Friday, November 20, 2009

Pew Manners


It's a long article, but I believe it is extremely practical. Too many children have not been trained to sit in church (and other public meetings). Many of these ideas may help in that training.   It takes patience and intention on the part of parents, but the rewards are worth it--for family peace and the benefit of those who sit ahead of, behind, or next to families with young children. There is nothing more beautiful than well-trained children.  I SO respect families who have made this aspect of child-rearing a priority.

There. I've said it.
Lovingly posted by Rebecca

4 comments:

  1. BernieNovember 20, 2009 at 8:54 AM

    I love well behaved kids Rebecca, well I love the busy little ones too .... but what I don't like is when kids are being loud, or into things they aren't suppose to be in and the parents just sit there thinking they are cute. All kids are busy and even loud but they do need to learn when and where it's appropriate, I think it's the parents not the kids....Hugs

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  2. EileenNovember 20, 2009 at 10:19 AM

    Good article!
    I have to say, I didn't realize how Blessed we were with well-behaved children (never a problem to take them to Mass, or to a restaurant, or a friend's home, they behaved like perfect Angels!), and then my grandson came along! WOW! What a difference! Now, I use the exact same approach with him that I did all five of my own, but somehow nothing works!
    I can't tell you how many times I've walked out of restaurants and diners with this kid because he was out of control!
    He's much better now that he's four, but even with Mass, he's a pest. The big problem is he doesn't really want to be there, he wants to be home with his Mommy, so I think he purposely acts up hoping we won't take him anymore. The past few weeks have been better, but I think that's because I've relented and let him bring small things to occupy him. But I've noticed he doesn't play with them all that much anymore, and he asks more questions about what is going on in Mass, and he kneels when we kneel, and fold his hands in prayer more. So, hopefully, things will turn around soon. Lately just a stern look from me will have him sitting up at attention in the pew!

    Love and Prayers,
    Eileen
    PS ~ Your package will be leaving New York tomorrow morning and be on it's way to you!

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  3. RebeccaNovember 20, 2009 at 5:08 PM

    Eileen, Sounds like he's doing better at mass. I can imagine that you've been a little frustrated and "stumped" to know how to help him manage his behavior/control his impulses.

    I'm really excited to know that package will be here soon. This will be the first give-away package I've received since blogging!

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  4. Jacquelyn StagerDecember 9, 2009 at 11:57 AM

    I'm so far behind in my blog reading...just saw this, and read the whole article. I have mixed feelings about this subject...not the proper training of children--I'm all for that. But about how much I am bothered by fidgety children in church. We started out our marriage in a "high" church in the city, and slowly it became composed of mostly seniors and not many young families. When it dwindled to the point our older son was the only one in his sunday school class, we knew we had to leave. The next church was full of young families and some of the kids were a little noisy during the services. I vowed I would never be bothered by it, I was so happy to see children in church. Where we are members now, we have very intentional and excellent programs for children of all ages so rarely do we have any little ones in the pews. It sort of saddens me not to see them there. I brought my 3 yr old granddaughter in with me once and after the service a stranger tapped me on the shoulder to admonish me that the "next" time I really should put her in the children's program. She was distracting because she couldn't stay put in the pew for an hour. She IS usually in the children's dept. but I wanted her to see what "church" was like! I was upset for a long time about that, and thought about how welcoming Jesus was to children. It's a tough subject I think...Training takes time...and lots of effort...and in the meantime there will be "accidents". Thanks for this thought provoking post!

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