Primary is a place where every child should feel loved and accepted. This is where children first begin to form feelings about the church and attending each week. It should be the goal of every person in Primary to make the experience positive for everyone involved.
There are certain circumstances that may make church attendance difficult for some. If there is a child with disabilities or with a serious illness, it may be difficult to know how to include this child in the activities. If you are wondering the best way to meet a child’s needs, then you should simply talk to the parents. Also if you are a parent of a child with disabilities or other special needs be sure to talk to the presidency about them. You can work together to find a positive solution.
Another problem that may arise is that one child is picked on or does not have any friends. This can be a trying time for everyone involved. This problem should be addressed quickly. If one or more children are consistently picking on a child, the primary president or teacher should talk to the parents of the children involved. This type of behavior should not be tolerated. Once the children realize that it is not acceptable, generally the problem will clear up.
Additionally the leaders should take the time to get to know the children in the Primary. This can be daunting if you are new to the ward or have never served in Primary before, but it is important. You can start with knowing the names and ages of the children, and then work on getting to know them better. If you can show genuine concern and love for the primary children, it will help them in the future.
It is also important to focus on a reverent and loving atmosphere as soon as the children enter. This will make a big difference in the way that the children listen and behave. The extra effort on your part will be well worth it.
Related Articles:
Primary Time: Helping the Seriously Ill Child and Family
Primary Time: Five Steps to Resolve Social Conflicts in Primary
Primary Time: Including Everyone