1. Take your child
to the rest room before the service begins.
2. Choose a seat in
the sanctuary where your child can see the
worship leaders and activities taking place.
3. Describe your
behavior expectations in a positive and
simple way to your child.
4. Talk with your
child about ways s/he can participate. Such
as sit and stand as directed, help you hold
the hymnal, and listen to special music.
5. Set
age-appropriate guidelines.
6. Give your child
a small space on the pew to move around, but
no crawling under or standing on the pew.
7. Let the child
quietly ask you questions about what is
taking place. Brief conversations during the
worship service can guide your child’s
understanding.
8. Provide a church
tote bag for your child in which you have
picture books, crayons, and paper. During
the sermon and other quiet moments, let your
child draw or look at a book.
9. Do not demand
perfect behavior (many adults wiggle during
service). Rather, gently guide your child so
that worship can be a positive experience
for both of you and those around you.
10. Talk with other
parents about strategies they used to
transition their children. We are family and
need to lean on and learn from each other.
Let us make a joyful noise before the Lord.
