Disruptive little ones at Mass

[pianomany2k]

• People being too angry and taking their kids out and spanking them severely. I fear this might make kids associate Mass with anger and upset and to rebel against the Church later. IMO, it’s better to take away a privilege after Mass or something.

I remember going to Mass with my grandparents one time, not paying attention (I was old enough by then to know better), and got probably the worst consequence I can think of (for me anyway). My grandparents never said a word during Mass, but once we got back to the house, I had to sit in a chair for the length of Mass…which happened to be an hour-and-a-half that day!!

My parents were a bit ticked off at them for that, but I’ve always paid attention since that happened!

 

[phoenixrrt62]

I was at the 11:00 OF yesterday, in my usual seat in the middle of the church. There were two extremely talkative tottlers right in front of me, and it made it extremely difficult at times to hear what the priest was saying. I love the little ones, and these particular little ones were probably too young to know better, but I thought they were being very disruptive. I was at a loss on what I should say, if anything, to their parents. I didn’t want to come off as uncheritable, but I desperately wanted to tell the parents that their kids were making it hard for me to hear. I finally resolved to just softly say “shhhh,” and put my finger to my closed lips, but the little ones just kept on talking. Finally, during the sign of peace, I told one of the parents that I was sorry for shishing his child, but I was having trouble hearing.

I’m not sure if I did the right thing in this situation. If it would have happened at a movie theater or at a concert, for example, I would have probably just moved to another seat if I could, or I may have felt more comfortable just telling the parents right then and there that their children were being too noisy, and asking them to please do something about it. In the past, the noisier little ones have always been far enough away from me for me to even care, but they were right in front of me yesterday. They were cute, but I was trying to hear the Mass, and I didn’t want to be distracted. Would it have been ok for me to just say something to their parents when the problem first started?

Question.
When I was young, I went to Catholic mass (the family I lived with was RC) and there was NO Sunday school for younger kids, and, yes, kids get bored. They don’t UNDERSTAND what is going on. Wouldn’t a Sunday school be a teachable hour, reinforce the faith? Why don’t Catholic churches have Sunday school for the little ones when the parents are at mass? Is there some rule that doesn’t allow it? I never really understood that…
Oh, and btw, I can understand your frustration…and when I was a kid, I tended to be a little brat (talked to my foster sisters during mass, kicked the pew in front of me, didn’t kneel at the proper times), and I was promptly punished for it, too;D
I was a pretty fast learner, after a few swats and being sent to my room for the rest of that Sunday, I got the message. HA!

 

[Alex2008]

After reading most of the comments, allow me to share from the Priest/Celebrants persepective, by using an example from the past:

At one of the parishes where I was an associate, the church itself was built in the round and the acoustics were excellent…I could speak without a microphone and be heard quite well wherever a parishoner sat. At dinner one night the 4 priests assigned began to talk about a problem: all of us noticed that at the 9:30am Sunday Mass, it was getting harder and harder to concentrate and make ourselves heard. This Mass was regularly attended by families with young children. That by itself was not bad, but we all noticed something interesting, when one toddler acted up and started crying, like magic, others started in as well and soon the noise was overwhelming…making it really hard for us to concentrate and make ourselves be heard over the dinn. The other thing we noticed is that parents seemed to be loathe to take the kids out for a few moments and calm them down.

After getting complaints from other parishoners, we decided to address the issue and then agonized for weeks on the wording as well as passing it by other parents that we knew. Ultimately we printed and announced the following: it was sometimes so noisy that we had trouble concentrating and leading prayer and then we simply mentioned it was OK for parents to take their kids out for a few moments to calm them down and then come back.

You would have thought that we had cursed at them and called the parents rotten as we recieved numerous irate comments from them: “you don’t like children,” “how dare you say this,” “who are you to tell us what to do,” etc. etc. None of these (and other) comments were true, but we had to take the flak and then a strange thing happened: People started to take their kids out when they acted up and the problem was solved.

I think the OP handled it well by stating to the parents that she ws sorry that she shssed the kids, BUT THAT SHE COULD’NT HEAR. That makes it personal and gave the parents something to think about.

The problem is not easy to solve and I think the answer is different for each parish!

 

[Iowa_Mike]

This is just another example of lack of consideration by parents with their children in public. You see it everywhere; restaurants, grocery stores, clothing stores, etc. When my children were young (at one point I had four under the age of three) they were not allowed to leave their seats in a restaurant, they weren’t allowed out of their stroller in a clothing store, they had to stay in the cart at the grocery store (I used to push two baskets, one to put the kids in and one for the groceries) and they were expected to be quiet, still and reverent during mass. This meant that very little time was actually spent inside the church, but I figured that God was just happy we were there.

Now, I understand that babies cry and toddlers fall off the pew and hurt themselves, but what bothers me are the PARENTS who refuse to do anything to quiet the toys, talking and extended bouts of crying. These parents feel that it is their right to go to mass and bring their children and kids will be kids. That is true. It is their right and duty to go to mass and instruct their children in the faith, BUT it is also the right of myself and my older children to hear the homily and not be continually distracted during mass.

Just a little consideration for others goes a long way in this world. Unfortunately, in this and in many other situations today, consideration seems to be as lacking as manners in general.

Now go ahead, tell me how hateful and mean I am.

Music to my ears…you are absolutely right.

God Bless,

Iowa Mike

 

[Iowa_Mike]

After reading most of the comments, allow me to share from the Priest/Celebrants persepective, by using an example from the past:

At one of the parishes where I was an associate, the church itself was built in the round and the acoustics were excellent…I could speak without a microphone and be heard quite well wherever a parishoner sat. At dinner one night the 4 priests assigned began to talk about a problem: all of us noticed that at the 9:30am Sunday Mass, it was getting harder and harder to concentrate and make ourselves heard. This Mass was regularly attended by families with young children. That by itself was not bad, but we all noticed something interesting, when one toddler acted up and started crying, like magic, others started in as well and soon the noise was overwhelming…making it really hard for us to concentrate and make ourselves be heard over the dinn. The other thing we noticed is that parents seemed to be loathe to take the kids out for a few moments and calm them down.

After getting complaints from other parishoners, we decided to address the issue and then agonized for weeks on the wording as well as passing it by other parents that we knew. Ultimately we printed and announced the following: it was sometimes so noisy that we had trouble concentrating and leading prayer and then we simply mentioned it was OK for parents to take their kids out for a few moments to calm them down and then come back.

You would have thought that we had cursed at them and called the parents rotten as we recieved numerous irate comments from them: “you don’t like children,” “how dare you say this,” “who are you to tell us what to do,” etc. etc. None of these (and other) comments were true, but we had to take the flak and then a strange thing happened: People started to take their kids out when they acted up and the problem was solved.

I think the OP handled it well by stating to the parents that she ws sorry that she shssed the kids, BUT THAT SHE COULD’NT HEAR. That makes it personal and gave the parents something to think about.

The problem is not easy to solve and I think the answer is different for each parish!

I agree the problem is not easy to solve but it is not a parish problem…it is a parenting issue. Parents who allow their children to disrupt mass or any other proceeding or at any other venue are simply lost in the belief that everyone needs to make allowances for their children instead of them taking charge of them.

God Bless,

Iowa Mike

 

[Lapey]

After reading most of the comments, allow me to share from the Priest/Celebrants persepective, by using an example from the past:

At one of the parishes where I was an associate, the church itself was built in the round and the acoustics were excellent…I could speak without a microphone and be heard quite well wherever a parishoner sat. At dinner one night the 4 priests assigned began to talk about a problem: all of us noticed that at the 9:30am Sunday Mass, it was getting harder and harder to concentrate and make ourselves heard. This Mass was regularly attended by families with young children. That by itself was not bad, but we all noticed something interesting, when one toddler acted up and started crying, like magic, others started in as well and soon the noise was overwhelming…making it really hard for us to concentrate and make ourselves be heard over the dinn. The other thing we noticed is that parents seemed to be loathe to take the kids out for a few moments and calm them down.

After getting complaints from other parishoners, we decided to address the issue and then agonized for weeks on the wording as well as passing it by other parents that we knew. Ultimately we printed and announced the following: it was sometimes so noisy that we had trouble concentrating and leading prayer and then we simply mentioned it was OK for parents to take their kids out for a few moments to calm them down and then come back.

You would have thought that we had cursed at them and called the parents rotten as we recieved numerous irate comments from them: “you don’t like children,” “how dare you say this,” “who are you to tell us what to do,” etc. etc. None of these (and other) comments were true, but we had to take the flak and then a strange thing happened: People started to take their kids out when they acted up and the problem was solved.

I think the OP handled it well by stating to the parents that she ws sorry that she shssed the kids, BUT THAT SHE COULD’NT HEAR. That makes it personal and gave the parents something to think about.

The problem is not easy to solve and I think the answer is different for each parish!

Thanks Father for your comments. I must say I am sorry for the way I reacted to Mike; it just isn’t an easy subject. There are lacking parents in mass, but there are even more lacking parents not in mass; which means their kids are not in mass.

I applaud the ones who regularly bring their kids to mass. Yes I agree we have to instruct the ones in mass who make it hard for others to hear or be able to concentrate, but from my experience, they are the exception not the rule. As an acolyte I sit there during mass and see parents take their kids out and I can’t help myself but think about when after December 11th I will be one of the ministers giving the homily and I want the kids in the church, not outside. In fact if it were proper I would invite them up to sit near the front for the gospel and homily; yes I know with good reason my pastor would not allow this.

Some paint with a broad brush and I am guilty as other are of this. There are good parents in mass and some that lack the discipline their self, so how can we expect them to discipline their kids? I’m sure you did this in the parish you speak of, but couldn’t you call and speak to privately to the ones that are in need of guidance?

Anyway, to Iowa Mike, I apologize; and to you Father, thanks for your yes!

 

[marci]

You would have thought that we had cursed at them and called the parents rotten as we recieved numerous irate comments from them: “you don’t like children,” “how dare you say this,” “who are you to tell us what to do,” etc. etc. None of these (and other) comments were true, but we had to take the flak and then a strange thing happened: People started to take their kids out when they acted up and the problem was solved.

 

[marci]

Parents who allow their children to disrupt mass or any other proceeding or at any other venue are simply lost in the belief that everyone needs to make allowances for their children instead of them taking charge of them

.

This says it all.

 

[JHow]

After reading most of the comments, allow me to share from the Priest/Celebrants persepective, by using an example from the past:

At one of the parishes where I was an associate, the church itself was built in the round and the acoustics were excellent…I could speak without a microphone and be heard quite well wherever a parishoner sat. At dinner one night the 4 priests assigned began to talk about a problem: all of us noticed that at the 9:30am Sunday Mass, it was getting harder and harder to concentrate and make ourselves heard. This Mass was regularly attended by families with young children. That by itself was not bad, but we all noticed something interesting, when one toddler acted up and started crying, like magic, others started in as well and soon the noise was overwhelming…making it really hard for us to concentrate and make ourselves be heard over the dinn. The other thing we noticed is that parents seemed to be loathe to take the kids out for a few moments and calm them down.

After getting complaints from other parishoners, we decided to address the issue and then agonized for weeks on the wording as well as passing it by other parents that we knew. Ultimately we printed and announced the following: it was sometimes so noisy that we had trouble concentrating and leading prayer and then we simply mentioned it was OK for parents to take their kids out for a few moments to calm them down and then come back.
…

This makes a lot of sense. Kind of like when people throat-clear at a concert. One does it and that prompts another. How did it work out? Did getting parents to remove children faster solve the issue?

 

[zab]

After reading most of the comments, allow me to share from the Priest/Celebrants persepective, by using an example from the past:

At one of the parishes where I was an associate, the church itself was built in the round and the acoustics were excellent…I could speak without a microphone and be heard quite well wherever a parishoner sat. At dinner one night the 4 priests assigned began to talk about a problem: all of us noticed that at the 9:30am Sunday Mass, it was getting harder and harder to concentrate and make ourselves heard. This Mass was regularly attended by families with young children. That by itself was not bad, but we all noticed something interesting, when one toddler acted up and started crying, like magic, others started in as well and soon the noise was overwhelming…making it really hard for us to concentrate and make ourselves be heard over the dinn. The other thing we noticed is that parents seemed to be loathe to take the kids out for a few moments and calm them down.

After getting complaints from other parishoners, we decided to address the issue and then agonized for weeks on the wording as well as passing it by other parents that we knew. Ultimately we printed and announced the following: it was sometimes so noisy that we had trouble concentrating and leading prayer and then we simply mentioned it was OK for parents to take their kids out for a few moments to calm them down and then come back.

You would have thought that we had cursed at them and called the parents rotten as we recieved numerous irate comments from them: “you don’t like children,” “how dare you say this,” “who are you to tell us what to do,” etc. etc. None of these (and other) comments were true, but we had to take the flak and then a strange thing happened: People started to take their kids out when they acted up and the problem was solved.

I think the OP handled it well by stating to the parents that she ws sorry that she shssed the kids, BUT THAT SHE COULD’NT HEAR. That makes it personal and gave the parents something to think about.

The problem is not easy to solve and I think the answer is different for each parish!

Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut, Father. I think you handled the problem very well. Many years ago, we had an associate priest who also made a comment that it was OK for parents to take their children out when they get noisy. I welcomed his comment as it made me feel that he understood that children are children. Babies get tired and hungry or need a diaper change and that we need not feel embarassed to take them out. And I think other parents welcomed his comment, too. But like you said, there were some who misunderstood him. A friend of mine had a small child with a mental condition and he always made odd noises at times. She was very sensitive about Father’s comment and we talked occassionally and I disagreed with her impression that he did not welcome children at Mass. I told her how he how he came across to me. I think she eventually accepted that. I’m just saying that for all those negative comments that you received, I’m sure that there were some who appreciated your remarks.

 

[dailey]

I’m glad this thread has calmed down. I apoligize to anyone that I may have offended, it was not my intention. I come to CAF to learn more about my religion, not to bicker. I can easily do that here at home with my husband!

My 7yo does have “issues” with using the bathroom frequently. The school thought maybe it was a bladder infection but we came to the conclusion that she is just “sensitive”. At any rate, hope everyone has a lovely day.

 

[Iowa_Mike]

Are you SERIOUS? Why do you think they have bathrooms at the church. BECAUSE PEOPLE NEED THEM!

I’m sorry, this is getting rediculous. Now there are rules as to when children should go the bathroom. Which is weird. Because, at my last church, our priest made a big deal out of the fact that the bathroom was so far away. And the elderly couldn’t possibly make it to the bathroom and back without missing a large portion of Mass. And she did not say “get up and walk AROUND.” Why assume the little girl doesn’t take a direct route? Who are you to say she doesn’t need a break? Do you KNOW her? Do you KNOW if this child is at her limits? Are you children so lacking in mental capacity they don’t know WHEN they have to go the bathroom? You have to tell them?

I suspect one of the reasons this touches a nerve is because most parents KNOW when their kids are acting out. And I’m suprised that no one realises that in MANY cases this is a child (who may have issues… like mine), OR a child who is trying to control the situation. (also like one of mine. ONE of mine thinks he’ll get out of Mass if he acts up.) Now, if he or either of them get really out of control, then sadly we just leave. I miss communion, and won’t get another chance before the next week. Which is why I’m THRILLED they have Sunday school to USUALLY attend.

However, he will not GET to leave church for acting out when I KNOW he can control it. And really it’s ME that knows what he can control and can’t. And since the majority of my own extended family can’t read him, I KNOW noone else sitting around me can. I sit near the back. I do my best not to interferre with others. But frankly, others don’t take priority with me over my children. If he’s screaming… yeah he’d go. IF he’s a wiggle worm that makes noise… he’s gotta learn to keep it down. Meaning, this doesn’t earn him an exit card “'cause church is BORING!” I’m not going to yank him out of Mass. I’m certainly not going to start yelling at him , I’m not going to spank him, he’s not going to relate church and pain. I WON’T take him or brother out for cocoa or a smoothie afterward. Or any other treat. Special trips that were planned before Mass. But YOU won’t see that. Nor are you entitled to see his punishment. My child doesn’t need to associate humiliation with church either.
So, I wouldn’t assume that all ill behaved children aren’t dealt with in one fashion or another. If they have developmental issues, I guarantee that MOST of you don’t have a clue how to handle them. Even those of you that teach. Seriously, unless you’re educated in by way of having a child with these problems, or you are some sort of OT… your OPINION is not professional, and holds ZERO water for those of us that cope. Being a parent of any number of children does NOT qualify you in dealing with children of many problems with various degrees of intensity. Trust me on that one…

The issue isn’t about your child’s problems etc. How you deal with his or her issues are strictly your business, how you punish/reward him or her is strictly your business but when the child becomes a distraction during mass making in difficult or impossible for me to enjoy and participate in the mass then it becomes my business.

Any responsible, considerate parent will take responsibility for the actions of their children and will do all in their power to make sure they don’t disturb the people around them. When I see a parent trying manage their children and to do the right thing under difficult circumstances I cut them some slack and will help if I can. What kind of parent are you?

We have handicapped children in our family that have significant and ‘noisy’ issues. We have taken steps to minimize these issues when at mass etc. If we can’t we keep them from distracting the people around them we take them out and either quiet them or keep them in the cry/gathering area.

With respect to bathroom management. Every parent on the planet has bathroom rules. From the moment we start potty training babies we teach them bathroom rules. When we take kids on trips we ask them to go to the bathroom before leaving as we’ll be on the road for a couple of hours. When we leave a restaurant when we are on the road we ask the kids to go potty, when we are home we remind the little ones to go potty. When we go to mass we ask them to go potty first. Asking a 7 year old to go to the pot before mass to avoid having to wonder around isn’t ridiculous…it’s normal.

God Bless,

Iowa Mike

 

[zab]

Asking a 7 year old to go to the pot before mass to avoid having to wonder around isn’t ridiculous…it’s normal.

God Bless,

Iowa Mike

I haven’t heard that term in years!

 

[faithfully]

faithfully,
I was being sarcastic.

LOL! See how quick I am on “bad” behavior… quick like a bunny… LOL! So sorry about that…

 

[faithfully]

The issue isn’t about your child’s problems etc. How you deal with his or her issues are strictly your business, how you punish/reward him or her is strictly your business but when the child becomes a distraction during mass making in difficult or impossible for me to enjoy and participate in the mass then it becomes my business.

Any responsible, considerate parent will take responsibility for the actions of their children and will do all in their power to make sure they don’t disturb the people around them. When I see a parent trying manage their children and to do the right thing under difficult circumstances I cut them some slack and will help if I can. What kind of parent are you?

We have handicapped children in our family that have significant and ‘noisy’ issues. We have taken steps to minimize these issues when at mass etc. If we can’t we keep them from distracting the people around them we take them out and either quiet them or keep them in the cry/gathering area.

With respect to bathroom management. Every parent on the planet has bathroom rules. From the moment we start potty training babies we teach them bathroom rules. When we take kids on trips we ask them to go to the bathroom before leaving as we’ll be on the road for a couple of hours. When we leave a restaurant when we are on the road we ask the kids to go potty, when we are home we remind the little ones to go potty. When we go to mass we ask them to go potty first. Asking a 7 year old to go to the pot before mass to avoid having to wonder around isn’t ridiculous…it’s normal.

God Bless,

Iowa Mike

I get all that you are saying. My point is, that sometimes you won’t be able to visually “observe” the parent “handling” the situation. Quick example… when I was little, and spankings were in vogue… Mom took me shopping… And I started the “Mommy can I have…” Well, she said once, “no you can’t. and if you ask again you will get a spanking when you get home.” And so I proceeded to annoy the heck out of her for at least an hour… “can I, can I, can I…”

If you were observing her, you would think she was completely ignoring my behavior. Especially if you hadn’t heard the warning.

Then we left the store and were in the care. And I sit and stare and her, and she’d act like nothing happened. Then we got in the house… and I was called for my spanking. For those of you flinching… I don’t remember anything extreme. I was not “beaten” It was the anticipation, etc.

Apparently it took me 2 times with this… then “the look” pretty much did the trick. I realize you might observe repeat behaviors in church. And I know that many are on board with spankings. But many aren’t. It can be difficult finding the exact THING that your child doesn’t want to go without.

For any parents that are struggling, I have envoked a few friends to give my kids the “evil eye” if they are acting out. And they know I won’t be upset about it… that helps.

 

[Iowa_Mike]

I get all that you are saying. My point is, that sometimes you won’t be able to visually “observe” the parent “handling” the situation. Quick example… when I was little, and spankings were in vogue… Mom took me shopping… And I started the “Mommy can I have…” Well, she said once, “no you can’t. and if you ask again you will get a spanking when you get home.” And so I proceeded to annoy the heck out of her for at least an hour… “can I, can I, can I…”

If you were observing her, you would think she was completely ignoring my behavior. Especially if you hadn’t heard the warning.

Then we left the store and were in the care. And I sit and stare and her, and she’d act like nothing happened. Then we got in the house… and I was called for my spanking. For those of you flinching… I don’t remember anything extreme. I was not “beaten” It was the anticipation, etc.

Apparently it took me 2 times with this… then “the look” pretty much did the trick. I realize you might observe repeat behaviors in church. And I know that many are on board with spankings. But many aren’t. It can be difficult finding the exact THING that your child doesn’t want to go without.

For any parents that are struggling, I have envoked a few friends to give my kids the “evil eye” if they are acting out. And they know I won’t be upset about it… that helps.

We have similar punishment techniques used by your Mother…very effective in my opinion.

When I’m in mass I’m usually in the unique position to watch what is going on in all of its detail. I can see if the parents are making even the slightest effort to quiet of control their children. Most of the time they just look at the kids and shush them then ignore them while they continue the same behavior.

I’m not interested in what future punishment parents might give their kids. What I want from them is sufficient peace and quiet during mass so I can participate in the mass. I don’t care if the kid is sitting in the pew quietly playing with their fingers, or sitting on the floor doing something similar, or leafing through a prayer book, or making faces, or playing with their hair, or hugging mom etc. as long as they are not too animated and are quiet. Responsible parents are quick to correct misbehaving children. If after making several unsuccessful attempts to correct the behavior a responsible parent will remove the child from the nave in consideration of those around them. This is the right thing to do.

God Bless,

Iowa Mike

 

[dailey]

The issue isn’t about your child’s problems etc. How you deal with his or her issues are strictly your business, how you punish/reward him or her is strictly your business but when the child becomes a distraction during mass making in difficult or impossible for me to enjoy and participate in the mass then it becomes my business.

Any responsible, considerate parent will take responsibility for the actions of their children and will do all in their power to make sure they don’t disturb the people around them. When I see a parent trying manage their children and to do the right thing under difficult circumstances I cut them some slack and will help if I can. What kind of parent are you?

We have handicapped children in our family that have significant and ‘noisy’ issues. We have taken steps to minimize these issues when at mass etc. If we can’t we keep them from distracting the people around them we take them out and either quiet them or keep them in the cry/gathering area.

With respect to bathroom management. Every parent on the planet has bathroom rules. From the moment we start potty training babies we teach them bathroom rules. When we take kids on trips we ask them to go to the bathroom before leaving as we’ll be on the road for a couple of hours. When we leave a restaurant when we are on the road we ask the kids to go potty, when we are home we remind the little ones to go potty. When we go to mass we ask them to go potty first. Asking a 7 year old to go to the pot before mass to avoid having to wonder around isn’t ridiculous…it’s normal.

God Bless,

Iowa Mike

You know, this just reminded me. I am just thankful that my 7yo is old enough to go to the bathroom herself!:yyeess: I hate public bathrooms, ewww.

We always go to the bathroom before we leave the house (myself included!)…but it is a rare day that we will not still have to visit a restroom at some point. It’s funny because my 4yo can “hold it” much better than my 7yo. I would never not allow my kids to go when they feel the “urge”…unless, of course, I thought they were abusing it.

 

[phoooiee]

We have similar punishment techniques used by your Mother…very effective in my opinion.

When I’m in mass I’m usually in the unique position to watch what is going on in all of its detail. I can see if the parents are making even the slightest effort to quiet of control their children. Most of the time they just look at the kids and shush them then ignore them while they continue the same behavior.

I’m not interested in what future punishment parents might give their kids. What I want from them is sufficient peace and quiet during mass so I can participate in the mass. I don’t care if the kid is sitting in the pew quietly playing with their fingers, or sitting on the floor doing something similar, or leafing through a prayer book, or making faces, or playing with their hair, or hugging mom etc. as long as they are not too animated and are quiet. Responsible parents are quick to correct misbehaving children. If after making several unsuccessful attempts to correct the behavior a responsible parent will remove the child from the nave in consideration of those around them. This is the right thing to do.

God Bless,

Iowa Mike

So…how can you be participating in the Mass if you are really “watching what is going on in all its detail?”

I don’t know that silence and better behavior from children will help you.

 

[Iowa_Mike]

So…how can you be participating in the Mass if you are really “watching what is going on in all its detail?”

I don’t know that silence and better behavior from children will help you.

This is a pretty silly reply, it’s a little hard to avoid ‘watching’ when they are sitting right in the same pew or the pew in front of me or the pew across the aisle or are running around etc. etc.

You don’t know that silence and better behavior from children won’t help me either do you?
There is an old adage…“children should be seen and not heard” that certainly applies in church, theaters,

Another old adage comes to mind…

“Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt”?

God Bless,

Iowa Mike

 

[zab]

No matter how good and responsible a parent is there will always be someone who thinks that they can do a better job. I think that it would be more helpful and we might see better results if we would do like Father did and try to tell parents in a polite way that they need not be embarassed to take their children out when necessary. There will probably some misunderstandings but at least we know that the intentions were good. I do not see any good intentions about blaming parents and speaking badly about other peoples children. And I doubt that this tactic would bring as good of results.