Primary Time: Helping Your Reluctant Child Attend Primary

by Miriam Caldwell | More from this Blogger

18 Jul 2006 08:44 PM

There are times when your child might be reluctant to attend Primary. You may have an extremely shy child who simply dreads the time every week. The shy child will have difficulties any time there is a substitute or a change. You may have a special needs child who simply has a difficult time adjusting to all the people and the schedule church brings. Your child may be responding to a difficult time in his life. There are steps which you can do to make attending Primary easier for your child.

1) You need to determine what is causing the anxiety for your child. Is she simply bored? Is there something else happening in the class dynamic? If your child has special needs you need to come up with a plan that will help her to attend Primary.

2) Discuss your concerns with your child's Primary teacher and if necessary the Primary president. This is especially helpful if your child has a specific fear or special needs. When I was serving in the Primary presidency we had a boy who had special needs. One teacher asked a lot of questions about how best to help him adjust to coming to Primary. She made the necessary adjustments in the way she taught, and he was able to participate in and enjoy Primary. It is great if you can help your child's teacher understand things to help him.

3) Be consistent in having your child attend Primary. Once your child knows your expectations she will be able to meet them. Once she understands that Primary is a normal Sunday occurrence she will be able to adjust better. Consistency will also help her to adjust to the new environment.

As you do these steps you can help the reluctant child come to love his time in Primary. It is a great program. The leaders and teachers are volunteering their times and talents to help you with your children at church. It is important to remember that many of them do not have professional training educating children. Most are willing to help once they learn what they need to do. Be open and helpful regarding your child's needs.

Learn more about Miriam Caldwell

Miriam is a SAHM mom of three children. She has a daughter who is seven, and two sons, four and two. She loves being a parent and spending time with her children.

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