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Step 1
Let kids be kids!KIDS WILL BE KIDS
It is important to first realize that kids are kids. They can't possibly sit still and silent for long periods of time, especially really young children! But that doesn't mean that they get to be loud and interruptive either!
There is a definite balance that YOU as a parent can help your kids acheive. -
Step 2
Fight bordem! It leads to tantrums!REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
If you take your young children to church and bring nothing to entertain them, don't be surprised when they start screaming and causing a scene.
9 time out of 10 they are just bored, so for starters don't expect too much out of your children. They aren't adults. -
Step 3
Give your children your undivided attentionATTENTION PLEASE!
It is a known fact that kids crave attention. But most kids don't really plan on throwing a fit. Sometimes, a tantrum results from a child trying over and over again to get a parent to listen to them and after numerous failed attempts they lose it.
Make sure you let your kids know that THEY are your #1 focus. You can do this by frequently looking them in the eyes, smiling at them and in places like church or the library every few minutes lean down and whisper something loving in their ear.
Sometimes they just want the reassurance that you know they are there and being good, and this isn't a bad thing. Catch them in the act of being good and PRAISE them! -
Step 4
Planning is crucial!PLANNING AHEAD
If you know ahead of time that you're going to a place like church, a meeting, the library, a store... the best thing you can do as a parent is PLAN AHEAD.
Each particular place requires specific planning. There is a big different between keeping them quiet and happy while sitting in a shopping cart, and keeping them quiet during a meeting.
Depending on the setting you should use the following tips to help your children keep quiet as well as happy. -
Step 5
Keeping them quiet in church can be tricky...FOR CHURCH, or MEETINGS:
The #1 trick to keeping your kids quiet and content is:
A bag of "surprises"
You should have a big bag of novel items. Novel items are toys, books, snacks...pretty much ANYTHING...as long as these items are 100% new to your child. Something they have never played with or eaten before!
This bag should be FILLED with these items. Also don't spend lots of $$ on these things. Children get very very bored with toys after just a few uses.
Fill your "bag of surprises" with household items...an ice cream scoop, compact mirror, curlers...(have them take the sponges off of the rods)
ANYTHING as long as it's 100% new to them!
Make sure not to show any of the items to your kids ahead of time...then when you get to church or your meeting take the items out of the bag ONE at a time. DON'T empty the bag all at once. You will have a screaming bored child on your hands in less than 10 minutes...
Space out the distribution of the items as much as possible.
DON'T let your kids get into the bag!
When you see them starting to get bored with one item, QUICKLY get in your bag and replace the now "boring" item with a different item. Put the first item completely away when you move to a new one.
It's best to go from toys to book to food etc...don't give them 2 diffent books in a row or two different foods. This will cause aggitation...
ALSO very important is that you VERBALIZE how pleased you are when they are playing quietly! Let them know you are paying attention to them AND happy when they are good!
Every chance you get make a funny face at them or whisper something funny in their ear.
Play WITH them. Don't give them a boring book and turn away expecting them to play with it for an hour. They can't and they won't.
Studies show that children are drawn to the unknown. If you go to church and have a big bag of "surprises" you will be much more likely to keep them occupied and happy. -
Step 6
Keep shopping short and sweet!FOR SHOPPING
The #1 tip is to be realistic. Your children aren't capable of sitting in an uncomfortable shopping cart for hours on end. Don't plan an all day shopping trip with friends if you have the kids with you.
It isn't fair to them and all you're going to end up doing is being upset and frustrated when they cry the entire time.
Plan short shopping trips if you have to take your child.
Some tips for keeping them happy and quiet while you shop:
- As your walking around lean down and whisper in their ears
- Have them help you put the items in the cart
- Tell them that they are your helpers...
- Talk to them out loud the entire time you're shopping
- Bring a snack with you and give them a little at a time as you shop...
- Let them help
Make sure to not start a shopping trip if your child is tired, thirsty, hungry or has a dirty diaper.
Children get seriously alarmed when these things occur and you appear to be preoccupied with shopping. This prompts them to throw fits and cry. Make sure all of their immediate needs are met before doing anything.
After the trip is done if they were "good". PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE them! Reward them! Not with toys, or candy but with YOU. When you get home tell them that because they were soo good in the store you're going to read them their favorite book or play with them. -
Step 7
Keep them moving and distracted!The secret to keeping a child quiet and happy is nothing more than mastering the ART of DISTRACTION.
Keep them moving and engaged. Plan ahead and always keep their needs first. All of these tips will help make your experience a little more enjoyable!
Comments
jcrush said
on 5/11/2009 You went ALL OUT on this one. You gave such good advice!!! All parents-to-be should read this. It's valuable and accurate information./*****
Sensei said
on 5/11/2009 I have tried a few of these tips. You are right about keeping them engaged, plus it makes me feel more connected with him.