Church Pew Activities for Young Children

You may be struggling as a parent in simply deciding whether or not you would rather have your child stay in the church nursery during worship or stay with you.
The benefits of staying with you are that your child, starting out at a young age, will become very accustomed to the surroundings and the events that happen during your worship service.

Most pastors/priests do not have any problem with the children. Children are going to be children. They are not always going to be quiet and most people realize that and even have an area for young parents which allows them to step out for a few moments if the need arises. Some parents would like to be able to hear all of the worship service, so they may choose to have their child placed in the nursery. That parent will have to decide at what point should their child be in the church and how best to make that transition.

Some worship services also include a 'Children's Moment' or 'Children's Sermon' and then allow the children to go to a nursery, accommodating a combination of both.

For the Little Tyke (under the age of 3)

Please realize that your child is at the age when sitting still is NOT what they want to do most. Allowing movement within your pew area that you are comfortable with or in the back will be up to you and would be a normal expectation. You are probably already bringing a bag of some kind to church as a part of your normal routine. Or set up a separate bag for church of quieter activities that your child can do.

Ideas may include:
1. Stuffed dolls or animals
2. Rubber blocks, or snap-together beads
3. Cloth books and board books
4. You can check out your local Dollar Store for bible stories that your child can hold and look through during worship.

For the Preschool Child

Your child is getting ready to sit for short periods of time and can do quiet activities. If your child is exposed to these kinds of things at home or at daycare, then he/she will do fine in church.