A reader has written requesting additional resources for pre-schoolers in Mass. Frankly, I'm out of ideas for ways to help keep a pre-schooler engaged while trying to get something out of the Sunday liturgy. I'd love to hear from those of you with young children - what resources would you like to see offered? What works well for you? How do you get your young children to participate in the Mass? Please comment below or email me at lisa@catholicmom.com.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
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5 comments:
My kids are grown into full fledged teenagers, but I remember the days of squirmy toddlers.
My favorite game to teach them was the whispering game. We'd practice whispering at home. Then we practiced it during the week at the library and at the church during a little visit (when Mass was not taking place)where we talked about Jesus, and Mary, and the angels. And how angels aren't seen or heard, but that they see us! A couple of weeks of that, and I had quiet children, even if they were still squirmy. Usually a reward of picking out a treat at the bakery on the ride was enough incentive to behave.
I'm a dad, but followed a link to your site, so I could tell my wife about it.
Our experience has been to sit up front for Sunday mass with our almost 4-year old, 2-year old and 5 month old so the kids can see what's going on. Bring some books and some string rosaries, for during the readings and the sermons, that can be hard to sit still for. I try to avoid the back of church, or the cry room because alot of the kids are out of control and I don't want my kids getting any ideas. If they can't be quiet or they squirm too much, I usually take them out for a minute or two and that usually takes care of it. They don't like to miss what's going on, so they are anxious to get back "up front"!
I concur with anonymous. I took my twin sons to Mass with me every day for 2 years, when they were 2 years old. I would prepare my boys by letting them know my behavioral expectations. The congregation got to expect us. They would help me keep the fellows up front to see. I kept books, and other activities available so we kept up the theme of Mass being a holy time and focused on Jesus. If they could see, then I could whisper in their ear a simple explanation of the Mass parts (eg., "Listen to the bells! LOOK...Jesus is hidden in the bread/wine."
When they misbehaved, I walked them out, period. They came to love going to Mass and I would find them "playing" Mass at home.
Now that they are 18 years of age, perhaps I will have a priest in the family!!
Our four kids are 5, 3.5, 2, and 3 months. We take them with us to church every Sunday, but we rarely make it to a weekday mass, except during lent when I make an effort to go at least once during the week.
I guess it's taboo, but we bring snacks. Each kid gets a baggie of pretzels (or some simple snack) and a sippy cup of milk. We also bring crayons and paper so they can draw. I realize that neither of these things gets the kids involved in the mass, but it keeps them quiet (most of the time). When they are quiet, I can pay attention - which makes me happy. And a happy mommy = a happy family.
I am finding that if I am able to pay attention and participate in the mass, the kids see that and want to imitate me. My oldest (who just turned 5) is now more likely to kneel when I kneel, stand when I stand, etc. because she wants to be like Mommy. If I were busy trying to entertain the kids, she would have no example to follow.
We have six kids, the youngest three being 1,2, and 3. What I find helps the most is to go to Mass as often as I can (there's nothing like hearing your 2 year old sing the Lamb of God while she plays at home!). I find the more that they go, the more they understand what's going on, and the better they behave. Also seeing their older brother and sisters sitting quietly helps give them a good example.
I give them freedom to move around in the pew as long as they're quiet. If they get noisy they go out and have to sit in one place. I don't bring snacks, largely because my kids make a huge mess, but I will bring in a sippee cup with water in it once in a while.
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