How to Teach your Kids to Behave in Church

Parents often experience problems in dealing with their kids' unruly behavior in church. The unnecessary noises that kids make distract the solemnity of the mass. Teaching your kids to behave properly in church is necessary to avoid them from constantly yelling, crying and running inside the church. Disciplining your kids can also be beneficial to church goers who want to reflect on the words of the minister.



• Take into consideration your child's age. As much as you want your 3 year old child to receive God's blessings, bear in mind that young kids tend to behave unruly in church, because they have shorter attention span. It will be advisable to take your child when he turns 5, because he will have better behavior by that time.



• Feed your kids before the mass. Kids tend to be irritable when they are hungry, so make sure that they are full before attending the mass. You can bring biscuits or bottled water for your kids if your church allows people to bring food inside.



• Talk to them about the importance of church. Sit down with your kids and explain to them why they have to behave well in church. Tell them that behaving well is also a sign of respect not only to the church but to the church goers as well.



• Explain the words of the pastor. Your kids may be too young to understand the liturgy, so it is best if you explain the words to them. This will make them enthusiastic to listen carefully to the mass.



• Pray together at home. Set a prayer time for your kids so they can practice proper behavior during mass. Let them lead the prayer or read the prayer book aloud. Post prayer posters in standard poster sizes in your kids' bedroom so they can memorize the prayers. You can also teach them gospel songs so they can sing during the mass ceremony.



• Introduce them to the minister. Your kids will most likely pay attention to the mass ceremony if they are familiar with the church minister. The church minister can also remind your kids to behave during mass. Take your kids to church functions so they can feel that they are part of the church's family. Help your kids make religious postcards that you can send to church members to thank them for welcoming your kids in church activities.