Are you making time for yourself – and your family?

I don’t know about you, but for me, running a toddler group has never managed to be limited to two hours on a Tuesday morning. I sometimes find myself in the supermarket with a trolley full of glue sticks and paper plates, but no meals for my family – and I view every piece of craft my children bring home from school as a possible prototype!

It is good to care for the families who attend our groups, but we must not forget to spend time looking after ourselves and our own families.

With the help of Claire Wells and Jenny Fitzsimmons, friends and fellow speakers at the Children’s Ministry Conference, I’ve collected some gentle reminders – helpful suggestions and quotes from other toddler group leaders.

Leading a toddler group can be uplifting and encouraging, but just as often it can be exhausting and dispiriting. Recognise the symptoms and take action...

“When I felt my smile was ‘pasted on’, I realised it was time for a break.”

“Pray through PMT, especially when it’s toddler group time!”

“People who like doing jigsaws know that you have to step back now and then to see the developing picture … A little rest from the activity and we may return with renewed vision.”

Now and then it may mean cancelling a craft session or even the whole toddler group for a week or two so that you can take a break. Equally though, you might be surprised by the benefits of delegating or stepping back.

Sometimes we can appear to be so organised and efficient that others are either happy to leave it up to us, or perhaps even fearful to interfere. Delegating isn’t always easy; there’s an element of risk, and sometimes we have to accept things won’t be done ‘our way’. But it’s so important that we work as a team, and develop other people’s gifts.

“Deliberately creating spaces for new people to step into is important for growing a team. Otherwise we can give the impression we don’t need new volunteers and we deny people the opportunity to discover their gifts.”

“One of the most important tasks for a leader is to raise up the next leader.”

And finally, let’s encourage each other to get our own priorities right. I’m sure I’m not the only toddler group leader who is sometimes too busy preparing crafts and activities for other people’s children that she has to say “not now, darling” to her own. Of course, sometimes we do have to say that, but let’s just make sure our families realise they really are the most important to us!

“Cherishing our families as well as those we serve beyond our own homes is vital.”

Whatever you do, I pray you will find ways to give yourself a break sometimes, so that you can be refreshed and renewed to carry on serving the families around you so faithfully.

Naomi Buckler

Last Updated 16 April 2009