Leaders are not there to be liked by the children nor to be their friend.
Leaders are to lead calmly.
Leaders should not physically discipline any child (no corporal punishment).
Leaders must not show favouritism.
Prevention Is Better
Ensure instructions are clear and age appropriate.
Ensure expectations are clear and age appropriate.
Ensure lessons are organised, engaging and age appropriate.
The Big Picture
Any words spoken to a child should be clear and calm, avoid shouting or raised pitch.
Keep it simple - one rule: respect (respect God, respect people, respect property).
Never send a child to sit with parents in church as a ‘punishment’.
Kids Ministry Director is the person who talks to parents about a child’s behaviour.
Best Practice
Redirect a child’s attention when upset or frustrated (esp. younger child).
Offer a choice (join in game or sit and watch game).
Warn once, if behaviour persists act:
Option #1 remove the equipment from the child
Option #2 remove the child from the activity (e.g. sit out for three minutes)
Option #3 remove the privilege of a future activity (miss out next game, be last to)
If tantrums occur, move furniture/equipment/other children to avoid harm to the child and/or others. Don’t talk to the child during the tantrum. Keep an eye on them (for safety reasons). Ignore behaviour until tantrum subsides.
Consistent appropriate consequence (for school age):
Minor behaviour = minor consequence
Example:
Behaviour: whispering to child beside them
Action: Leader stops and looks at child, when behaviour stops, continue.
Medium behaviour = medium consequence
Example:
Behaviour: constantly calling out or disrupting activity in small group
Action: sit child outside group, invite to rejoin after 3-5 minutes, if persists, send to another group for 3-5 mins. encourage apologise before returning
Major behaviour = major consequence
Example:
Behaviour: violently attack another child or adult
Action: removed from the group immediately, call Kids Ministry Director to contact parents, ask parents to take child home
Always remember, Team Leaders and Kids Ministry Director are there to support.
