In our churches today, parents are waiting longer and longer to bring their babies to their class in the preschool area. Parents need affirmation that they can trust the adults teaching and providing care for their baby while at church.

When trust is developed, parents are more likely to bring their babies consistently to church. How can we as teachers and leaders in kids ministry develop trust with parents? Building connections with parents is vital to gaining trust as you teach and care for their baby.

Select ideas listed below to begin making connections with families:

• Contact expectant parents during the pregnancy or adoption process; introduce yourself as a teacher in the baby class.
• Throughout the pregnancy or adoption process, ask the family how you can pray for them.
• Share your testimony with parents. Parents enjoy hearing more about the adults who care for their baby.
• Provide an opportunity for parents to tour your preschool area. During this time, explain the cleaning and disinfecting process for toys and classrooms. Share other church policies such as the security procedures, wellness policy and other helpful information. Talk about other ways parents can be involved in the preschool ministry and your church.
• Communicate details of a baby's experiences in your class. Explain to parents how you teach biblical truths in ways their baby learns.
• When the baby is born, visit the family at the hospital or at their home. Schedule a time prior to visiting them. If possible, include a little gift from the church welcoming the new baby.
• Learn name pronunciations and spellings of the baby's name and other family members.
• Provide an information sheet for parents to complete about their baby. The information should include helpful tips for teachers to know while caring for the baby. Continue to update the information for the baby as needed.
• On the baby's first Sunday in your class, send home a little keepsake stating the Bible story, listing his teachers' names, and any other important information. After the baby's first Sunday, contact the parents to see how the experience was for them as parents and for their baby.
• Continually, communicate with parents giving them an avenue to share questions or concerns. Be willing to listen to any concerns they may have and answer their questions.

Which ideas would work best in your church? What are other ideas have you found to help build connections with families?

Delanee Williams serves as a Ministry Specialist with LifeWay Kids. She is a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Delanee has served in kids ministry for over twenty years and is passionate about developing, equipping and encouraging leaders.

For the original article, visit lifeway.com.

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