Behavior in church

This is getting to be a big problem...Most of the churches we've been involved in had dozens of kids and plenty of teachers and programs and activities etc....Now the church we go to is small and has just a handful of kids and well people for that matter...

Angela begs to take a notebook,pen,and stuff to read....So I let her....Then she sneaks in bubble gum and proceeds to smack and blow bubbles...I get onto her at least 10 times or more each service...The pen went out tonight so she didn't have anything to occupy her mind and she just kept wanting to act up...

Problem is, I fear I've brought this on myself...Before my brain went haywire, Angela and I would both sit quietly,each of us with our Bible in hand....but now I no longer carry a Bible because its so frustrating for me to try and keep up and God forbid they ask ME to read.....I can barely talk straight.......So Angela quit taking her Bible.....

I don't know what to do....I've spanked her, took privelages away, left her home even just to avoid the ordeal......If her dad was with me you better believe she'd sit up straight and not blink....but me? I'm borderline door mat and she knows it :roll:

[JoyLynn]

Lis, this may not be great advice, but can you sit in the very back of the church? Maybe have a sweet talk before church about her being as quiet as she possibly can be so no one else is disturbed.

I don't think it's wrong to bring quiet things like pens and paper, crayons and color books. That's just my opinion. Seven is pretty young to stay totally focused and follow an adult service. I find that even when they're coloring or writing they're still listening and picking up on little bits. If she gets a little noisy I'd slip out the back and have a talk and then slip back in.

I did this with my little ones, but they never got very loud or rambunctious. People always commented on how well behaved they were. Mine liked being in the adult service more than Sunday school. They really know their stuff now, I'll tell ya! :wink:

Anyway, if they really make an effort to stay quiet and you make an effort not to disrupt church, I think people understand. I never brought actual toys. Action figures, trucks, dolls... They would have led to full-on play. Some people let their kids go wild in church and that's annoying and disrespectful to others. We never allowed that. I had a cute tote bag we used just for church that had their church quiet things in it.

Sorry to get so wordy again, Lis. I just love seeing kids who like to go to church. They're soakin in so much more than we realize.


Joy [welcomewave]

[luvmy4sons]

We actually go to a church that doesn't have a children's church or Sunday school. We all worship together as a families, and there are LOTS of kids. One family has 14 children who sit with them! 7 boys and 7 girsl All single births in 17 years! Don't weary in well doing. I can't imagine how hard it is without your husband's help. But Galations 6:9 says " Do not weary in well doing for you shall reap a harvest in due season if ye faint not!" I agree that sitting in the back is good and bringing things for distractions... All our families do that in our church. Could you make a list of words that are spoken and have her write them down and then keep track of how many times they are said? That keeps them busy and also helps keep them focused on the sermon. My 10 yeaar old ADHD boy does that! Don't give up! You are doing great! This is your daughter! Perseverance will pay off. It can be so hard, but nothing is too difficult for God and He will help you. " If any of you lacks wisdom He should ask God who gives generously without finding fault and it will be given to him"

We do sit in the back, but you have to understand, this is the livingroom of a house thats had one wall removed so its doubled...Thats it...Now I ask you, just where are we gonna go? :wink:

I know her behavior has alot to do with MIL letting her do anything she wants and then me taking over and trying to "train" her.

I'll try making a special bag, perhaps that'll help..Thanks for the tips.

[JoyLynn]

Yah, that would make it harder. Maybe you could sit near an enterance to another room (kitchen?) or a hallway that leads to a guest room or bathroom. Also, I definitely wouldn't want to make a big deal about it, but you could have a quick conversation with the pastor and/or his wife letting them know you're working with this situation. Let them know you may slip into another room from time to time. They would probably tell you that she's not a problem for them and not to worry about it.


Joy [welcomewave]

yeah it bothers me the mostest :P

I just don't like being that* parent that everyone keeps looking at with that look of "do something geez" :wink:

I am going to fix a special bag though and see if that helps

[JoyLynn]

Oh, Lis... I hope they don't really do that to you. If you're trying they need to be supportive. I've heard other mothers talk about "the look". Brings out the protective big sister in me. Uh-oh... LOOK OUT!! :shock: :lol:


Joy [welcomewave]

just a few of them....all the other children seem so well behaved.....then again, they are either under or over 7 :roll: