Does anyone have any tips for keeping a 20 month old toddler quiet during church or meetings?

Question

I have a very talkative 20 month old toddler. I absolutely adore his chattering. However, there are times, such as when we are in church that I would prefer he not be so talkative. Seeing as how he's a baby is there anything realistically I can do to quiet him. Usually I just end up leaving the service when he gets really loud.

Answer 1

God said: all children shall come. So don't worry about him or her in the church. Start tell your toddler at home already there is times were he or she has to be quiet. Maybe by a TV show,or when adults talk, this is the only way they learn. And when you take him or her to a meeting make sure you have lots of little toys or a colouring book. There is lots of ways to teach a little one,just start at home and be firm. No need to get upset when he or she like to express herself.

Answer 2

Many churches have something called a "quiet" book (usually between 5-10 for a church of 300 or so). This has crayons, coloring pages, etch a sketches, etc. They work wonders.

Other than that, what about the church nursery program? They do have one I presume? If not, they should!

Answer 3

Try having "quiet time" at home. This is a time in which you do quiet activities with him. Look through activity books, play with toys quietly. Start in 5 minute intervals and move up. Eventually you will be having an hour quiet play time at your house and then you can take a few of those activities and toys with him to church and meetings. He will recognize those are the quiet toys and most likely habit will kick in and he will do the activities quietly. You may have to remind him a few times but overall it should work. This is also nice because it teaches them that their are times we have to be quiet and prepares them for pre-school and school.

Answer 4

I am raising 2 grandchildren. One is 23 months and the other is 33 months. We take paper and crayons and snacks to church with us. When they start to get too loud we let them color or have a snack during services.

We also take quiet toys to play with. All the parents at church take stuff for their kids to the services.

Answer 5

Don't bring him... is the only I can come up with because no matter what you bring for him to play with or try to distract him, he will talk or cry or yell. It's what kids do. Maybe suggest a kiddie daycare at your church. A lot of churches now have infant/toddler childcare in a seperate portion of the church so the parents can praise & worship without having to stop to change a diaper or get a sippy cup.

Answer 6

Take books and quiet toys. Also is there a nursery? Most people are understanding inthis type of situation because they have been there themselves. My son used to pull the hair of the person in front of us when he was smaller. They usually just laughed.

Answer 7

Some churches have a "cry room" - use it. Otherwise entertain (distract) your child with toys, books, food. Whisper things about the church or service and educate the child's curiousity. Good Luck!

Answer 8

I am with the othe user who said babysitter..I don't think you can make a 20 month old sit still or be quiet through church service...Don't force him it will only make you upset and him too..Get grandma to watch him for a few hours...Or someone you trust..

Answer 9

take him to the nursery and let him play. he's to young for you to force him to stay quiet. you can try bringing toys and crayons but it's really distracting for others.

with my 2 1/2 year old I keep her in church with me through praise music and announcements and childrens message and then she goes to the nursery when the big kids go to sunday school.

Answer 10

If the church has a nursery/children's church you could let him go in there. If not, try taking along some cheerios or other king of food that he could eat and that would occupy his mouth.