Sunday, February 24, 2008

church activities

What do you take to church to keep your toddlers occupied and semi-quiet? My 17-month old is fairly reverent during sacrament, but is totally bored by the time sunday school and relief society roll around. I have been thinking maybe I need to keep a separate church bag of "special books and toys" just for church so they are exciting each Sunday. Plus, she won't be allowed to go to nursery during flu season because she has CF (which doesn't end till sometime in May), so we won't see relief at the 18-month mark. I would love input on how to keep her occupied during church. Thanks so much!

5 comments:

kristi said...

Well, none of my kids are that young right now, but we do have a separate bag just for church. That way like you said they have stuff just for Sunday. However, they do bring a few of there regular stuff too.

Stephanie said...

Yeah, I could definitely use some help in this area too. What do you know Katie, our girls are the same age! I totally bribe her with snacks, but lately I have felt like that's the first thing she wants to do when we sit down in Sacrament, is rip out the snacks. I don't want that to be the focus, and I know other people kind of frown on eating in the chapel. Oops...

Claire said...

Cecelia isn't quite that old yet, but I figured I'd share our tactics... we try to keep her quiet and reverent during Sacrament meeting. I don't put her down on the bench or floor to roam, we hold her in our laps or let her sit in between us. I try not to give her snacks, I give her a quiet toy or a book to keep her occupied. Then once Sunday School starts, we move to a somewhat empty pew. I let her get on the floor and walk up and down the pew. This is when I get out the bulk of her snacks and toys. When I go into Young Womens, I let her play on the floor in the back of the Young Womens room.

For now, this is working well for us. My hope *fingers crossed* is that she will be okay with this system since it is currently all she knows! I'm looking to purchase or make a quiet book for her- something that is only brought out during church.

Liz said...

Right before she could go into nursery, our little one was just about to make us go crazy! I did finally make a special church bag. i made the folder games that were on here a long time ago, I gathered all my happy meal toys that I wouldn't care about losing and a few other things to keep her busy that she doesn't normally play with so they would be "exciting" and it totally helped! It got us through those last months and then she was free to go into nursery and make as much noise as she wanted! :)

The Schacher Family said...

I always bring a huge variety of toys. Some things that you wouldn't think to bring even. I bring a couple cars, a puzzle, coloring book, Mr. potato head, pieces of his doctor kit, a doll, books, and lots of snacks. This way there is a lot to choose from and keep him busy with. I also sit close to someone who has a kid in relief society to they can entertain each other. Usually Sunday school is hard because it is in the gym. No kid is going to sit still in the gym!