How do people make it to church regularly with little ones?

Wendy - posted on 02/24/2011

We are very active in our church. We have been members for 5 yrs. Our kids then were 2 (twins) and 5. We go every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. We were youth SS teachers for 2 yrs. Now we teach RAs and GAs on Wed. nights. My husband is also a deacon, which means he's there sometimes more. I'm also the chairman of the Hostess Committee. I was Secretary for a little over a yr until last Thanksgiving when I went full time into Mom and Homeschooling. All I can say is prepare the night before and get up a little earlier. If the Devil had his way we would never get there. Sometimes I say better late than never getting there at all.

Shilo - posted on 02/17/2011

I have four boys so I know how hard it can be. for the last few months I had been letting it slide, but I was reading my bible the other day and it was talking about how if you want to grow closer to God and other Christians church is an important part. my husband doesn't beleive the same way that I do and rarely goes to church with me so when he's home I have him keep my 17 month old, I don't know what I'd do if I had to drag all four of them with me alone every time!

Alison - posted on 02/03/2011

Our family has been going to church almost every Sunday before and since my girls were born (now 2 1/2 and 4 1/2). A lot of the time my husband and I have to show up early because we serve in the music ministry and children's ministry.

It stems from making it a priority first and foremost. And from there, you've just got to keep working at it. After over 4 years, we still have a lot of Sundays that are really tough and we are still learning ways to make things run smoother.

If I can get my girls to daycare and make it to work on time, I have no excuse to do any less for the Lord!

Amy - posted on 01/28/2011

God is more important than anything else...not to sound rude whatsoever..but if you're able to go to playdates, work, doctors appt, etc. on time, why not make time to go to church every week? Personally, that's just my way of looking at it. We go every week. I make sure my son is bathed and clothes laid out the night before, I get up a few mins earlier to make sure he gets fed and I'm ready on time (I also teach Sunday School) Doing those couple of things makes a big difference.

Tracy - posted on 01/24/2011

My first response was "usually late". LOL! I used to be pretty good about it when the kids were younger, but we would always have something going on before church, so I was always early. Bags were packed the night before and put by the door, car seats same location, it was a load and go sort of way. Now with teenagers and foster kids, we're usually walking in about 3-5 minutes late for Sunday school

Julie - posted on 01/24/2011

We attend church every Sunday. I make sure to have everything set up and ready the night before so that things go as smooth as possible. I also wake up a little before the kids to have a moment to start my day off with prayer and the get woke up and ready before getting the kids ready. Hope this helps :) Just remember it is important to attend church because that is were the body of Christ is. If we make our minds up that it is important and we must go then we will be more likely to find a way to make it work.

Cyndel - posted on 01/20/2011

My mom always had everything ready the night or day before. Clothes laid out, diaper bag packed, extra change of clothes prepared just in case, even an easy breakfast like muffins. Often she even put diaper bag etc in the car the night before. So all you have to do in the morning is wake kids up, feed them, dress them and put them in the car. Also she was completely ready before she woke us up when we were really young except for clothes she wore a robe so she wouldn't get her clothes dirty, then as dad put us in the car she dressed and went to the car. You have to plan ahead but it can be done.
I'm gonna have to do this soon, for now with just Gabriel (3) it is easy, but we will have baby no. 2 in a few months and it will be harder then. I hope this helps.

Crista - posted on 01/09/2011

I feel your pain. I have a 10 and 4 year and to get out of the house is a struggle no matter the reason. One thing I try to do is pack everything the night before. I put it by the things I know are going with me....Purse, coat, etc. As for being tired. I know that when i drink caffiene it disturbs my sleep. So maybe try cutting caffiene out of your diet for 2 weeks and see how you feel. Also try to get at least 8hrs of sleep. It is easier said then done, I know but it is worth a try. I hope this helps at least a little.

Jen - posted on 12/28/2010

God isn't about church, its about believing. If you can' make it to church, have your own little Church service at home. No harm in that and you are still praying to God with the fam!

Lindsay - posted on 12/24/2010

Make it a priority. Not matter if I get only 2 hours of sleep or the kids are being ultra difficult. I have been 30 minutes late to church (and only made it for the sermon). I simply make it a priority. It is one of the top ones just as making time for prayer, and listening to God every day are. Unless you make it a top priority, you won't get there

Nadine - posted on 12/21/2010

I'm not sure if this is the perfect solution, but I found bribery worked! If we got to church on time, and everyone behaved during the service, then I's stop by the bakery on the way home.

Tash - posted on 12/17/2010

Lol - I still get rushed off my feet, not only to Church on Sundays, etc but also during the school-runs & rushing to the office!! For me, I find its mostly lack of planning & sometimes procrastinating!!



I guess, if you know how long it takes u to shower, dress, make-up, breakfast & same estimate for your children then you won't wake up 'at-the-last-minute' like I do sometimes. It feels great & relaxed when we get to Church on time & with no rush.......its also important not only to prep things up the night before but also to go to bed early; most of all Pray for God's guidance.xx

Melissa - posted on 12/16/2010

Pray is my best advise to you and listen to these wonderful ladies once at church youll feel better.

Sarah - posted on 12/10/2010

I grew up being taught by my mom that just because we couldnt make it to church ( dad was against the idea) mom & I still prayed. We sang hymns as we walked from the store, we read the Bible. I have recently not been to church in quite a while but my circumstances if you knew them you would understand.I'm in the process of looking for a new church home. However, I'm not saying don't go to church, I am saying that on the occasion that life doesnt go the way you planned it, & throws a wrench into your world ex: kids are sick, friend or family visiting..... Just pray for God to forgive you read your Bible & have a Blessed day! That's what I do every morning not just on sunday!!!

Jennifer - posted on 12/08/2010

We also go to church every Sunday. It is what we do. And I like many of the other posts just plan ahead and get organized ahead of time. It isnt always easy to say the least, there are some times when we have odd color socks, hair not fully combed, etc but we make it. Our church is pretty laid back so if we do come in a few mins late, no big deal but since our church is small might have a problem finding a seat. I find that once we get to church, sit near the door to be able to make a quick exit if needed but rarely that is the case because now 7 month old goes to nursery, 3 year old in Sunday school and 12 yr old goes to youth group. Once I listen to the sermon and am filled with Gods words, the rest of the day is a piece of cake regardless of how the morning was. Keep working at it and give yourself credit for when you do make it. Also maybe an evening service would work better, if your church has one. You can do it!

Terri-lee - posted on 11/28/2010

i think first there needs to be a desire to make it a priority. if you have that, your off to a good start. We manage to get to church on time every single week faithfully even though we are almost an hour away from our place of fellowship. You can do it, if you really want to.

three things will see to it you get there every week, on time, happy :-)

1. a quality decision to do what it takes.
2. being organised.
3. starting church at home.

a quality decision is one you keep. Its not based on "oh im too tired today" or "oh i just feel like a quiet one at home this morning" or "oh we will just visit family today, aunt dora is over from london so you know.." well aunt dora isnt just there on sunday im sure she is there longer than one day. too tired? well go to bed earlier saturday night. lol. we can make excuses but at the end of the day, our prioritys will be where our heart lies. When we choose to make church a priority, we can then move forward to the next steps of being successful in our decision.

being organised. get everything ready the night before. busy on saturday night? okay get it ready on monday! or wednesday! have all your childrens outfit laid out or hanging up all together in the wardrobes. im talking even UNDERWEAR so your not running around looking for a sock, or pair of knickers, or headband or hair bobble. have each childs outfit ready. AND yours. and if your husband is no good at getting ready, his too. take the initiative to choose his clothes for him, or when he isnt busy, ask him what he would like to wear sunday so you can prepare it for him, ironed and hanging up where he can see it or get to it easily on sunday. also, you can even get breakfasts ready the night before. if ur kids all like weet bix, get the bowls out, put the sugar on em get the spoons out and cover with glad wrap... in the morning, just add the milk! same with baby needs, have as much as you can packed the night before. leaving only things you must do same day. such as bottles. have things you need in the car the night before. so everyones bibles, spare change of clothes for little grubby ones, your bits and pieces like sunnies. even pre-packed baby bags can go in there and just put the food in there in the morning when you go. make sure your tank of petrol is filled up sometime in the week close to sunday so you dont have to do the dreaded "oh we need to fill up!" stop that takes ten mins extra of your time. have all the kids have there baths or showers the night before. you too! that way hubby can have his if he wants in the morning, while your busy with makeup, hair and children! lol. also, if you need to, keep it simple. its all very nice to turn up to church with perfect curled hair and intricately detailed eye makeup, but if it makes you get there late, and it makes your kids scream and whine at your legs while you spend all that time on yourself, its not worth it. theres nothing wrong with a less striking makeup compilation and a neat ponytail with a beautiful outfit. be sensible, were not teens with 3 hours to get ready all on our own anymore. lollll. (hard lesson learned here!)

and thirdly, theres no use being organised, if your kids are going to complain and be miserable all morning.You want it to be a pleasant experience... from the moment they get up right throughout the day. this means, Jesus is going to have to be a part of there lives, not just a part of there sundays. church cant be just something they "do" but a lifestyle. You probably already do this... but praying over your meals at dinner time, sitting with your children when they are old enough to understand and encouraging them to pray a short prayer of thanks and protection before bed, teaching them the word in fun ways, bringing God into your life, playing kids praise music in the car, are easy ways to make the Lord an every day joy in there lives. On sunday, its important for you and your husband to have a good attitude also. if they hear "oh im so tired, id love to sleep in today" while your getting ready, they are going to automatically default to "church is something mummy and daddy HAVE to do, so we HAVE to do it too." show them its something you WANT to do. something you get joy out of. wake them up with a smile on your face, sing praise as you get ready, or just talk about church in a positive way "guess where we are going today?! church! we get to hear the word, see our friends, how fun!" and in the car, have worship or praise on low. these are just basic ways of making church preparation FUN or at least positive for your kids.

my 14 month old daughter claps her hands and raises them up high when i say "church day today, praise the Lord!!!"... she knows already its a GOOD day. a fun time out, and something worth celebrating.

with God's help, you can be faithful to go to church every single week, and enjoy every single moment.
bless you!

ps...i agree, if your sick or your kids are,... stay home. we should be sensible. God says Him first, family second, work third, church fourth. unfortunately people thing church and God are in the same category. lol

Tabitha - posted on 11/18/2010

Get everything ready the night before, so that you can just gather your kids and go!!! My husband is in the Army so I frequently have to get my 2 toddlers and myself ready and on the road for church alone. I know it's hard, but I heard something a long time ago that pushes me when I need it. It goes something like this: For every reason you can justify skipping church, there are at least two reasons to go. 1 so the devil doesn't win (and excuses are the ways the devil distracts us) and 2 you need fellowship with fellow Christians. It's such a good talking-to, that I am always there- even now that I'm pregnant with our third child and totally exhausted!!!

Alisha - posted on 11/06/2010

It is hard waking up, I'll say that! My church starts at 10 am so it's not too bad, but my daughter is the first one up and cheery eyed reminding me that she wants to go to church. Just that comment, motivates me and also teaching her about the Lord is the most important lesson I can ever give her. You just have to do it and maybe even take a nap after if your kids will with you?! Just put it into your schedule like eating dinner, just plan on going and then go! I know it's hard but if you are excited about it your children will be as well.

Vernita - posted on 11/03/2010

Sis, it ain't easy. You probably have to start the day before and get things in order. That's what we do, get the clothes together, shoes, hair done etc. It can become stressful, but press to be blessed.

Margaret - posted on 11/03/2010

I would suggest investing yourself into your church by volunteering to teach Sunday school, being a greeter, or baking for coffee hour. These are things you can do WITH your children which would encourage them to be invested also. It would be easier if the whole family wants to be there.
Also I would suggest to be involved in growing in the word... through Bible studies, adult Sunday school ect... When you have the fever for the word it will feel worse for you to NOT be in church than it will to rush around to get there. But above all be easy with yourself - if you are working full time and rushing the family each day God does understand if you need to crash on a Sunday. But don't forget to worship and talk to God in your own way on that particular Sunday. There are many sermons you can listen to online now a days. But be sure to surround yourself with other believers who can share your values and encourage you in your attempts to make it to church.
Good luck.

Anne - posted on 10/24/2010

Planning, planning, planning. I used to pack their bag the night before, lay out all their clothes, shoes, socks, coats, blankets, etc.. I had a checklist to ensure I had everything for church. I got up 2 hours before everyone else to get me all ready, then I would get the kids ready (and I had 3 little ones). I would also pack the car the night before, so that morning all I really had to do was to get everyone dressed in the morning and out the door. I only gave them a snack in the morning because I made it a special time to have breakfast with grandma and grandpa after church, and I had snacks in their diaper bag. It is not an easy task, and yes exhaustion makes it even harder and I was on my own, my husband left us when I had my 3rd child, with a 3yo, 2 yo and new born. It can be done, just takes dedication, routine and lots of preplanning. (don't forget to plan in extra time for that 2nd diapers change or vomit of the baby!) and sometimes, life happens and you are late, and thats ok!! God bless you for being so faithful in making the effort where many families just eliminate church when they have little ones, cause, well because of hundreds of excuses. Your children will one day treasure your faithfulness, mine are 14, 14, 13, 10 and they do now! Church on Sunday morning is our life, and they continue to follow my routine from when they were little. ONly now its breakfast with our own family after church!

Glenda - posted on 10/19/2010

I have 4 kids (18m to 11.5y) and I usually make it to church, but I'm almost always late. LOL! A few tips that help me are these: 1) Lay out clothes the night before; 2) Load everything you'll need for church into the car the night before; 3) Allow 5 extra minutes PER CHILD to your schedule; & 4) Just do what you can and don't worry about the rest. All too soon little ones grow up and you're left with just the memories. I find it very strange that my kids can get ready for school in 30 min. at 7am every M-F, but can't get ready for church in 1 hour at 8am once a week.

Amy - posted on 09/29/2010

My husband and I have a wonderful church that has a saturday night service and then on sunday one at 9am and the other at 11am. We like going to Saturday night because we arent rushed to get stuff together. If you can find a chuch that has several time options, that way you can go to the one that keeps you on the sane side. lol

Judith - posted on 09/28/2010

I have 4 children and this has been a challenge too. However, I made up my mind to make going to church a priority in our lives because the Bible says, train up a child in the way he should go and when he grows up, he will not depart from it. The enemy has put a lot of distractions on ground to take our children from the path of righteousness and I believe that if they get busy in God's house very early in their lives, they will be adequately prepared for the temptations ahead.

The first thing I did was to ask for God's help and wisdom, I still do this daily. My husband has been a great help thus far.

The night before, we pick out our clothes; I also make them go to bed as early as they do on school nights. On the mornings, I have my bath before I wake them, we get to church earlier. Dad assists the children with their bath while, I get their breakfast ready and pack their bags. I also assist with their dressing up before I get dressed. Most days, we get to church late but we try very hard to get to church on sundays.

Hope this helps.

Kelly - posted on 09/24/2010

My suggestion is you first have to start with your mind..and know that you want to be there..and you want your children exposed to truth..and just do it... It is hard at times..but when the enemy knows where we struggle, he will camp on it.. He does not want you in the Lord's house to receive the truth and wisdom that God has for you and your family..Just make it up in your mind, and do it!! I will be praying for you this Sunday that you will make it.

Kimberly - posted on 09/24/2010

I know I'm really late on this but I have 3 kids, 2 are twins who have special needs. They are older now so it's not a big issue but some things that helped me were getting as much done the night before, letting the kids have very easy convenient food, and not stressing about going to Sunday school.
Get clothing laid out the night before, the diaper bag packed, baths, etc. Make breakfast something simple that they love.

Robyn - posted on 09/20/2010

Well we use to go on Sundays but it was overcrowded in the family room. Like there was no place to sit. So we started going on Saturday nights. We found a service that was not so busy. Which was great because if we walked in late no one gives you the stink eye. Sometimes we might show up 15mins late but it is better then not going at all. And believe me I have been so exhausted where I just did not want to go. But I keep telling myself I have to do this for my son. He needs this and most likely I do too. But my son really motivates me to go. He is just a baby so its hard to get out of the house. But I also have help from my husband. We have a routine. He takes a shower and I get the baby dressed and get the sunblock. In our house the diaper bag is usually always ready to go out the door with the exception of bottles. But thats real easy. Their usually made the night before. After my husband is done I jump in the shower and get ready. Then I grab the baby and my husband the diaper bag and off we go. We also bought one of those umbrella strollers. Wow what a difference that makes when getting in and out of the car. Our other stroller is just too bulky and the umbrella stroller is light and easy to setup. Especially for short trips like church. Their not that expensive either and do not take up much room in the car.

Linda - posted on 09/18/2010

It is so hard! I have 3 girls ages 4, 3, and 1. My husband is not a Christian and does not attend church with us making it even harder to get out of the house by 8:45am! If I want to go then it is completely up to me to get them dressed, fed and have bags packed. My girls love church though which makes it a bit easier to get them motivated to get ready. We do baths the night before for all 3 of them and try to have bags packed ahead of time as well.

Candi - posted on 09/17/2010

I agree with the other posts. I used to teach Sunday School, so we had to be there early. I had to dress my youngest right before we walked out the door. If I dressed her early, she would undress when I ws busy with something else and her clothes, shoes, socks would be all over the house and impossible to find! All it takes is a little planning.

Terri-lee - posted on 09/17/2010

PS... you mentioned how tired you are.
its normal for women who have had kids to have iron deficiency. go get a blood test. if they can put you on iron tablets, youll be bouncing off the walls within three days of taking them! believe me!

otherwise it could be just practical things like, getting to bed early enough each night.

also, STRESS is a huge fatigue monster. and only God can help you with that one. Lay things aside for prayer. no matter what. no matter how hard it might be... its worth it. time in His presence renews our strength and gives us new gusto for life!

Terri-lee - posted on 09/17/2010

routine. if you want it enough, youll do it. its a case of having things ready well before sunday morning. even if you have to on monday put aside church clothes for everyone! lol... we all have to go the extra mile to do what is right. Sometimes it takes practice. How many kids do you have? if a woman i know can get her, 4 kids and her husband to church EARLY EVERY SUNDAY ... AND pick up two people from our youth group who dont have Chrsitian parents to drive them to church as well.. i believe ANYONE can get to church every week and get there on time. you just have to be organised.

have your childrens clothes for church, all hung up, washed and ironed in there wardrobes, ready to go. and your own outfit too. this saves "what to wear... oh is that on the line? hmmm...aaahh!" in the morning and saves time. go down to the last detail if you can, shoes, accessories for the girls, undies and socks whatever. all together so it isnt in the wash, or on the line, or under the bed on the day.
have your kids take a shower of bath the night before so that the shower is free for you and hubby in the morning. You get up one hour earlier than everyone else, so you can get ready in peace. yknow, bit of makeup, get dressed, eat something, pray. even if it means a 5 or 6am wakeup... its ONCE A WEEK for GOD!!! if your husband is unorganised, you could even do the clothes thing for him if he doesnt mind.

breakfast. quick and easy but nourising breakfast for the kids. if they have cerial and toast... the night before, pour the cerial into bowls (cover them of course) and set out cups and spoons so that all you have to do is pour on milk and shove the toast into the toaster.

pack all bags night before or earlier. If kids need toys or a book or food, or formula etc, get it all ready in advance. for babies and toddlers, nappies, wipes, rugs, toys etc can all be put in a bag ready to go at the front door and just add food and drink in the morning (which can be premade in fridge most of the time)

things you know you will need, like a pram, bibles, jackets, etc, can all be put in the car the day or night before so your not rushing around last minute for essentials!

for the kids, easy shoes. dont bother with laces if your kids havent mastered it yet. use there velcroe or slip on shoes so they can do it themselves. from your photo, it looks like they are old enough to dress themselves, at least your boy. teach your kids to do things for themselves which will help you. if you have what they are supposed to wear sitting on the end of there bed or hanging within reach, and they have bathed the night before, there is no reason why they shouldnt be able to put ther clothes on unsupervised. u just check everything is right once they are done.

routine, order, this is the only way. I get up at 4:30 every sunday morning, because we live a bit of a distance from church, i have a family, and get there early enough to set up, be involved in the prayer meeting and help out on the praise and worship team. HOW??? i get a VERY early night no matter what so im not a zombie, and im very organised. at first it was soooo hard because i was never a very organised person. even in my household growing up, it was perfectly normal to be half an hour late to everything... or more... there was never order or routine, it was chaos, so i never learned... but when i got married and started my own family and gave my life to the Lord, i knew there was a more excellent way...and with a cheerful attitude and some self discipline,... ANYONE can do it. yourself included :-) dont give up. just make a quality decision to be faithful to God and to your Church family. Show your kids that God is worth the effort!

thats another thing. when you are organised, you arent flustered and agitated. your kids will find the whole thing alot easier to follow and alot more peaceful, and they will actually look forward to church. when mummy is stressing, rushed, and annoyed, it makes church rather undesirable.

Do it for God, do it for your family.

You go supermum!

Jill - posted on 09/16/2010

pray that God gives you the strength and energy to attend church every Sunday and on time.... i myself do my best to attend but we do not make it every week... my husband works weekends and sometimes gets home to late from his overnight shifts or has to work on sundays... its not impossible for me to go with my 3 kids alone but i like to go as a family .. so for the most part we try to get there every week...

if i don;t make it i listen to another churches sermons on line... which is perfect for me....

Sharon - posted on 09/14/2010

planning honey! lol:-) I had a 18 month old, and a newborn, and my 13 year old went to another church, I would make sure everyones clothes were layed out and ready the night before, so we didn't have to rush around looking for stuff, give baths on Saturday, get up early allow 1/2 hour per person to get out on time. see how that works.

Melissa - posted on 08/10/2009

We bathe our boys the night before. We usually have a simple breakast too, easy to make & clean up. We rarely miss a Sunday, except if we are on vacation or someone is sick. Plus it helps that our boys really enjoy going to church :)

Shari - posted on 08/09/2009

i really can't say that i do alot of this because most of the time i work saturday night but i always know couple days before sunday what my son gonna wear and my sister makes sure he has bath the night before and i do the same for myslef or up 30 mins before i normally get ready but on top of that i get everything he needs for church and put it aside for morning.. and we always have a time that we are out of the house because we live about 15 mins away from our church that we go to... time is everything... best of luck to you

Nikkia - posted on 07/29/2009

We try to have everything ready the night before. They both have their baths, their clothes laid out the night before. My husband is in the band so it is usually just me getting them up and ready because he has to be their early. Now that we have the routine down it goes much smoother. We also aim to be their early. If we are running a little behind, we are still on time and if not it gives us time to socialize some before the service.

Theressa - posted on 07/29/2009

Talk to your minister about othere services. Sunday services does not make Christians, neither does the ones during the week. Practice what you belief. You can go to a midweek service, when kids are not around.

Dawn - posted on 07/28/2009

I limit the extra sleep my son gets by an hour. That way he still is sleeping in, but we have plenty of time to get ready.

Paula - posted on 07/24/2009

I know what you mean, we're late, but we get there, and it's a 2 person effort. Planning ahead works for me. Baths the night before, lay their clothes out. Make sure everything I need is in the diaper bag...

Melissa - posted on 07/24/2009

Just make yourself get up and GO! That is what we do. I have a 2 year old and a 13 month old and we go 3 times a week. There is no discussion time with them, I get them up, grab breakfast, put them in clothes, and we go. Plus they LOVE church, so they love getting ready. They take naps after we get home and eat lunch, then hubby and I relax, until its time to wake them for evening service.
Done.

Heather - posted on 07/20/2009

Hello. My name is Heather. I have 5 children, ages 1,2,4,6, and 8. Yes I have trouble getting up in the morning and getting to church on time, I find going to the 2nd or late service helps, if this is not an option, then I get all the kids clothes, shoes, and socks out and lay them on the couch the night before church. This ussually helps for a quick dress, then it's breakfast a face wash and out the door by 9am.

Antoinette - posted on 07/14/2009

We go to church on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. I have two girls and what I do on Tuesday and Thursday I get home from work make sure my girls have taking there bath and get them ready to go. making sure that everyone get something to eat.And I will agree with you about being tired. I have to push myself because I know that god is so good and I need to give him all my time if I want to hear him say well done that good and faith servant at the end. I will say the days you know you have church you should start early make it a routine then it will come easier for you and your family.

Lisa - posted on 07/12/2009

I made sure I showered the night before and that the kids are bathed the night before so I have less to do in the morning. When I had to pick out the clothes I did that the night before. That way when we get up in the morning, eating breakfast and getting dressed are pretty much all we need to do. I put my face on after getting dressed and then we are out the door. For awhile I ended up getting up a little earlier to make sure there was enough time. If I found I had time left over I knew I could sleep a little longer next time. There were some mornings I just couldn't seem to get motivated but for the most part I set that feeling aside and knew it would be worth it once I was there.

Hope that is helpful. :-)

Jennifer - posted on 07/12/2009

Have you prayed about it? Ask the Lord to help you get to church on time. He wants you there so He will definitely help you get there. :)

TinaMarie - posted on 07/12/2009

Great Advice Ladies !!! The only things I can add are as follows, #1.Sit close to the exit, try hard to come back in once you've settled your little one down. (You are setting a pattern that you will correct misbehavior and return for worship).#2. Even if you end up spending a lot of time in the nursery you are setting a pattern of church attendance.#3. Remember that church isn't just for worship and fellowship but training too, (setting patterns while they are young, will serve you all well for may years to come.)#4. THIS is the hardest, IGNORE those who may turn, frown or comment . If it takes a village to train a child, claim your church as your village and dig in. This is what a church family is supposed to do. We had our girls in church the first week they were born and do even today. THERE WILL COME A DAY; when you can relax and enjoy the worship and fellowship. Think of it as putting your dos in early so you can reap the benefits later. I so admire your efforts, and at some point everyone else will if they don't already! Love Because of Jesus', TinaMarie
P.S. Mine are 22, 21 and 15, and we would sometimes bring others with us. I'm a ministers wife, I've seen a lot and this is the best advice that NO ONE every gave me. Oh and when you or the children are sick ( where others my catch it ) feel free to stay home and worship there. It's the right thing to do for everyones best interest. God Bless You!

Kristol - posted on 07/10/2009

Quoting Christa:

My little girl is 18 months and we have a hard time because her nap time is right in between our two services, neither one really works well. So if she messes up her nap or doesn't fall right to sleep we don't make it. I think you try the best you can but I think being a good Christian is about more then just showing up to church every Sunday. If kids are screaming and the morning is total chaos and nobody is happy about going, that doesn't make for very prepared hearts to be in church. As they get older it will get easier. It's most important that you make sure the Jesus is the most important part of their lives, whether you make it to church or not.

I completely understand this situation.  My husband and I have been out of church for almost two years because of this and we recently decided to attend a service because we were filling lead to do so.  I am a stay at home mom and our little ones are only one and two years old so they don't really socialize with other kids often and are glued to us daily. 

The services offered are between nap time so it was complete chaos.  We didn't put them in the daycare that the church offers out of fear of seeing our children's names scrolling across the church's big screen alerting us to come and get them from the daycare when kids become to difficult to handle.

We sat in the "family section" for parents with children in the main santuary but the kids where whining and crawling over both of us so much that my husband and I grew frustrated and couldn't really receive the message that our pastor was giving.  Until the kids are a bit older, we've decided to take turns attending church.

Jessa - posted on 07/09/2009

Try not to stress too much. It is important to go and to make sure that you get your kids there, but try not to feel guilty if everything isn't perfect and if you find it hard to focus. Church has been super stressful for me since my youngest son was born-he was very challenging before and during church services. He still has things that he tries to pull, but the worse part was just a phase.

Alice - posted on 07/09/2009

Church is important but being super dressed up isn't. If you are in a Christian church then it isn't a fashion show. Get dressed and get the kids dressed as you would any other day. Pack whatever you want to take the night before or have a church only bag. Get your husband to help, even if all he will do is hold the one who is ready. God will bless your efforts.

Brandi - posted on 07/09/2009

We go, but we're usually late. A suggestion I have is to have one bag that is a "church" bag. We keep stickers, notepad, small books, diapers, wipes, snacks, and a sippy cup in that bag at all times. Of course, we have to constantly replenish the snacks and change out the sippy cup. But, it comes in handy every Sunday.

Sam - posted on 07/09/2009

What church do you attend? I need to go... for refueling. Maybe you should consider where you are going. At my church are my best friends. The lessons are always exactly what I needed to hear. They don't allow kids in the adult services so it's my quiet time to refocus. Without it my week just does not go the same way. I go to a non-denominational church called Calvary Chapel. I grew up going to Episcopal church and Catholic school. But never felt the way that i do since i have gone to CC.

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