Busy Bodies

Keeping "busy" little ones in the church service, in their seat and occupied is a challenge to say the least. Here are a few ideas to try and then come up with more of your own!

*For an older child, make your own fun worksheets. You can create fill in the blank sheets, word searches or quick questions with short answers.

*Create an "I Spy" list with things your child can try to find during church. Be sure to include any special items on display in church that week as well as random items such as "baby," "man with a blue shirt," or "something red."

*Ask your child to draw something she sees at church. Whatever she draws, you'll know what has captured her attention.

*Play a quiet counting game. Before the service make a list of words such as "windows," "candles," or "church helpers," then ask your child to count each of these things and write down the number next to its name.

*For a younger child, bring a few books he hasn't read often to grab his attention. You may want to save a special quiet toy just for church so he is excited to play with it. (A felt book with pieces of animals, people, or object pieces is a great choice as the pieces can be moved around and won't make noise if dropped.)

*A few quiet snacks such as raisins are a great option to keep toddlers happy. Put the food in a snack cup at home so you're not opening loud plastic packages during the service.
(Source: "Busy Bodies" article by Michelle Liese, Spring 2003, Christian Parenting Today magazine.)

Now that you have a few ideas, try to come up with more of your own and feel free to post them as a comment on this blog!! I'm sure other parents would love to have as many tools as possible!