Greetings to you and all in your family! The little ones are constantly growing and changing! Some days you think you finally have them all figured out, then, the next day it doesn't work! Not only are little ones constantly growing and changing, so are the parents!
As you have figured out by now, attending Mass with young children can be challenging. Fear not! Any of us who have raised children know how challenging it can be and appreciate what you are trying to do. All of us turning around to see you, aren't judging you, so look back at us carefully. Often, we are wistful for the days when our own children were young...or we are grateful those days are behind us and are offering up a prayer of gratitude! All good habits take time and practice. You and your child will get there! Continue reading for tips to bring your child to church. These tips can help parents, God parents, Aunts or Uncles, or even grandparents!
The key to all of the "cries", "banged kneelers", "dropped worship aids", and "hands everywhere but where you think they should be" can be found in Matthew 19:14. "Let the children come to me and do not stop them" So, forget being self-conscience when kids act, well, like kids. Pope Francis called the sound of children "the most beautiful choir of all," even when they are crying!
Keep bringing yourself and your children to Mass, after all, practice makes perfect!
Bring along items to keep them occupied. We already know children cannot sit still for a whole hour! Set aside toys specifically for Mass. Books, stuffed animals, crayons and paper - anything they can do quietly.
Be sure and point out all of the things they can see in the church and name it for them.
You do not need to whisk them away for making normal child like noises. If the noise starts to be distracting or goes on for too long you have other options: We have two cry rooms in the Ashman main entrance to help you, help your child to settle.
You can take them over to the font and bless them with Holy Water to help them learn the sign of the cross and distract them from whatever less than ideal behavior they are enjoying.
We also have busy bags in the Ashman Entrance of the church between the restrooms under the bench. These bags are filled with quiet toys and crayons to help you distract your child from whatever they are doing to distract others.
I remember feeling like I wasn't getting anything out of Mass when my own children were little. When you feel the same, the Holy Spirit is hard at work in these instances and often maybe its one verse or one line of a song that is what you needed to hear to give you comfort or hope for the week ahead. So do not be discouraged and keep attending. I promise this stage, like all the others, will not last forever! Happy Parenting! We look forward to seeing you and your family in Mass!