We love that our church is full of families in all shapes and sizes – In particular, families with little ones. It’s not always easy to get your kids to church on Sunday, and it can be quite difficult getting them into their kids’ service when you have a stage-5 clinger. We’ve all been there.

Here are some tips to help you get your kids excited for church from some super moms: Ryam Teran and Robyn Koontz! They’re both moms of four kids, and they actively serve alongside their husbands as service pastors for our 10am and 12pm services!

Here’s some thoughts from Robyn!

1. Be Consistent.

Going to church is what we do on Sunday. Our kids know that. My 5 year old went through a REALLY long phase where he would exclaim dramatically, “NOT CHUUUURCH.” We went anyway. Ha.

2. Make Time for Transitions.

Leave time to help your stage-5 clinger transition. Rather than running in frantic and late, peeling my child off my chest, and then handing them to the kids’ team kicking and screaming all dramatic, I leave margin for tougher transitions. I find if I go into the class with my stage-5 clinger and sit with him while he plays, introducing him to a few kids and teachers and maybe offering him his favorite snack bar, 9 out of 10 times he’ll be a happy camper when I say “goodbye,” heading into service before it starts.

3. Say Goodbye.

Speaking of goodbyes, ALWAYS say “goodbye.” This applies to more than church. My mom always told me: Don’t sneak out secretly. Say “goodbye.” Even if it’s hard. Even if they’re upset. And tell them you’ll be back soon. It builds trust and will pay off in the long run.

4. Remember the gain.

Getting to church with all the kids dressed might be worth a trophy in itself (although I have arrived only to find that one child wasn’t wearing shoes… stop judging me right now)… but of all things we can do for our kids, giving them the opportunity to meet Jesus is THE BEST thing. More than getting homework done or all amazing extra curricular activities COMBINED. Meeting Jesus and learning what it means to be planted in His House outweighs everything else.

You’re an incredible parent and your kiddos are blessed to have you. You’ve got this!

– Robyn Koontz

Here’s some thoughts from Ryam!

1. Have your kids bring an offering.

Even if it’s just a quarter, my girls get so excited when they have something to contribute. It gives them a sense of purpose, and it’s a great way for you as a parent to teach them the value of generosity.

2. Enlist the help of a children’s church leader.

Having a personal relationship with the people who are in charge of your kids spiritual development is so key in getting your kids excited about church. Knowing that their leaders are counting on them to be there reinforces them and shows them that their presence matters!

3. Cultivate a community for your children.

As parents we must understand what our children value, and at the top of most kids’ lists is their friends. Developing relationships with families who have children around the same age and similar interests helps to create lifelong friendships that build excitement around going to church to see those friends. Our family motto regarding these friendships is: “church friends are forever friends!”

We love you church, and we’re so blessed to do this journey with you. See you on Sunday!

– Ryam Teran