Won't Stay in One Place

There is no way. She is acting in a developmentally appropriate manner and it is unfair to expect her to do otherwise. The book Smart Love by Martha Heineman Pieper and William Pieper is an excellent read on parenting and what you can and cannot expect from children at different ages.

P. its ok. WHEN GOD HAS A BLESSING FOR YOU SATAN IS GOING TO TRY EVERY THING TO STOP YOUR BLESSINGS. DON'T ALLOW HIM.JUST KEEP TAKING HER SHE WOULD COME AROUND. GET HER HER OWN BIBLE AND LET HER SEE YOU TURNING YOUR PAGES. SOMETIMES WE THINK THAT PEOPLE DON'T UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE CHILDREN BUT THEY DO. SO DON'T STOP GOING AND DEFINITELY DON'T LEAVE THE BABY AT HOME. THE WAY THE WORLD IS NOW SHE NEED TO BE TRAINED UP IN THE WAY SHE SHOULD GO SOWHEN SHE GETS OLDER SHE WON'T DEPART. SO JUST KEEP PUTTING UP THE EFFORT AND GOD WOULD WORK IT OUT FOR YOU.CHILDREN ARE A GIFT FROM GOD AND HE WANTS THE BEST FOR THEM AND WITH YOU TAKING HER TO HIM SATAN IS MAD SO SATAN TRYS TO DISCOURAGE YOU ,BUT DON'T LET HIM. BELEIVE ME IT WOULD WORK OUT I HAVE 3GIRLS THAT I BROUGHT UP IN CHURCH AND THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL GOD FEARING YOUNG LADIES.IT'S WORTH IT.

It's age-appropriate! I have been taking my kids to Mass, since they were 2 months old. Go to a family -friendly service, like the one post suggested. I never even liked the option of sitting in a "nursery area" because, I always found that many parents would bring kids in there that they felt were "a little sick/runny nose/just a little vomiting/or their cough may bother someone". That child shouldn't be in Church anyway! (This is not to be confused with Sunday School - I think that's a nice option for a child!) Personally, kids learn how to be in Church by being in Church. I know you probably could get a lot more out of your service without the distractions. I remember those days well. My children are 13 years and 10 years, now, and they are both involved in their Church. They go every week, they volunteer and they are involved in Church activities. And, every week, we LOOK for those toddlers who seem to brighten up the service! (I frequently turn to one of my kids and say...."See/hear that child??? That was YOU!") I hope you continue to join in the Sunday celebration too - I'm not saying it isn't frustrating, I'm saying you are in good company. I would only remove my kids when they were really interfering with the Mass. Otherwise, the occasional song that they continued singing after the music was over... or the embarrassing questions that were loud enough for all to hear or...when the dad and mom are shuffling the baby back and forth....or, personally, when the Priest stopped his Homily to say "Hi" to my daughter because she wouldn't stop saying "HI!" ...Good memories. And those "distractions" really make the rest of us smile. When your child is really challenging... we know you are a good mom and will have to TAKE that walk, AGAIN! Good luck!

I think Sunday school for her age group when it's time is the way to go. A toddler is not going to get anything how of church except how much they hate having to sit still so long, which by the way they will find impossible. Don't they have nurseries in churches anymore? If not maybe you could suggest one. At my church they used to have a teen girl or two watching the babies and toddlers while adults went to services. Maybe you could organize something either on a volunteer basis or all the parents chip in some or hey most churches have money.

Doesn't your church have a nursery? It's definitely worth trying the nursery, especially with another little one on the way. The people are there because they love little ones and would take great care of her. Some churches also have rooms for mothers with a window and speakers so you can still view the service without disrupting others.

Truthfully, I don't think there is a way to do it. Heck, there are times I have a hard time sitting still for a whole service. I've put it on the back burner for now and we don't go to services. I do understand that for many people, that isn't an option and I respect that. I think it's wonderful that you want to incorporate religion in your life and your child's life. My older son just turned 3 and he will be starting Sunday School this fall. My younger son is 11 months and there is a nursery at the church that we will try and bring him to. If it doesn't work out, then we will have to take turns getting to the service.

I agree with another poster that you should check with the church and see if they offer assistance/family friendly services. You had mentioned that you don't like spending the majority of the service outside, but in all fairness to those around you you're doing the right thing.

Good luck.

T.

Hi! Our little guy is 19 months old, and we are having the same problem! The one thing that I do (that helps), is basically give him his whole breakfast at Church (plus some extras with his favorites)! I cut up his toast and put it in a bowl for him, plus a thing of milk and a thing of water. Then I give him a Cinn. Poptart that he loves! Then he gets some treats like a veggie wheel, or whatever. Not the best, but it usually works for most of the Mass anyway! They have a family place we could go on top, but I personally didn't want him to get in the habit of being able to "talk" and run around and think it was ok. All kids are different, just keep trying and sshhuusshhing, and hopefully she will get it! My daughter was such a good quiet little girl (and eater!) in Church at this age. Unfortunately my husband gets so aggravated, alot of times unfortunately we don't go together, which isn't good either... Be patient, it will happen......one day! Good Luck!!! Oh yeah, maybe some picture books might help??? (For 30 seconds anyway)! I do point out the priest, and the lights and everything, so he is getting stuff out of it while he is there!

This is tough because you really can't expect much out of even the most mature of kids at this stage. For us, not having something for our kids during the service was a deal breaker. When we have to constantly shush them and constantly be aware of what thing they might get into next, we are learning nothing from the service and just getting stressed out. And, our kids don't get ministered too either and what parent can't use a bit of help in teaching their children spiritual things? We go to a church that offers children's ministry during the service. So we go to "big" church and are able to focus (and have an hour of peace)and they get to go to their own rooms and be taught a lesson. A lot of churches will offer a nursery or baby-sitting which I think is fine for sometimes. But we wanted something where our kids would actually get some age appropriate instruction and be able to be kids and have fun. Are you at all open to checking out some different area churches? I don't know if you are of any particular denomination, but there are churches of all types that offer this kind of ministry. You just have to find them and decide if they are right for your family. We go to a non-denominational church in Rockford - called Heartland. It is a big church and not for everybody but we have had a positive experience for both us and the kids. Good luck!

Attend a family friendly service. If your house of worship doesn't have one, ask them to start! I'll bet there are many other families that would love to have this type of service. So much less stress when little ones are allowed to be little ones...

Fortunately, I work at the school where we attend church and my 2 1/2 year old son has always been pretty good when we attend since he knows so many people there. However, it was very rough keeping him occupied when he was just starting to toddle.

One thing that helped us out was sitting in the very front (we're actually in row three). He can see what's happening and that helps a ton. We have a set seat with the same people behind us each week - also with small kids (pre-schoolers who love to play with my son). This way when he drops things or starts to play continuous games of "peek-a-boo," it's not too distracting.

Now that he's older, he tries to participate (putting the money in the collection basket) and if nothing else, he makes sure the priest and other ministers/lectors/altar servers get a high five both on the way in and out of church.

I also agree with the poster who mentioned family services. Our priest loves to have the kids up close and personal - our 10am mass is considered FAMILY mass.

Good luck!

You may have already figured this issue out, but thought I'd respond just in case. There are some churches that specialize in having the family stay together. They are called family integrated churches. We attend one that is also a house church. We would be a bit far, but you could search online of one by you. There is also a book called "Parenting in the Pew". We were at the church when it becane family integrated. We probably wouldn't have choosen that route, but since we were conected we stayed. It would be nice for you to have that support if you choose to keep her with you.