We have sat in a pew in front of a desperate dad, with a grouchy toddler, and only one toy in the diaper bag which happened to jingle.
Last week we were at mass with our six year old who wrote notes, attached star stickers and passed them around (there were 7 of us in pew/together).
Neither one of those particularly bothered me. But I NOTICED.
I am collecting stuff for a Kids's church bag as I see it.
The rule on my bag is only one thing at a time. If you want the next great thing, have to put the first great thing away (no passing).
And all my things will be pretty silent.
And if they can be church related, that is preferred.
Board religious books (with great pictures, maybe no words) are the first thing to come to mind.
Other ideas please?
Story of my paternal gradmother's purse.
I remember my grandmother well. But actually I do not remember this "magical" aspect/fact about her purse (at all).
My mother has always said, very fondly, that my paternal grandmother could easily, quietly passify many children with her sort of magical purse.
My grandmother had a sixteen year spread between between the oldest and youngest of her own four children. And her first grandchild arrived when her own youngest was about 4-5. So I think she never got out of "mom thinking". Her head stayed in the game.
My mom said magical things would appear out of grandma's purse and be passed down the pew or across the table. Colored pencils, bits of fun paper. I am not sure what all. I do not think any of this would have been purchased for kids. I have a feeling she kept her eyes open and picked up samples and bits and simply stuck them in her purse.
My mom did not actually do a lot with kids. She really never got IN the game, so I can see how obvious things in a purse would seem magical to her (and normal to me as a child).
And if she was somewhere with a fussy child (and had nothing) and her MIL always had an answer in her purse, it would seem great.
To this day, and starting very, very young, my own kids ALWAYS bring things with them. A book, homework, earbuds/music/audio book, something.
I do not care for a fidgeting, bored kid. We are a busy family. Sometimes there is a wait or delay. Sometimes one thing leads to another. They all have learned to think ahead, bring a sweater, wear the right shoes, bring a water Kanteen and perhaps a snack, and something to do.
Last week we were at mass with our six year old who wrote notes, attached star stickers and passed them around (there were 7 of us in pew/together).
Neither one of those particularly bothered me. But I NOTICED.
I am collecting stuff for a Kids's church bag as I see it.
The rule on my bag is only one thing at a time. If you want the next great thing, have to put the first great thing away (no passing).
And all my things will be pretty silent.
And if they can be church related, that is preferred.
Board religious books (with great pictures, maybe no words) are the first thing to come to mind.
Other ideas please?
Story of my paternal gradmother's purse.
I remember my grandmother well. But actually I do not remember this "magical" aspect/fact about her purse (at all).
My mother has always said, very fondly, that my paternal grandmother could easily, quietly passify many children with her sort of magical purse.
My grandmother had a sixteen year spread between between the oldest and youngest of her own four children. And her first grandchild arrived when her own youngest was about 4-5. So I think she never got out of "mom thinking". Her head stayed in the game.
My mom said magical things would appear out of grandma's purse and be passed down the pew or across the table. Colored pencils, bits of fun paper. I am not sure what all. I do not think any of this would have been purchased for kids. I have a feeling she kept her eyes open and picked up samples and bits and simply stuck them in her purse.
My mom did not actually do a lot with kids. She really never got IN the game, so I can see how obvious things in a purse would seem magical to her (and normal to me as a child).
And if she was somewhere with a fussy child (and had nothing) and her MIL always had an answer in her purse, it would seem great.
To this day, and starting very, very young, my own kids ALWAYS bring things with them. A book, homework, earbuds/music/audio book, something.
I do not care for a fidgeting, bored kid. We are a busy family. Sometimes there is a wait or delay. Sometimes one thing leads to another. They all have learned to think ahead, bring a sweater, wear the right shoes, bring a water Kanteen and perhaps a snack, and something to do.
