Tips for Triumph in Toddler Ministry
Thriving churches often have young families at their core, and where there are young families, there are toddlers! In my travels, I’ve noticed that toddler ministry tends to be one of the most challenging areas for churches, especially when it comes to finding dedicated volunteers. Caring for toddlers is no easy task, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding and impactful ministry. Here are some key elements to help you find success—yes, even triumph—in your toddler ministry.
1. Understand Toddler Development
Toddlers, typically aged 10 to 35 months, are growing rapidly in every area: physically, cognitively, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. For a deeper dive, check out Modules 5 and 6 of our Children’s Ministries Leadership Course here. (link- https://www.kidschurchlibrary.com/resources-post/one-year-self-paced-childrens-ministry-leadership-training)
Toddler leaders are more than babysitters—they are the first spiritual connection for many children and an important representation of the church to parents. When leaders create a safe, loving environment, toddlers begin to associate church with trust, care, and joy. These early experiences can lay the foundation for understanding that “God can be trusted.”
Key ministry goals for toddlers:
Church is a safe, fun, and loving place.
God made everything, including me.
I can learn to pray and be prayed for.
Singing and worshiping with others is good.
God loves me and wants to care for me.
These early impressions are foundational building blocks of a lifelong faith.
2. Create an Environment that Invites Exploration
A toddler-friendly space should be:
Designed with intentionality—not cluttered with too many toys.
Staffed by trained leaders who engage at the child’s level (floor chairs help with proximity! 😊).
Inviting–so toddlers feel safe to separate from parents and explore.
Safe and stimulating, not chaotic or dangerous.
Avoid chaotic environments with TV screens, oversized slides, and unsupervised riding toys. These often lead to injury and overwhelm rather than growth. Consider consulting an Early Childhood Education (ECE) professional to help design your space to be both fun and functional.
3. Use Intentional Language and Modelling
Toddlers learn primarily through play and observation. The words and actions of adults around them play a huge role in their development. Here are some tips from ECE expert Angie Clark:
Avoid forcing a toddler to say “sorry”—they don’t grasp the concept yet.
Focus on what you want them to do: say, “Use your walking feet” instead of “Don’t run!”
Avoid saying “Good job.” Try: “I like the way you…” or “Tell me about what you’re making.”
Don’t say, “Share with…” Instead, guide them through turn-taking: “When [Name] is finished, it will be your turn.”
Stay off your phone—toddlers need your full attention.
Use repetition through songs, short prayers, and actions to help them remember spiritual truths.
4. Plan Activities Toddlers Love
Toddlers are hands-on learners. They love:
Scooping, pouring, dumping—try a sensory table or bin with items to explore.
Snuggling with a book and being read to—use board books and soft seating (avoid rocking chairs for safety).
Activities like chunky blocks, puzzles, soft dolls, and toy kitchens.
Colouring? Use chunky crayons and let them scribble. It’s about process, not product—they’re exploring, not trying to create masterpieces.
5. Observe and Engage with Each Child
Get on their level—literally! Floor chairs help adults sit near toddlers, allowing them to observe and join in play. Pay attention to what each child is drawn to and how they engage with their environment.
Being part of a toddler’s faith journey is a beautiful privilege. These little ones are full of personality, curiosity, and potential. What a joy to be one of the first to reflect God’s love and truth to them!
As Jesus said in Mark 10:14, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
If you’d like help dreaming up the perfect toddler space in your church, I’d love to chat! Feel free to reach out to me at kathy@abnwt.com.
Kathy has worked with kids and families for over 30 years in church settings (small, medium, cross-cultural, large, and mega-sized churches), school settings, and early childhood settings. She is presently the Children and Family Ministries specialist at the ABNWT District Resource Centre. She thrives on collaborating and coaching leaders, helping them thrive.