My daughter cries and shows irritation when we are in church each sunday.I dont want to stop going to mass because of this as I want her to make this a practice though she is too young.What can I do to make her stay through the mass in the church?
2007-08-28 08:06:32 · 9 answers · asked by joofri2006 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Bring finger foods and lots of quiet toys. My son is 16 months old and we still have problems with him during church. Most of us moms of kids less than 2 years old spend a lot of time in the church nursery. It takes persistence and making sure that you stick with it. Do not reward bad behavior but be considerate of others at the same time. Eventually you will be able to sit through a service again but it will be awhile especially if you are catholic. No offense but it's the most dull service I have attended in my life.
2007-08-28 08:19:07 · answer #1 · answered by bfldmom3 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I have an 18 month old girl that is the same way. She just wants to walk around never sit in the pew. But as a mother of a mostly well behaved 3 1/2 yr old girl. I used stickers and snacks (baby goldfish) 11 months is hard to entertain though. Stick it out. I am. If people get irritated and look at you in the corner of their eye just smile. Ur doing your best. It will get easier.
Don't listen too thoses who say "you keep this up she'll hate church." Well the bible says train up a child in the way they shoud go. And the people are mostly understanding so don't let that worry you so much. Pray about it. I do.
2007-08-28 08:17:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Your daughter is a little too young to be expected to sit and remain quiet through an entire church service. Also you need to bring toys and other items to entertain her in a quiet manner that will not disturb other parishioners from enjoying the service. Does your church offer a nursery for infants and toddlers? If not you may suggest setting up one. I am sure there are other parents in your parish that are going through similar situations.
2007-08-29 01:44:06 · answer #3 · answered by nykate_winslow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there is any way you are going to keep a 11 month old happily, quietly confined to one area for an hour plus long Mass. They just aren't built for that. You and your husband will just have to get used to taking turns taking her out to the nursery or whatever at some point in the service.
2007-08-28 09:50:43 · answer #4 · answered by Brian A 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do you take her age appropriate 'quiet' toys to keep herself occupied? My mother had a cloth bag with all kinds of cloth items for the grandchildren to take out of the bag and put back. Cloth books that they could turn the pages quietly, stuffed toys that they could cuddle, etc.
I am surprised your church doesn't have a crying screen at the back for mothers (or fathers) of very young children to stand behind. That way they can soothe and comfort their infants without distracting the other worshipers.
Our youngest used to start crying and I would gently press her nostrils shut. She couldn't wail then b/c she needed her mouth open to breathe. It only took a couple of times and she learned to be quiet during service. People tell me that was mean, but what is mean about gently compressing someone's nostrils? I didn't pinch her or traumatize her ... just made it necessary for her to breathe through her mouth for a couple of seconds so she would shush.
When her (the youngest daughter) son came along and she tried it on him, he screamed holy heck!
So I guess my message is you can try all kinds of suggestions but every child is different and you will just have to find what works for yours.
2007-08-28 08:21:55 · answer #5 · answered by stevijan 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I agree with the others. Is there a Mass during nap time? Does your church have a cry room? I say keep going to church, if one of you has to walk out during a screaming fit, then so be it.
2007-08-28 09:36:33 · answer #6 · answered by Adoptive Father 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
She is obviously too young to be able to stay through the whole service. Either only stay for part of it, use church child care that is available or stay home. You are not being fair to others who are there.
She is going to hate church if you keep this up.
2007-08-28 08:16:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try going to a different Mass. If she is fussy at the 8.30, then tke her to the 11. Or ask someone to watch her while you go to Saturday evening services.
Good luck!
2007-08-28 08:18:20 · answer #8 · answered by nicolemcg 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
put her in the nursery. all churches provide one
2007-08-28 08:16:57 · answer #9 · answered by kleighs mommy 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋