HUGS (Held Under God's Son)HUGS is about more than just entertaining your child during the church gathering. We want your child's earliest experiences of church to be positive, and we want to partner with you in helping your child come to know who God is and of His love for them. The program will involve a range of fun activities including craft, as well as time playing and sharing together.
In HUGS, children are cared for by dedicated volunteers, who have obtained a current and up-to-date Working with Children Check. We are comitted to providing a safe sapce for Children to learn and grow. Find out more in our Child Protection Policy and Behaviour Management Procedure. |
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Below are a few things that you will need to know to help us best care for your child:
Before your child can participate in HUGS a registration form must be completed and returned to either the HUGS team leader or by emailing the form to admin.
- Creche is available from 9:45 am, so you can settle your child in before the service.
- Please sign your child in and out.
- If your child requires a mid-morning snack, please provide food and a drink with your child's name clearly marked on all containers.
- Please pack a hat for your child.
- We provide activities and toys for your child, so it is best if your child does not bring toys that cannot be shared by the whole group. Items your child uses for comfort are welcome.
- Please make sure your child has been to the toilet, or has a clean nappy, at the start of the program. If your child needs to go to the toilet during the program, the leaders will assist them.
- If your child is unable to be settled or required their nappy to be changed, one of the leaders will come and get you from the auditorium so you can tend to your child's needs'.
- If your child has any medical conditions, including allergies, please discuss this with the HUGS leader.
- At the end of the church gathering, please be prompt in collecting your child. This reduces their stress and also assists the team to pack up quickly and participate in fellowship.
Before your child can participate in HUGS a registration form must be completed and returned to either the HUGS team leader or by emailing the form to admin.
Settling Your Child into HUGS:
When settling young children into creche, it often feels like the easiest option to sneak out when your child isn't watching. At HUGS we encourage you to build trust and confidence in your child, and minimise their anxiety by following these steps:
We know it can be tough, but the more consistently you follow this process, the quicker your child will feel comfortable, knowing they are safe and that you will return. If you are concerned about how your child will settle, please speak to the leader in the room. We will not let your child get too distressed without asking you back into the HUGS room, and we will always be honest about how their morning has been.
When settling young children into creche, it often feels like the easiest option to sneak out when your child isn't watching. At HUGS we encourage you to build trust and confidence in your child, and minimise their anxiety by following these steps:
- Greet the leaders as you arrive and encourage your child to do the same.
- Find an activity you and your child can do together for around 2 minutes.
- Tell your child that you are going into church, that you love them, and that you will be back. If you suspect your child will need extra support when you leave, now is the time to ask a leader or carer to be with your child.
- Say goodbye and leave the room promptly, even if they become upset. If you prolong your exit, your child's distress will also be prolonged.
- Return promptly to collect your child after the gathering.
We know it can be tough, but the more consistently you follow this process, the quicker your child will feel comfortable, knowing they are safe and that you will return. If you are concerned about how your child will settle, please speak to the leader in the room. We will not let your child get too distressed without asking you back into the HUGS room, and we will always be honest about how their morning has been.