10 Ways to Connect with Parents (Ones You Don’t Know)

In children’s ministry, it can sometimes seem difficult to connect with parents. We want to connect with them, but don’t always know how. Here are 10 tried and true ways.

1. Start the year with a parents’ night, letting the parents know what to expect from club, where they can get information and how they can contact the church. (Why not direct them to the awana.org website?)

2. Plan some parent/clubber challenges. Kids get points if their parents say a verse or complete a section. Or, plan events such as Grand Prix where parents can get involved.

3. Have an ice cream get-together or pizza supper after AwanaGames or Bible Quizzing.

4. Offer to drive them to AwanaGames, Bible Quizzing or any other “offsite” event. When you get to the event, sit with them (don’t just leave them hanging). If you’re involved in the event, find someone to whom you can introduce them and who would be willing to connect during the event itself.

5. Invite parents to church events.

6. Chat with parents. Discover their interests. Then look for articles or web links they might find interesting. You know Hannah’s mom likes quilting. Does she know about the quilt show in the city? You know Colten’s dad enjoys old cars. Maybe he’d like that article you found about old car restoration.

7. Ask for their help. Is Joey causing problems with his constant talking? Ask his parents for their suggestions in keeping him calm. (And invite them to sit in club for a week or two.)

8. Invite them out for a quick fast food supper. A good time to do so is before club — that way there is an ending time in case the conversation is strained. (Knowing there’s an ending time can also make a the family more willing to accept your invitation.)

9. Take an interest and ask questions about their expertise. You’d like to build bookshelves along the wall of the room. Sammy’s dad is a carpenter. Don’t ask him to build the bookcases — unless you’re planning on paying him a fair price, but you could ask for suggestions as to what kind of wood, etc. Jessie’s mom is a nutritionist at the hospital. Does she have some recipe for healthy snacks? Taking an interest in them … makes them more willing to talk to you.

10. Send them a Christmas card or an end-of-the-year note thanking them for allowing you to work with their child during the year.