How can I build relationships with parents and carers when I'm busy running a group?
Session 2.1 · Note 1
Building Relationships When You’re Busy
When you are busy actually running a group, it can seem hard to build relationships with parents and carers. Conversations get interrupted; time seems to run away with you. There are simple steps you can take to create space for relationships to grow.
Key Ideas
- Can you be flexible at the beginning and end of sessions, arriving a little earlier so you have plenty of time to set up and be around; building in time at the end of sessions just to hang around?
- Use your team. You might have people who are natural relationship builders - can you release them to be 'parent pastors', people whose main role is to simply chat and be there? Use those people on the registration or front desk too.
- Greet parents and carers as enthusiastically as you do the kids - remember their names, things they've told you.
- You might want to offer specific times - I'm always in the office on Tuesdays or free for a coffee this Friday - just message me if you'd like a chat.
- If you run a toddler group, check out the Refresh model on the Parenting for Faith website, which shifts the focus to parents and carers while still being a typical toddler group.
Top Tips from Others
- In the holidays, open the building for a couple of hours and invite families to play with no agenda.
- Plan the group in a way that you're not busy the whole time.
- Stand in the welcome area as people arrive.
- Learn people's names.
- Try and talk to different people each week.
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