Guest Author - Shannon Swanson
Thanks to Our Nursery Leaders…
I think we have all witnessed the crying, the screaming and the tantrums coming from the nursery room. This is because for many children at the age of eighteen months who have never been away from their mothers for a prolonged period of time, nursery time is a time to realize that they are independent from them.
A Big Step Toward Independence is Taken
I know that this is a familiar scene to our nursery leader, who has now become a pro at dealing with this anxiety separation. After all, the realization that they are now their own person, capable of their own thoughts, decisions and emotions is a very big step, and thanks to her and many, many more of the other sisters serving in the nursery, it is made easier.
A Structured Environment is Provided
Structure is a very important part of a toddler’s life. It is what lets them know what their limits are and provide mental and emotional security. While in nursery, children then begin to learn the class structure for themselves. They learn playtime, snack time, singing time, Gospel principle time, etc.-all of which help them to advance on to Primary and which help them learn their limits at church and, therefore, provides them with security.
Better Learning for the Adults is Provided
“I can remember when there was no Nursery. All the kids stayed with the adults until they went to Sunbeams!” one friend of mine informed me one Sunday. I thought, “Well, thank goodness for our Nursery program and our Nursery providers!”
And through our Sunday School class that day, I thought about what it would be like without our Nursery leaders. Once again, after it was all over, I thought more than ever about how thankful I was for them!
Love is Provided
One time, we were out of town, visiting my in-laws for the holidays. I will always remember the Nursery leader at the church meeting. Even though my son had never been there before and was difficult at times (I know because I saw him through the door window!), she never said anything negative about him and showed so much love for him, which I will always appreciate.
But even in our home ward, I am extremely thankful for our nursery leaders and the love and patience they provide for our children. I am thankful that my children can go to church and have one of their first impressions be that it is a place where they are loved-as it should be.
I was talking to one of my friends at church the other week who had just been called to be the new nursery leader and asked her how it was going. She replied that although she has had some demanding callings in the past, she took this one very seriously and had never had a calling that was so mentally and emotionally challenging and draining before.
I simply told her that we all really appreciated her service in our ward. I am sure you have as well. If you want, print this out and give it to them as a special way of saying, “Thanks!”
