When my son turned 18 months, I was so relieved, not because he had reached that milestone, but because it meant that I could finally enjoy the service without sitting at the back, struggling to concentrate, and constantly tending to his needs. But in the meantime, if your little one is still too young for Sunday school and you’re trying your best to attend service, here are some tips to help make things smoother.
I’ve written before about tips to make Sunday mornings easier and why you should take your child to church. But here’s the thing: You have these convictions, you want to nurture their faith, and yet, your toddler seems like they’re not allowing you to focus. Here are some things you can do to help you through those moments.
Here Are Some Tips to Help You Through the Moment
Talk to Your Little One Before Going to Church
As part of preparing for church, take a few moments before leaving (or even days before) to talk to your toddler about the plan. Let them know you’re heading to church, explain what’s going to happen, and reassure them that it will be a time for both of you to connect with God. It may not eliminate the fidgeting, but it can help them feel more settled and give them a sense of security about what to expect.
My mom has always been an advocate for talking to kids at any age. It may not always work perfectly, but it’s worth giving it a try. On some Sundays, I found that my son was calmer after our little conversation. It doesn’t always eliminate the restlessness, but it often helps him feel more at ease. You can try this with your little one, too, and see if it makes a difference.
And please, don’t forget to ask the Holy Spirit for help in those moments of distraction or frustration. He’s always there to guide you, offering peace and patience as you navigate your time at church.
Bring Low-Key Activities for Your Toddler
Bring along quiet, low-key activities to engage your child during the service. Items like small coloring books, soft toys, or Bible storybooks are great to have on hand. Simple things that won’t make noise or distract others will help keep your child entertained while you’re present for the service.
Pro Tip: If your church has some space, you could bring a stroller. Your child may sometimes want to sit alone for a while, maybe for just 10 minutes. Bring along quiet, low-key activities to engage your child during the service. Items like small coloring books, soft toys, Bible storybooks, and even stickers with something to stick them on are great to have on hand. Simple things that won’t make noise or distract others will help keep your child entertained while you’re present for the service.
Noise-Free Activity Ideas:
- Coloring books
- Bible storybooks
- Soft toys
- Stickers and sticker books
- Quiet, fidget toys
- Interactive, cloth books
- Paper and crayons for doodling
Important Tip: Recycle the toys and activities you bring. Please make sure the items are fresh and new for your child, ideally something they haven’t played with all week. This helps keep their attention longer and gives them something exciting to engage with during church.
Be Kind to Yourself, It’s Okay to Step Out
Sometimes, your child may get so upset or restless that it’s challenging to continue. If that happens, it’s okay to step outside briefly and calm them down. Taking a moment to settle your child doesn’t mean you’re failing; it’s just a natural part of this stage.
Using the Parenting Room: Stay Intentional and Avoid Distraction
The parenting room is a great space if your little one gets restless during the service. It allows them to play and get some energy out while still being in a safe, church-friendly environment. However, be mindful of how much time you spend there. It’s easy to get caught up in unpacking snacks, chatting with other parents, or catching up on the week, but don’t let the parenting room become a distraction for you.
Important Tip: While it’s a good place for your child to play, try to stay engaged with the service, even if it’s just listening to the sermon through the speakers and screens. This allows you to stay connected without missing out on the message.
Swapping with Your Partner: Finding Balance During Service
As parents, it can be incredibly helpful to swap with your partner to get a breather during the service. If your husband serves at church, you may not always have the luxury of taking turns, but if possible, consider stepping out for a quick breather while your partner stays with your little one. Sometimes, even just a few minutes of quiet can help you regain focus. You could also plan to swap roles during the next service to share the load.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have the option to swap during the service, you can always plan for the next Sunday to share responsibilities. A little teamwork goes a long way in making church mornings smoother for both of you.
Please Avoid Screen Time During Service
While it’s tempting to pull out a phone or tablet to entertain your toddler during church, please avoid screen time during the service. While it may seem like an easy way to keep your child distracted, it can also be a distraction to other children in the service. It’s important to foster a peaceful, focused environment for everyone. Instead, try engaging them with quiet, meaningful activities that encourage learning and connection.
Listen to the Sermon After Church
If you find yourself missing parts of the sermon or struggling to focus, remember it’s okay! Many churches offer online recordings of their services. You can listen to the sermon during the week while doing household chores or while driving. For all of us, whether toddlers or not, we should make it a priority to listen to sermons again. One-time listening is truly not enough. This way, you can still take in the message and not feel like you missed out.
Final Thoughts
Church with toddlers can feel challenging, but it’s a season that brings growth for both you and your child. Even when distractions seem overwhelming, remember that God sees your heart and your desire to stay connected with Him. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Every effort you make is part of nurturing both your faith and your child’s spiritual journey. Keep showing up, keep trying, and trust that God’s presence will guide you through it all.
Please share in the comments some things you do with your toddler to stay engaged during church! We’d love to hear your tips and support each other in this journey.
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