Starting a parent and toddler group

Why start or develop your parent and toddler group?

• Toddler groups are by far the easiest way to make contact with large numbers of people who don’t normally attend church activities
• Church toddler groups are commonly accepted by those who don’t attend church, but who want a place to make friends while the children learn and play. Parents often appreciate the good wholesome values that such groups espouse
• Church will be known in the community in a positive way
• It allows Christians to get to know parents on an individual basis, and meet real needs
• It builds trust, over time, which provides the basis for offering parenting/debt courses etc
• Some groups directly share the Christian message through story and song, others are 'bridge-building' - both have their place

Bridge-building is most effective when a toddler group is closely aligned with church vision and activities – toddler groups need the backing and support of the church leadership if they are to make the most of the opportunity for engagement.

So, how do you set up a parent & toddler group?

Before you start

• Gather your team, and be clear about your vision
• Research your local area; network with other group leaders
• Find premises, equipment, funding
• Publicise your group, contact local community bodies
• Prepare policies, check insurances etc
• Agree what makes your group unique and special
• Prepare a programme and ‘welcome’ information
• Make sure the team members know their roles
• Enlist prayer support from church
• Arrange a launch event.

Once you've got going

• Think about pastoral care and support for parents
• Keep improving - aiming for a safe and stimulating learning environment
• Consider how to stay in touch with parents and kids when they leave
• Perhaps look for other opportunities such as a dads’ group
• Review regularly and ask for feedback.

Resources to help you

'The Good Practice Guide to Parent and Toddler Groups', jointly produced by Care for the Family, the Mothers’ Union and the Salvation Army. This 32-page guide provides the information you need on setting up and running a toddler group.

'Almost Everything you Need to Know about Working with Under 5s' by Judith Wigley, published by Scripture Union. Explains the 'why' of working with under fives, as well as the 'how'. Inspiring, encouraging and practical, it is suitable for ministers, family workers and toddler group leaders.

Who is the group for?

• It’s easy to think that the group is predominantly for the children.
  But of equal importance is the benefit derived from the group by the parents. This is not simply the ability to meet with other parents, but it also provides an opportunity for input around issues of parenting from health visitors, parents who are further down the line and can share their stories, and parenting courses. It’s also worth remembering that they were people in their own right before they were parents, and they have needs that the church - via the group - can meet. The need to invest in their relationship with their spouse or partner, for example, or to have time apart from the children. (One church started pamper nights, reasonably priced evenings out, and a babysitting service.)
• Some groups on the other hand, are run predominantly for the adults.
  The rooms and activities should be laid out with the child in mind. We must not underestimate the importance of the first three years of a child’s life. This time will lay the foundations of their emotional, social, physical and spiritual growth. Of course, the group can help children to socialise, to learn motor skills, and to prepare them for nursery or school. But it can also act as a fine introduction to the world of faith and other church-based activities.
• The group may be part of the church’s engagement with the community, but success should not be measured by the number of families who start attending church.
  It may be that as a byproduct of the conversations within the group, or some of the group’s activities (such as toddler services in the context of Easter, Harvest and Christmas; or participation in the church’s charitable works – supporting the Blue Peter Appeal; Children in Need; a local family charity, etc; or including some biblical songs and stories alongside more secular fare) there will be those who will respond positively and want to find out more. They might want to attend an Alpha course with a Christian member of the group, for example. But the group should be seen primarily as a way of supporting and strengthening family life, and building genuine and meaningful relationships between the church and the parents.

Ideas for churches who want to take things further with those who come to their P&T group

1. Who Let the Dads Out? See www.wholetthedadsout.org for more information.
2. A group for first time mums
3. A group for babies
4. A group for grandparents who are primary carers
5. A group for nannies and carers

Many groups and their leaders are too under-funded and under-staffed to do more than meet the most basic needs of the children and maybe the adults. Consider putting more funding into your church’s group, if you’re able to – and if at all possible, go along yourself – it will provide fantastic support and encouragement. A church toddler group is such an opportunity to develop relationships with those who attend.

If you want to make the most of the opportunity afforded to you by your toddler group to engage with your community ...  click to Little Steps.

Last Updated 06 December 2010