parents, what do you think about this?

Question

At the church I attend, there's a handful of parents who keep their young kids in the main service instead of putting them in the nursery or Sunday school.  The kids aren't really out of control, but they're too young to sit quietly for an hour.  I understand parents who don't want to put their young infants in the nursery, but these kids are probably all 1-4 years old.  I find it distracting and a little annoying to listen to children crying, talking, etc. during church.  And the church has good children's classes, so it's not like keeping them in the main service is the only option. Am I being unreasonable?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I think people should be allowed to keep their children in the service if they choose. If the kids are being loud and disruptive then they need to be removed until they calm down but I don't think it's fair that kids can't be a part of the service if the parents want them there. Church is also a safe environment for kids to learn to behave in public.

Proud Mommy · Answer

If it bothers you, then I guess it bothers you, but there isn't much you can do if your church doesn't make it mandatory that young children go to the nursery school classes. If I attended a church and my 2 year old didn't want to attend the classes, then I wouldn't make her and if she got a little loud or out of hand, i'd take her out and calm her down, but she has just as much right to sit through the service as anyone else does and if she isn't being loud, then I don't feel that it would be a problem. A child being loud or unreasonable is one that is talking loudly, screaming, running around, etc. A child making a noise here and there or a whimper here or there isn't anything to get bent out of shape about...if a child is throwing a temper tantrum or won't be quiet, then that is different, but otherwise I don't feel that its a problem. Children learn by experiences and always taking them out of situations isn't the only solution..plenty of young children sit through church services and have been for years and years..its a learning experience.

honey · Answer

I don't attend church, but I think for alot of families it is a time to be with there family, teach there children there beliefs and how to be behaved in church.  some kids don't cooperate, talk and pay no attention but it is the parents choice.  If they want to go to church so do only when they have kids and go because it is the right thing to do in there minds.

I do understand your point.  You are there to follow your belief, listen and pray. Is there a different mass you could attend that wont have as many children.  Early on sunday morning or saturday evening mass.  If you are very involved in your church...ask the priest/pastor if he has thought of having a childrens mass, or a mass at a time that adults with older children or no children could attend without distraction.

You are not being unreasonable.  You want to go to church and not have distractions but, families with small children want to go to chruch also.  I see both points, yours is he only one with a con.

~CHLOE~ Mother to 2 gorgeous boys · Answer

I dont go to church but recently went to a service while my friend's baby got chistened... and I was shocked when they asked if i wanted to put my son in Sunday School!  I had to go with him cause he didnt know any of the carers/other kids and i felt guilty if i stayed cause it felt like no-one wanted us there

My opinion is that if the parents wants thier children with them, thats thier choice - i dont like being made to hand my child over to someone else 

But i do understand how it can annoy you!! A crying baby can be frustrating

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parents, what do you think about this?

4 Answers