Hello Access Parents!

I want you to know that I am praying for your families and hopeful that even in this season of interruption and uncertainty that you will find peace and joy knowing that God is with you and for you.

I’ve seen all of the jokes on the internet about kids being home for weeks on end and parents losing their minds because of it. (It’s okay to laugh little!) so I wanted to provide you with some resources to help you make the most of this time together. 

First, you can find the monthly praise song and weekly Bible story lesson for Toddlers through Elementary here.

Along with this week’s lessons, please check out the Parent Cue app. The Parent Cue app is designed to help every parent do something weekly to help move their kid toward a deeper faith. The app is free and shows you what we are learning in Access Kids every week! It’s a simple way to make a connection with your kid. My family loves this app. 

One of my children has struggled with fear regarding the virus and I found this information on helping kids navigate anxiety incredibly helpful. Here is a link for preschoolers and here is a link for elementary-aged kids. 

Now for some fun stuff:

From April 19–25, Access Kids is challenging you to get creative in the kitchen. Rules: Your kids get to pick any 3 ingredients in the house. You must use the ingredients to make a meal. Lastly, you have to post a picture of your meal on FB or IG with #AccessKidsChopped. We can’t wait to see all of your kitchen creations!

Be on the lookout for more resources here at accesskids.tv. We love you, families! It is a joy to partner with you as you lead your kids in their relationship with Jesus! 

With love,
Pastor Ida

Fear, Get Out Of Here – Music Video

By Pastor Ida  |  March 19, 2020  |  Access Kids

Hey parents! This song was a favorite in our preschool and toddlers classrooms recently. I wanted to share this timely song so you can sing it with your family and know that God is always with us!

10 things to do when you’re stuck at home

By Pastor Ida  |  March 15, 2020  |  Access Kids

Our normal schedules may be disrupted, but we can still have fun! Check out these simple family fun ideas to make the most of your extra time together:

1. Bust out the board games.

Maybe your family regularly plays board games or maybe yours are collecting dust on the shelf. Either way, declare one night/week family game night. If board games aren’t your style and you are more of a digital gamer, play games you all can play together. The goal is family togetherness! (Snacks make game night even sweeter!)

2. Get lost in a good book together.

Reading aloud to your kids has a TON of benefits, no matter the age of your kid! Pick a captivating book and get lost in it together. (We’re big fans of the Narnia series over here! And my 3 year old loves Curious George.) If reading isn’t your thing, try an audiobook together! There are free audiobooks available on the Hoopla app and all you need is a library card to check them out.

3. Learn how to draw.

I am not naturally good at art, but I enjoy sitting down with my kids and working through the drawing tutorials at artforkidshub.com. There’s a ton to choose from and something for kids of all ages! All you need is some paper and a pencil or marker.

4. Family dance party!

Need I say more? Crank up the music and share your best moves. Make it extra fun by playing freeze dance!

5. Write letters to friends and family.

When was the last time you sent a real letter to someone in the mail? Pull out the paper and art supplies and write letters and draw pictures for friends and family. This is a simple way to bring a smile to someone’s face, and I think we all could use some smiles right now!

6. Host an unconventional movie night.

What do I mean by unconventional? Well, since we are not gathering in large groups right now, get your friends on a Google Hangout and watch the same movie together. Start the movie at the same time and have fun laughing and enjoying your favorite parts together.

7. Kids in the kitchen.

Let your kids be in charge of a meal (or all meals!) for a day. Even preschoolers can have safe kitchen jobs. If it works better for your family, have everyone in the kitchen together to make a meal.

8. Family talent show.

This is a fun one. Everybody has a cool or random talent. Yes, even you! This can be as serious or as silly as you want it to be. Just have fun!

9. Learn something new together.

Sewing, crocheting, paper airplane making, programming, a language… pick something and learn it! Sure, you may not master it this week, but who knows what spark this might ignite!

10. Build an epic indoor fort.

This week, from March 15-March 21, Access Kids is hosting a fort building competition. Rules: the fort must be indoors, you can use any random items from your house, and you have to post a picture of your fort on FB or IG with #AccessKidsFort. Our Access Kids Group Leaders will judge the forts and the winning family will receive a sweet family fun pack prize package!