Disruptive children in church

[Anonymous]

I recently moved overseas and I'm struggling to find a new church. There has always been a quiet/crying room at the back, a nursery, and/or children's church at all the churches I have attended in my life. That doesn't seem to be the case in any of the churches I have tried here.

I can't seem to tune out the noise, especially during the sermon. People let their kids chatter, play with loud toys, run up and down the aisle, and distracting behaviors like that. It is not constant, but frequent enough. Last week, a gentleman and I had to stop two young boys (maybe 6 or 7) who were wrestling in line for communion when they almost knocked into an elderly lady. Their parents were back in the pew with their younger children.

I've tried to find a church with older members, but I haven't had any luck so far. I am not a child-hater, but I like to be able to focus in church. (I can't have children, but I like them, I promise!!)

I know that there really isn't any solution to this, and perhaps I am just venting. Thanks in advance for any tips/advice! And for letting me vent ?

[Anonymous]

Same. And what is frustrating is that our church does offer multiple other areas for children. I have a child myself and would never let this happen; why don't other parents have the same courtesy?

[Anonymous]

WWJD.... and this would be better suited to the religion section you'd get a much better response

[Anonymous]

Look up sermons online and listen to them podcast style at home.

Or get their early and sit in one of the front pews so there's nothing to distract you.

[Anonymous]

Try going to evensong.

[Anonymous]

I have a special needs son whom I always felt was disruptive. Our priest constantly assured me that church is for everyone, including my son. No answer for you. But I sure did love my priest and our congregation for their acceptance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Same. And what is frustrating is that our church does offer multiple other areas for children. I have a child myself and would never let this happen; why don't other parents have the same courtesy?

I would never drop my kids off with people I don’t know simply because it’s church. My kids are well behaved and quiet, but I will immediately leave a church if someone suggests me leaving my kids with unknown adults in the kids room.


Also this should be in the religion forum.

[Anonymous]

Children belong in the sanctuary, not in the cry room or elsewhere. Your church sounds wonderful, OP.

[Anonymous]

IMe its churches in wealthier - UMC communities which have crying rooms or children's churches that aren't just Sunday school or separate nursing facilities where you still watch the sermon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Children belong in the sanctuary, not in the cry room or elsewhere. Your church sounds wonderful, OP.

Agreed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Same. And what is frustrating is that our church does offer multiple other areas for children. I have a child myself and would never let this happen; why don't other parents have the same courtesy?

I would never drop my kids off with people I don’t know simply because it’s church. My kids are well behaved and quiet, but I will immediately leave a church if someone suggests me leaving my kids with unknown adults in the kids room.


Also this should be in the religion forum.

Not OP, but are you aware that many denominations do have rules about how nurseries and kids' rooms are staffed and run? Please ask. Some do use random parents but others require background checks and/or have strict "two unrelated adults present at all times" rules etc. And no decent church is going to require you to leave your child with anyone--but suggesting that there is a nursery or kids' room is not the same as ordering you to use it. I hope you don't walk out of a church if anyone merely points out that there is a program or place for children.

I do get the desire to be very careful but I also think you need to do some research and find a church that does have child care with which you can feel confident.

What will you do if you eventually want your child to be in a children's Sunday school class when he or she is a bit older?

[Anonymous]

They are the future of the church. Be thankful parents are bring them, and that they are there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are the future of the church. Be thankful parents are bring them, and that they are there.

+1. This is what weekly church was like for eons. Whole families, running around, chatter ... People who wanted quiet contemplation entered religious life.

[Anonymous]

Reminds me why I stopped going to services...because my special needs child wasn't welcome.

[Anonymous]

OP, I would use it as an opportunity to learn how to focus better. It sounds like church is done differently where you are. Try to be happy that the church is welcoming of everyone.