Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Worth Far More Than Rubies
Kristin subscribes to a really good Christian mom's magazine called Above Rubies (www.aboverubies.org). It's full of great articles to encourage moms in one of the greatest calling on their lives - training their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
Kristin was reading this months issue when she came in to share an article she read. The editor had previously posted the question to its readers, "Children in Church? How can you keep them quiet?"
I thought you would enjoy hearing a few answers from some wise moms.
Daily WorshipThe biggest blessing we have found is regular, daily family worship! We teach our children to sit and behave appropriately at home! We require our children to sit still and fold their hands during family worship (usually 1/2 hour) and during church (at least one hour).
We also teach our children to be quiet during other parts of the day in short periods. These training times help them in church because they are accustomed to sitting still already. We know it is not easy for children to be still and quiet young. We pray with and for our children, talk to them about the importance of showing our Lord reverence and reward them with lots of PRAISE when they obey! Then we like to give them time to run and be loud (outside) after they have obeyed.
- Heather Tully; Delaware, Ohio
Training SessionWe prepared by having "training sessions" at home. We had everyone sit on the couch for say, five minutes, (or a length of time we felt sure they could do) without talking or excessive wiggling. They were to focus on a particular person or object in the room. At the end of the time, we praised them for sitting still and quiet. Sometimes we make it a game to see who can be the most still and quiet. We gradually lengthened the time to simulate the time they would be listening to a sermon.
We don't allow coloring during sermons because we have found that it absorbs all of their attention, and can become a distraction to those around them as they rustle around for certain colors or borrow from their sibling, etc. But, for those who are able, we give a small reward for taking notes of the sermon.
The older children are required to stay awake and keep their eyes up toward the pastor, not fidgeting or slouching. Our littlest ones usually sit on our laps, and become still after a few minutes. We have found that toys lose their charm too quickly, and we end up exhausting and distracting ourselves trying to entertain them. After the music, Grandpa likes to pass mints to everyone, which is something they look forward to.
Teaching this kind of self-discipline means we can also take them to weddings, funerals, concerts, plays, and a myriad of formal military functions, knowing they can act appropriately. As we train our children at home, they will become good ambassadors for Christ to the world!
- Ann Hines; Willow Springs, Missouri
Sit in the FrontI was surprised that no one mentioned this secret for keeping children well-behaved in church. I found it a great blessing when raising our children. Sitting in the front seats, right under the eye of the preacher, and where the anointing is strongest, they were always better behaved.
Many parents sit with their children toward the back of the church thinking it will be easier to keep them in check. However, the back of the church is the worst place. There are many distractions which sidetrack the children more easily. They can also see what everyone else is doing in front of them which add more distractions again.
It might sound a little scary, but give it a try. I am sure you will be amazed at the difference.
Nancy Campbell; Primm Springs, Tennessee
Eliminate the DistractionsIt has been our habit, from the arrival of our first child, (a very lively boy to say the least!) to train our children from birth to attend public worship with us as a family. They have all settled easily into a one-day-in-seven routine. Despite having certain patterns for nap, sleep and even feeding times, all our children have adapted to the Lord's Day being different.
I can testify that all the work pays off! My husband and I can sit through two services every Lord's Day, morning and evening, with our five children without almost any distraction. Of course, the process is ongoing; they need to be continually encouraged to apply themselves in worship. But, what a joy and privilege to worship the Lord together as a family.
Jane Dunlap; Lurgan, Northern Ireland
1 Comments:
It was nice re-reading these snips of articles, it has been a long time since we first read these, it is nice to brush up! Sitting up front is the key for us! I don't know how I found your blog, but I am enjoying reading it...thank you.
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