. About 6% of children aged zero to two […]
Allergy Management for Children in Your Care Read More »
Today’s post comes from Alex Smith, the CEO of KidCheck, a data security and child safety expert, church safety team leader, and former police officer. Children’s ministry continues to face the challenge of balancing a fun, welcoming environment with today’s growing security demands. You have to be aware of food allergies, track children and parents, and
Five Tips for Smiling Parents and Safe Kids Read More »
 Today’s post comes from Angela Lewton, the face behind the KidCheck blog and expert on the latest child safety research and trends. In children’s ministry, a parent’s first impression of the ministry is important and difficult to overcome if it’s not positive. People make either conscious or unconscious judgments about cleanliness, security, professionalism, and competence based on that first
The Power of the First Impression Read More »
It was a little bit like walking into the dentist’s office as a little kid — nerve-wracking, unknown possible outcomes, and crying children. That’s a little dramatic, but pretty close to what I remember it felt like as new parents walking our son to nursery for the very first time. We had been at our
What New Parents Want You to Know about Their First Time Leaving Their Child in Nursery Read More »
It’s summer time! We know many of you are settling into your summer time rhythms (which we hope includes some margin for you to rest and get recharged). The shift in seasons provides a great opportunity to reflect on some key volunteers in your ministry that have made a BIG difference! Notes of thanks are
5 Ways to Make a Volunteer’s Day Read More »
It kind of felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest this morning. There’s nothing that makes my descent into guilt feel more like Six Flags’ Giant Drop instead of a gradual decline than when my son is battling separation anxiety as I head off to work. In these moments, it’s almost
I was planting flowers this past weekend in our front yard. My son (who is almost two years old) woke up from his nap as I was wrapping up. I brought my groggy Little Man outside, and gave him some chalk to play with while I attempted to get the last of my flowers planted.
The Most Important Thing You Can Do to Stay Rooted Read More »
It’s getting close, friend… summer time. You’re probably gearing up for VBS, summer camps, or maybe your ministry throttles down a little bit over the summer. Whatever the case may be, one thing is for sure: your soul could probably use some rest and attention. Can I just stop right here to say, “Way to
2 Spiritual Disciplines You Might Have Forgotten (That Are Good For Your Soul) Read More »
Children grow up in a social media saturated world. This world is full of possibilities: instantly communicating with friends and family across the world, learning opportunities, or seeing photographs from every corner of the world. However, social media, with all it’s advantages and promise, also has a shadow side that ministry leaders and parents must
5 Ways to Bully-Proof Your Kids’ Social Media Read More »
Every children’s ministry relies on volunteers. I’m always wondering, “How can we invest in these people in ways to bring out their best?” I learned most of what I know from an incredible leader named Kim Gunderson. 1. Time Several years ago I was on a children’s ministry team celebrating the 10 year anniversary of
5 Ways to Invest in Volunteers (So They Invest in Kids) Read More »
