What are some examples of ways to invite parents and carers into what we do?
Session 3.1 · Note 4
Inviting Parents into What You Do
It’s great when we can invite parents and carers into what we are doing with their kids so they get to know us and understand what we do better. People are often more interested than you think in coming along, but there may be significant barriers for them. By thinking about what might work, and repeatedly inviting them, we can make that happen more often.
Key Ideas
- Think about what would work for your group and the parents and carers – is it a group where parents and carers could stay and it not feel awkward or would it be better to try something else? Kids may love seeing their parents or carers, but young people probably less so!
- Invite them into part of a session. Some groups welcome parents and carers to stay for a little while after drop off or come early and watch for the last part.
- Think about if parents and carers could be part of the group. We are very used to the idea of running a kids club, where parents and carers their kids off. But some churches successfully run clubs for the whole family, where the whole family can come and learn and play together.
- Have a comfortable space for parents and carers to wait. If a club runs only for one hour, you might find that some parents and carers would welcome a cup of tea and somewhere to sit and chat rather than having to go home only to come out again a short while later.
- Invite in for a ‘show and tell’ - maybe once a term where kids share with their parents and carers what they have been doing.
- The questions in Session 2 Part 3 might also be useful for you.
Here are some top tips from other children's, youth and families leaders:
- Invite parents and carers to arrive 15 minutes before the end so they can see what’s happening – they might be able to come into the room or have the door open so they can see and hear.
- During our holiday club we have a parents and carers cafe in the same building with toys and things for younger children. There are some people running it who get to know the parents.
- We found that it’s worth asking parents or carers if they’d like to join the team - we’ve had some do that.
- Have a termly ‘parents/carers and kids’ evening where everyone stays
- We’ve had a family barbeque and sports day for all the families at the end of the summer term.
- Think about things like Pancake Day, Easter, Christmas and use those times to invite parents and carers and younger children in.
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