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Tips for Parents (and Little Children) During Worship...

Some parents delight in having their children worship with them in church. Others, particularly mothers, feel that the presence of their children at worship prevents them from fully entering into and appreciating the experience. Our desire here at BHPC is certainly is to have children worship with their parents. Out of our experience attending church with toddlers, we offer the following thoughts:

*The word 'liturgy' means work! Everyone -- men and women, adults and children -- works together in Church to praise God and ask for His mercy and help, led by the pastor. This work of worship is hard, and there are no shortcuts.
*Pray. Pray for yourself and your children to be in the right frame of mind and heart before coming to worship. Pray with them for this. Remember, it is often the case that we "have not" because we "ask not."
*Very young children have an "emotional tank" that needs to be filled in order for them to feel secure. If you're rushing about Sunday AM, they often don't get their "tank" filled. Take some time to cuddle, hold, make physical contact, prior to the service, in order to help alleviate this need. You'll be surprised how much this will help.
*Let your child draw or write during the service. Children eavesdrop while doodling and often hear more than we think they do. Sometimes their art is very profound and reflects the readings or something important to them. Ask permission of them to "turn it in," or let them show it to the pastor.
*Sit near the front so that your child can see! It is easier to to focus on the service if we can see what is going on! Help your child to refocus when his/her attention wanders. "See what the pastor is doing/saying now?"
*Help your child follow the service in the bulletin, hymnal, and psalter. Help your child learn about them at home so that she or he will be comfortable using it during Sunday worship.
*Ask restless children to look around and draw what they see.
*Ask your child to listen carefully to the sermon (or a Scripture reading) so she or he can retell it or draw it. (Older children can rewrite it using their own words.)
*Ask your child which hymn or psalm she or he likes best.
*Let your child sit with another adult or family from time to time.
*Help your child memorize the Lord's Prayer and the responses such as "and God's people said – Amen." Encourage them to join in!
*Feel free to give your child a break by taking him/her out if you think it is necessary. Use the time in the Cry Room to settle them down, but then return with them to the sanctuary. Staying for long periods with them in the Cry Room only gives them the idea that they can "act-up" and get to go into the Cry Room to "roam about."
*Quietly answer your child's questions during the service; it is less disruptive than "shushing".

Children learn by example--be a good role model!