What are the children hearing?

I was scrolling though Pinterest and found this post. The author states,
“With our busy, day to day lives, sometimes it is easy to forget to be really present and ‘talk’ to our children. Of course they know we love them, but sometimes we forget the things that they need to hear, and hear often.”

That got me thinking. What do the children in our churches need to hear, and hear often? What should we be saying to them repeatedly? What words would encourage and affirm them as precious children of God? Here are a few ideas

God loves you. There is nothing you can do, think, or say that would cause God to stop loving you.
You are amazing.
We really like you.
You are the church of today.
We think you are important.
We are so glad you came today.
You belong here.

Christian Educators shouldn’t be the only ones tasked with saying these things. The whole congregation should be affirming the children in this way, and doing so often.

What do the children in your church need to hear? What are they hearing? How can we encourage the whole congregation to realize the importance of speaking these affirmations, and doing so often?

About Sharon Harding

I was born in England and immigrated to Canada almost 30 years ago. A graduate of Gloucestershire University (B.Ed.), I have been involved in children’s ministry since I was 16. Over the past 12 years I have written for a variety of Christian Education curriculum resources. I also write a blog at rediscoveredfamilies.com encouraging parents to build strong connections with their children. When I am not working I enjoy painting, reading, and pottering around the Internet.

View all posts by Sharon Harding →

0 Responses to "What are the children hearing?"

By Jesse Dymond January 21, 2013 - 7:18 pm

Sharon, your post reminds me of an experience from my early days in seminary. I remember one particular Sunday, when the children had returned to the congregation, and the Eucharist had finished. The rector broke the reflective silence by inviting us to stand for the prayer after communion. And then, from the back of the congregation came the word, “DADDY,” and his toddler ran up the aisle to greet him. I remember there being some giggles, as well as a few grumbling voices. Without missing a beat, he picked the child up, and cradling the book in the other hand, led us in prayer. I was astounded. It was simple. It was natural. But more than anything, it was an example of what the words, “let the little children come to me” really mean.

By Sharon Harding January 22, 2013 - 1:18 pm

Wonderful story 🙂 Think of all the positive messages that little one received

By Jesse Dymond January 22, 2013 - 2:59 pm

Not to mention the older members (like me).

By Jesse Dymond January 21, 2013 - 7:18 pm
Sharon, your post reminds me of an experience from my early days in seminary. I remember one particular Sunday, when the children had returned to the congregation, and the Eucharist had finished. The rector broke the reflective silence by inviting us to stand for the prayer after communion. And then, from the back of the congregation came the word, “DADDY,” and his toddler ran up the aisle to greet him. I remember there being some giggles, as well as a few grumbling voices. Without missing a beat, he picked the child up, and cradling the book in the other hand, led us in prayer. I was astounded. It was simple. It was natural. But more than anything, it was an example of what the words, “let the little children come to me” really mean.
By Sharon Harding January 22, 2013 - 1:18 pm
Wonderful story 🙂 Think of all the positive messages that little one received
By Jesse Dymond January 22, 2013 - 2:59 pm
Not to mention the older members (like me).