We all experience it at some point – “that” kid who wants nothing more than to destroy your soul during the kid’s activities. Paul had a thorn in his flesh. You have this kid.
It is hard to figure out how your team can minister to a kid who is consistently a trouble maker. Not to say this kid is a bad kid, but he is the one who is the spark plug to the group’s behavior problems.
Here is an unpopular truth I have learned over the years:
You might have to pick between having kids who behave or kids who learn about Jesus.
With that said, here are 5 ways we can help make sure our kids are put in a position to listen better, participate, and stay engaged with the lesson.
1. Be Prayerful
This is the most important preparation we do as leaders. An athlete doesn’t show up to a game dehydrated. Leaders must be praying for their personal spiritual state and those in their class.
2. Be Prepared
Nothing will spark the crazy-factor in kids faster than lag time. Make sure you have a plan and are prepared to execute the plan when the kids arrive.
3. Be Proactive
Sitting with the kids, participating in the games/songs, and asking them how their week heads off many problems long before they start.
4. Involve the Parents
Inevitably, we will have a kid who is being disruptive. When that happens we will involve the parent. Empty threats do not work (nor convey the love of Jesus) but a sweet conversation with a parent typically motivates a child more so than we can.
5. Involve More People
Many times our leaders are simply outnumbered. For on-campus activities, our goal is to maintain a 1-6 ratio (leaders to kids) and off-campus we would like to have a 1-4 ratio.
Hope this helps!
