How to Keep a Child Occupied in Church

Developmentally, young children lack the capacity to sit quietly for more than 15 or 20 minutes without becoming a little restless and agitated. However, in social situations, such as church, where small children are expected to sit, keeping them calm and relatively quiet can prove to be frustrating and stressful for a parent.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Pack a bag with toys that are suitable for quiet times. Include a notebook and crayons, books and age-appropriate toys, such as cloth blocks and miniature dolls or animals. Refrain from including toys that require batteries or are otherwise loud or distracting.
2. Give your child a snack. Young children often become fidgety when they are hungry. Include finger foods, such as raisins or crackers, and a cup of water or juice.
3. Encourage young children to participate. Even though they may be too young to read, let your children hold a hymnal and sing along. Likewise, sit close to the front where they can see what is going on. Letting your children have some control over their surroundings may distract them if they begins to lose control.
4. Play a quiet game, such as "I Spy."
5. Take your child for a short walk. Sometimes a trip to the bathroom, or to get a drink of water, is all young children need to occupy their attention.
6. Don't expect too much out of your child. You are most likely more concerned about your child's behavior than anyone sitting around you is.