I am a single mom of a very active 3 1/2 year old boy who is looking to reconnect with the church (Catholic to be specific). The church that I would be joining does not have a nursery and only offers sunday school for older children therefore he would need to sit with me. I'm just wondering how I earth I can keep him occupied so that he doesn't disrupt the church and I can listen to the sermon. Also, when it comes time for Communion I would need to bring him up with me. Would there be any issues with that?
2007-02-06 13:57:27 · 19 answers · asked by nefit3 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Last first.... there is no problem with bringing him with you to communion. The priest may offer him a blessing as well.
As to the disruption of the service, some churches offer a quiet area, where noise from an active child isn't heard as loudly. Some have an area behind glass, with speakers so that you can hear the service, and see it through the glass. This is somewhat less than optimal though, as it separates you from the service.
At 3 1/2. you might consider books, or even one of those small DVD players with headphones, and he could watch his favorite movies or something. Being a single mom is tough, and sometimes you need to be creative.
Perhaps you could get together with other single moms and start a nursery or babysitting area. If you do it yourself, you could ask the parish to provide a place where you could at least hear the service. Perhaps if you have more than one mom, you could trade places during the service so no-one misses the entire thing.
Good luck.
2007-02-06 14:06:01 · answer #1 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Our church has a room for parents with little kids which allows you to see the sanctuary and hear the message via speaker. It's too bad there's no nursery. You could bring toys or little snacks if that keeps him quiet. May be the perishoners wouldn't mind, there might be others in your situation. Or, find a good church that does provide nursery care. It would be the best. That way you can actually concentrate on the message, read your bible and your child would have age appropriate activities.
2007-02-06 14:02:47 · answer #2 · answered by VW 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I attended Catholic church most of my childhood. He does not go with you for communion he stays in his seat. I always had fun turning the "program" into puppets and if you can give him something to color that might help but the other people around you may frown on that. Also our church had sunday school for little ones where we would make crafts and stuff. So check on that. If they don't then find a bigger church.
2007-02-06 14:05:33 · answer #3 · answered by catscratch 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the priest will bless him at Communion.
My son couldn't sit through the service when he was that age, although we're not Catholic. Some kids can do it, and you could "practice" playing quietly for church at home. I hope it works for you. Don't give up -- maybe there's another church across town that has a nursery.
2007-02-06 14:02:48 · answer #4 · answered by rcpeabody1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a kindly grandmother type in her 50's for help w/ communion. Take along a coloring book, explain the facts of life ala mini boxes of raisins, and accept sainthood for what you are doing so wisely.
My wife had 4 to pass the raisin boxes down the row - 2 of each. I marvel how she ever managed - and I was watching - from the pulpit.
2007-02-06 14:49:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just be sure to bring juice, snack, and a few small non-musical toys and books. Also be sure to prepare him before you go by talking to him and telling him it's important that he try to sit still. Of course this won't happen but at least he'll understand that he can't run full speed around:) And I would say that any part of a church service is ok to participate in even if you have children.
2007-02-06 14:11:35 · answer #6 · answered by Kiki 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If he disrupts the service, that will drive other people away from church. Do you think that's fair?
If you can't find a church that offers him age-appropriate activities away from the adult activities, you might want to use a babysitter while YOU go to church.
When he's old enough for this church's sunday school, you could then bring him along for that.
2007-02-06 14:06:33 · answer #7 · answered by catrionn 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
We have the same problem with our son. We brought along books, coloring books, plain paper to draw on, cars, and lots of Smarties for rewarding good behavior. This actually worked.
You could try sitting in back too so that if your son does make noise, you can quickly get out.
Good luck.
2007-02-06 14:16:48 · answer #8 · answered by NSnoekums 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
call the church's office and ask which service that has the most children and young adults in attendance. way back in the day it used to be the 9 o'clock Mass.
or call different churches and find one that suits your needs.
2007-02-06 14:21:17 · answer #9 · answered by polgara922 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well one thing I've done when i've had to babysit is give them a drawing book and crayons(try to make sure they dont draw on the pews) that usually works for me, you could also find a toy or playdo that works too.
2007-02-06 14:04:03 · answer #10 · answered by Lady Luna 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋