v
Sit
up front –
children do much better if they can see
and here what is going on.
v
Teach
them the times to be especially quiet
– Most of the service, it is really not that distracting to have
a child quietly fidgeting, whispering occasionally, moving
around, drawing, reading, etc. However, our church has “times
of silence” noted in the bulletin. Also, some adults have a
hard time hearing the sermon. Children can be taught to help
adults “create silence.” (If they do so, please compliment them
on this important ministry).
v
Feel
free to get a Pew Packet –
these are in the narthex and contain drawing and puzzle
activities for children of various ages.
v
Discourage the bringing of action figures to church
– the Eucharist is a time for peace. If your child insists on
bringing a toy, make sure it will encourage quiet and
reflection.
v
Encourage the use of the Prayer Book, Hymnal and Bible
– as soon as a child can read at all, begin to show him
how to use our 3 basic resources. Also, begin to show how to
read the bulletin.
v
Help
your child memorize parts of prayers, responses, psalms and
hymns used in church
–Our Sunday School curricula include this
work but it takes lots of repetition to help the children truly
learn. The more parts of the service they recognize, the more
comfortable they will become.
v
If
your child cries or becomes very restless –
Feel free to quietly take him or her to the Narthex or Parish
Hall to discuss the problem, have a drink of water, go to the
bathroom, etc. You may re-enter whenever you choose.
v
Teach
your child when and how to cross her or himself
– They will also learn this in Sunday School, but we need you to
reinforce the learning.
v
Bring
your child to Sunday School form 9:20
– 10:20 – They will feel more like an important part of the
community if they are able to make friends with other children
and adults.
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