Modeling Modesty

It seems like everyone is talking about kids and modesty these days. Everything from chain stores marketing push-up bras to CNN stories on "dressing kids like tramps" (their word, not mine!). As children's leaders I think we need to double check how we dress as well.

Sunday I did something I rarely do. I wore a dress to church. The dress was perfectly modest, it fell just above the knee and was sleeveless. The neckline was high enough that the lack of sleeves was not a problem. Although it had a jacket to go with it, the jacket didn't stay on because it got hot. Typically I don't wear dresses because in the children's ministry area it's a little harder to bend and move in a dress. Not impossible, but harder. However, I was preparing to work with older children, so I decided it was okay. Besides, it was Easter. The whole southern "dress up on Easter" is still slightly ingrained in my head. I got through the first service with no problem. Then before second service I was asked to keep the nursery. The preschool teachers were a little late, so I ended up with 5 preschoolers and 2 toddlers in a room. The preschoolers knew they were in the "baby room," and let me tell you, they weren't happy! So the children's director did what every good teacher does, pulled out the Cheerios.

If you know anything about this age group, food tastes so much better off the floor and the nursery has no place to sit down and eat. I ended up picking up piles of cheerios off the floor. At this point I was beginning to wish I was wearing pants. Between comforting a screaming toddler when her cousin got to go to the preschool room, leaving her behind, and trying to get the cereal before it was totally ground into the carpet, I was doing a lot of moving and bending. It wasn't a major problem, but I was glad I had selected a slightly longer "Easter dress."

Am I saying a dress is bad for the nursery? No. Not at all. As long as it's modest.

When you are preparing to teach in the children's ministry, consider your clothes. Children make clothing more of a challenge because they tend to pull on clothes, sometimes making something that is appropriate seem a little, ummm... inappropriate. I'm not saying don't dress nicely. I'm just asking that you make sure that the way that you dress doesn't make working with children harder on you.

Ask yourself some questions as you dress for children's ministry.

First, what will the temperature be like? My church's sanctuary is usually freezing, but the children's area is a sauna. Mix that with movement and you can get pretty hot. Make sure that whatever you are wearing will make you comfortable.

Second, am I covered, and will I stay covered? Try doing the "Hallelujah test." If you can raise your hands all the way and not show your midriff, you are probably okay. Bend over to make sure that nothing sneaks out in the front or back when you are bending to pick up a child. Are your skirts long enough that you can bend over or sit on the floor without revealing anything?

Thirdly, can I move and be comfortable in what I'm wearing? Children's ministry usually involves a lot of activity. Can you jump and move without having to worry about "wardrobe malfunction?" If the baby your holding pulls on your shirt, will everything be displayed?

Fourthly, would I be okay seeing one of the kids I work with wearing my outfit? Lately the CNN article "Parent's Don't Dress Your Girls Like Tramps" has brought a lot of attention to how kids dress. Be an example of a better way, especially to your preteen girls! They have a lot of messages being thrown at them! Kids love their favorite teachers, and we don't want to send a message that wearing something is okay if it's not. Think, would I want to see the girls in my class wearing clothes like this?

I'm not asking you to walk around in high neck clothes and dresses to your knees. Honestly, an appropriate tank top won't be a problem if it fits and doesn't show too much. The same is true with skirts. We are sending messages to children with everything we say and do. Please don't let your clothes be a stumbling block for a little one.