Sundays and Beyond
>> Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Every Sunday, I rally myself and my family, put on my best game face and head to the nearest meeting house (read: I drag myself out of bed -because I am anything BUT a morning person, wrangle two toddlers, and head off to church).
Although, we have seen great improvement in Mo-tays willingness to attend primary (he's a bit shy), the first hour (sacrament) has seen little to no improvement. This first hour, has got to be the most challenging hour of my entire week. Difficult enough, that I can't even compare the event to any other experience in life.
When I say wrangle two toddlers, I mean it, quite literally. The strategically placed pews are much more than a comfortable seat to small children (boys, nonetheless). You and I see long wood benches, while Mr. Mr. Gettie sees continual roads for the driving of cars (jumps and bridges included). You and I see a hymn book, Mo-tay sees a novel, that must be read from front to back.
I know we are building a good foundation for life-long habits. I know with time, the event will become easier. Until that moment, I question what I am learning from this weekly event. I arm myself with a continuous supply of books, crayons, quiet toys, and for those desperate moments....food in the form of cereal and fruit snacks, all my armor tucked away in a special bag.
I know I am not the only mother sitting among the masses on Sunday morning. Please, share with me your secrets. I see you sitting there...looking anything but frazzled. What do you keep in your bag of tricks?
11 Pepsi Points :
I have to keep snacks for little man as well as my husband. They both get really bored, really easy!
We have sacrament last AND we are in the last block (1-4) Naptime has been, since Dade was 4 months old, at 12:30pm) so we have a grouchy 2 year old who has been in church clothes for 2 hours already, ready for a nap and lunch, and a husband who is in the same place as the child!
Most Sundays we go to take the sacrament and we leave!
My mother threatened us with bodily harm but I do not think you want to go that route. Maybe tagteam the boys? Good Luck.
Sundays are very hard with children. I bring fruit snacks, and dole them out one at a time. It's hard! I wish you luck.
For the older ones I only bring a box of crayons and a notepad of paper. That is it. But for the little one I bring books and treats, but that is just because she isn't even nursery age yet. Usually less is more. when there are not so many distractions my kids are better behaved.
You're probably doing everything right. I'd be bringing all those toys, snacks, scribble pads and pens too.
Its so touch and go with us. Some Sundays my kids are good for most of the meeting while others I know we're in for it before we even leave the house.
It sounds like you're doing all the same things I do. I bring golfish and fruit snacks. Neither of which they get until after sacrament. I also bring coloring books, small figures (those small disney figurines are nice-http://thmb.inkfrog.com/thumbn/rteeny/Disney_Store_Exclusive_Little_Einsteins_PVC_Figure_Set.jpg=600). Sometimes if I'm on the ball I'll tell the kids to pick out 2 toys to bring with us that can fit in a ziplock bag aka when we found out those small figurines work or small trucks or something. Then they have a toy they chose. Like I said though, it's always touch and go.
I remember when I went to church.
Those pews were evil. Kids always ran through them... including me.
I remember MYSELF being little and trying to sit through Sacrament. Not an easy task for a little one!
Keep doing what you're doing, it gets easier!
It sounds all too familiar, and I'm sorry I'm not much help, I'm still trying to figure out what works with my kids!
It sounds all too familiar, and I'm sorry I'm not much help, I'm still trying to figure out what works with my kids!
Sounds exhausting!
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