Sunday Morning Routine // Helping Young Children Sit Through Church

Today we are going to be sharing with you how we prepare and train our children to sit in church with us for a full 90 minute church service every Sunday. Conviction might be too strong of a word, but we would say it’s a conviction that we have when it comes to worshipping together as a family with the corporate body. It is way worth it to us to go through the extra steps and hassle to sit all together and worship the Lord as a family when we go to church on Sunday.
A good Sunday morning starts the week before on Sunday night! When we have our family evening routines, it is so crucial that we’ve designated time to be together as a family every evening sitting down and reading together. We’re always reading some sort of book, and almost always incorporating some type of singing as a family too. What we’ve found ourselves doing more and more is that we sit on the couch aligned how we would be sitting in our row at church. This really helps us set the expectation for the kids that this is normal. We sit like this all week long that when it comes to our row at church, they know right where to go.
It’s such a cool privilege, great opportunity and responsibility as a parent to be able to set this tone and create an appetite for our children that looks forward to worshipping together. There should be celebration in that! It does require some self-control, but the last thing we want for our kids when they’re growing up, is to have this association with the Lord’s day as being something that is negative.
This is not something that we expect perfection from our kids. They are children. They lose the context of where they are at and if they want the red crayon from their sibling and their sibling is not giving it to them, they will make a scene if we don’t get on it really quickly. Anything of value is going to require work. The value that we see in this is so great. The work that we do does not seem laborious by any means. It’s a training opportunity. We really embrace it as an opportunity to teach our children how to behave in public, sit still, control their bodies, to focus and value what we value which is Christ and what He’s done for us!
Mentioned in video:
- "12 Things we DO NOT Do in Our Family (and the reasons why . . . )" - • 12 Things we DO NOT Do...
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Timestamps:
00:00-1:46 - Intro
1:46-7:46 - How to prepare during the week
7:46-9:02 - VMA discount code
9:02-14:06 - Working to help kids be engaged
14:06-15:33 - Parent’s role/kid’s expectations
15:33-17:49 - Sunday morning routine
17:49-19:48 - At church before service starts routine
19:28-22:29 - Type of church we attend
22:29-27:17 - Drawing/snacks/gum reward
27:17-29:13 - Establishing expectations/growing confidence
29:13-30:42 - Building endurance
30:42-31:48 - Sitting positions/closing

[@jmp1231]

Let’s be honest - the crying mother’s room isn’t too far off😅🤣

[@meganmartin3244]

That's what I thought too! 😆

[@jeslovesjesus]

😂😂😂

[@ashleysterr7279]

That made me laugh out loud because… yes 😂😂

[@jessicabrown6943]

I was thinking “wait a minute… a crying mother room might be a good idea some days!” 😂😂😂

[@jcav7]

I actually laughed out loud 😂

[@ravenhy]

I love my latin mass parish! It does the exact same thing. Full of large families 5-9 kids and all the kids sit with us the entire time! Beautiful thing. There's a quote about parish life that says "if it aint crying its dying." We need those crying babies in church! Ive seen them change when the parents are convicted to having them there.

[@Clutterfreecarli]

I listen to every Podcast each Tuesday and watch every video every Thursday!! Tuesday’s and Thursdays have become my favorite days because I know I’ll be more encouraged in my faith! My husband had now started listening to the podcasts too! We just Love you guys ! Thanks for all you do ❤

[@maddiebarry5546]

Crying mother’s room 🤣🙋🏻‍♀️ thank you so much for the practical tips!! That added serious value to this video!

[@claire6232]

I was SO happy to see this video pop up! I asked in a comment for this and so thankful you answered. My husband and I just moved to Idaho with our 13 month old and are looking for our church. We struggled a lot with our first service. Our son has had a tough time with the move and was particularly wiggly and vocal. Which is particularly *hilarious* because he’s the most calm little one anywhere else. We have a strong conviction to keep him with us to worship, but feel bad that he is probably so distracting to others.. especially since we are new! We will put these things into practice! Thanks so much for the detailed tips and being real about your struggles as well.

[@HerCupOfSIMPLE]

What a great video!!❤ watching right now! Can't wait to hear!😊

[@NadiaOboznyy]

Thanks for the great ideas! Love how you bring your values into everything you do, it's inspiring to me ! Its awesome to hear that there are other families out there that would rather go through the struggle of training than just letting the kids take over. Good job and thanks for the great example !

[@Dana-mb1hd]

I’ve been struggling with this on sundays at church-I definitely needed this video thank you guys so much! ❤❤❤

[@maryprice8458]

Appreciate the positive perspective and humility in this video😊

[@elisevick225]

Sooo excited to see this come out!! People have given us a lot of hate recently for choosing to do this, and I know this will be encouraging! Haven’t even watched yet lol!🤍

[@ruthywil]

I loooove you guys. I looove your values, I loooove your sincerity, I enjoy so much listening your experience and conviction. It is so weird that you are younger than me but I learn so much from you, it is incredible.

[@edramos975]

Thank you for this video.

[@lovinglifefreely]

Love this! I'm so glad to hear you sit next to each other when kids are with you. My husband and I did too when our kids were young. It saddens me when I see families at church and even with the kids older the parents are sitting on far ends from each other. I so agree about the music, my husband & I have had to leave churches due to wrong teaching or loud comercialized music or services.

[@homeschoolmom779]

Great video ❤ I found that taking my kids to pick out their own bibles at bookstore has helped. I also made a DIY felt board and bought bible felt stories to teach them at home 🙌 can't wait to get started on that

[@christyclark876]

This was great. Thanks so much!

[@kellymedina1432]

Loved this so much!! ❤

[@colombia2009ish]

So helpful and so good. Thank you!

[@darielhelge]

Thank you for this video. I struggle on Sunday’s at church as it’s just me with 4 kiddos and I’m now expecting my 5th also. My kids are about the same age as yours. I have a 7 yr old, a 5 yr old, a 4 yr old and a 18 month old. Right now my older two attend the church children’s church but I’m thinking of keeping them with me. Thank you for all of the tips and tricks. Will definitely be practicing at home all that you’ve mentioned. God bless! ❤️

[@kristie8894]

Such helpful tips. I have 3 kids 3 and under. My husband and I have been navigating this and starting fresh for our kids since the families we came from aren’t believers. Thank you!!

[@joellaspaans]

what a great topic to talk about. we have a kids club during services but several times a year we also have family services where the kids sit with their parents. I love the idea of training your kids during the week. I feel like this would also help sitting still in school and other occasions.

[@jessicaspieker3910]

These are great tips. Also some encouragement, it has been my experience that kids will just eventually learn to sit through service somewhere between 2 and 3 years old just by going regularly. Also training them to sit at restaurants helps them with this. And when your older kids are sitting nicely the younger kid will take notice. It can be a struggle but i like the idea of practicing sitting quietly at home more. I will definitely be practicing this with my almost 2 year old.

[@brendaomeze6851]

I laughed at the crying mother's room a bit too hard...maybe he hit home with that one 😂

[@dorisdeal8729]

You guys crack me up 😂😂😂😅 love your videos! This was so very helpful! Thank you for all of the tips! ❤

[@unraveledmotherhood]

Loved this episode our family has the same conviction, our service is in the evening 4:30pm but the same tricks apply as it is right before dinner (our church does potluck every week and fellowships over dinner). One thing I found is my attitude going into church and how I interact with the kids before church really sets the tone. If I take the drive over to church to set expectations it also helps a lot. My husband sometimes helps with the service so those days are trickier but having people within the church I trust to hold the 3 mo old or sit with my 4 & 5 year while I discipline or talk to the toddler has been so helpful.

[@rebeccamorel796]

I loved this! Our 5 kiddos sit in the service with us and we have had a pretty good system, but we are expecting baby #6 in a few months so I was just thinking we need to reassess a few things and drill down on a few behaviors before the baby is born! Perfect timing for this video 😂👏🏻

[@taylorconner2705]

This was so great!! I have a 7 month old baby so this was very encouraging to me and I felt like I could relate to a lot of this 😊

[@katiesims3075]

Your discount ad scared me so bad! 😂 sitting here cleaning while the kids are asleep i was terrified! But its all good i had a good laugh about it at how silly i was 😂

[@thegreatquillow]

I love it! We grew up all sitting together in church. 8 kids, and it sure was lots of training at home! Currently we are in a missionary church plant and all the moms take turns teaching the 4-8year old Sunday School class and there is a nursery. We’ve made different choices for this season for our family to be as involved as possible. (L This video was timely to help me think through how we’re going to practice sitting in church when we go visit my family for an extended period. Thank you!

[@amandaburke5662]

Thanks so much for all of these tips, you guys! We have 4 services/week. The kids sit with us for 2/4 and this was helpful to put some more tools in our toolbox 🥰. Pack of gum, coming right up! 😄

[@hannahbaker2856]

My husband and I have been doing this with our little (currently 16 months, started around 2 months). In the Anglican tradition, one normal practice is the Daily Office from the Book of Common Prayer (a short or a 20-30 minute version of Morning Prayer or Evening Prayer) with the readings assigned for each day. It also helps that this tradition also uses the exact same order of service every week, so Little One knows what to expect and when--when to sing and when to listen.

[@hannahbaker2856]

Just got to the part where you're talking about the need for ambience...that is another thing I love about Anglicanism. The point of worship is not emotional change. Every action in the service has a purpose to point us away from whomever's doing the action, and toward Christ. The congregation also loves hearing children's "joyful noises."

[@ashleyemma4954]

Clicked so fast!!!❤❤❤ our church service is 2 hours but they are upstairs for 1 hour. It was hard for a long time but they're getting much better at listening and singing along and not fighting.❤ my husband plays bass in the band so it's just me with the 5 kids including a baby during worship. Not easy!

[@elainebrown-lg7iz]

😅❤😂😂

[@elainebrown-lg7iz]

😂😂 9:20 🎉❤UT t🎉🎉❤5 9:25 ❤u know 😂t❤64 9:31 😂❤4images 9:46 😂😂is 🎉Tyr😂😂😂5😂😂😂😂5 7 is a good 10:06 😂

[@elainebrown-lg7iz]

🎉😂t❤4😂5

[@elainebrown-lg7iz]

😂😂

[@elainebrown-lg7iz]

🎉😂 11:07 😂🎉😂😂😂Good night cool friends. I went to mGood night cool friends. I went to my sister Anne Marie’s house today because it was her husbands birthday. She has lost more weight. She is skin and bones. She hardly eats anymore. She is not hungry. She looks so frail. I cried on my way home after I left her house. 😭 She goes to Roswell Park Cancer Institute Saturday for her first immunotherapy treatment. Please say an extra prayer for her tonight. I always thought the only option for her was to get better. I am not so sure it’s the only option anymore and it scares the hell out of me. Please send prayers, positive vibes and good thoughts her way. I still believe in miracles or the power of prayer. She is 43. She has to be ok 🥹 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻Good night cool friends. I went to my sister Anne Marie’s house today because it was her husbands birthday. She has lost more weight. She is skin and bones. She hardly eats anymore. She is not hungry. She looks so frail. I cried on my way home after I left her house. 😭 She goes to Roswell Park Cancer Institute Saturday for her first immunotherapy treatment. Please say an extra prayer for her tonight. I always thought the only option for her was to get better. I am not so sure it’s the only option anymore and it scares the hell out of me. Please send prayers, positive vibes and good thoughts her way. I still believe in miracles or the power of prayer. She is 43. She has to be ok 🥹 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😂❤🎉😂tyty4y is 7😢a😂q😂sister Anne Marie’s house today because it was her husbands birthday. She has lost more weight. She is skin and bones. She hardly eats anymore. She is not hungry. She looks so frail. I cried on my way home after I left her house. 😭 She goes to Roswell Park Cancer Institute Saturday for her first immunotherapy treatment. Please say an extra prayer for her tonight. I always thought the only option for her was to get better. I am not so sure it’s the only option anymore and it scares the hell out of me. Please send prayers, positive vibes and good thoughts her way. I still believe in miracles or the power of prayer. She is 43. She has to be ok 🥹 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@psychologistnjerindaru]

New subscribers cos i believe in being together for church with kids

[@jelenaklancir7713]

Great tips!

[@erinshannonandjonathanmich3932]

We have kids babies with us during most of the service, worship, prayer, communion, testimonies they are with us, during the preaching they head to nursery or Sunday school. We love this balance.

[@flowerpower18100]

This is such a timely video!!! My daughter is a year and a half and I have a newborn, and we've been noticing our older daughter getting antsy at church and have been wondering what to do to help her sit still!! Thanks for sharing your tips :)

[@aaliyahabdul-haqq1133]

I have twins..and we go to a deliverance ministry, so all day service on Sunday. Definitely going to implement periods of sitting, worshipping together standing up and dancing and lunch room breaks. So they can know what to look forward to.

[@missc6182]

Hi! I just found you channel and Im so encouraged. We share many of the same values in our home. We keep our little one in church with us, and are a TV free/screen free home. While I haven't tracked our outdoor time, we love the 1000 hours outside principles. We chose our home based on what outdoor activities were nearby, as we are also a one car family. My question is, what dumbphones do you use? I have been struggling with my phone usage for years, and now that I have a son (almost 2) I really want to make a change. What has stopped me in the past is that my family live overseas, and I use my smartphone to stay in contact with them. But, after listening to your podcast, and thinking and praying over my concerns, I can video call family on the computer in the morning, and email them photo updates once a week. It would be so helpful if you shared what phones you use! Thank you for the encouragement! Love in Christ Jesus, Cara

[@maxine341]

The gum 🤣 that took me by suprise

[@charlielebby1507]

I loved this, super helpful! I'd love to see a whole video devoted to Katie's wardrobe/clothing philosophy. I find myself having a hard time making clothing/hair/makeup decisions in the morning when there seems to be many conflicting desires related to the day. How to balance wanting to look cute and put together, while being engaged and willing to play and get dirty with my toddler, staying active exercising and being outside and then on top of that feeling like I'm a differnt size every season (given the nature of pregnancy/postpartum). While also keep things simple and not tripling the amount of laundry...It seems like Katie has varied days- meaning for a couple of hours a dress is appropriate and then workout clothes and then just comfortable clothes. Do you wear multiple outfits a day? Maybe no one else has this dilemma, but if you do and have any advice I'd love to hear your approach! 😂

[@elinalaplant8475]

Same! I either find myself changing several outfits to fit the day and circumstances or being uncomfortable or unfitting in my clothes. I’m so curious how Katy and other moms do it with their clothes. I’m postpartum 4 months and have a toddler as well.

[@alyssaamundson4265]

I'd love to see a video on this also!

[@kaitlync15]

I workout right when I wake up & then I am able to get dressed the for the day! Depending on the activity is the outfit I pick! Zoo day vs creek day vs at home day

[@RkatW37]

we use plus plus blocks for the younger kiddos. Not as noisy as legos. The oldest is 10 and we just have them sit and take notes but if they draw or color, that’s allowed for now. But! I forgot about the drawing l.e.d tablets!!I will be getting those drawing tablets!

[@Wholesomelivingg]

I love your videos! Thank you guys for pouring your heart out to us. Just as a recommendation, maybe make your intro shorter? 🥰

[@bethanynelson3959]

Great tips, your awesome couple raising a righteous family. A couple of tips I have tried are 1- let's count how many times Jesus is said or another word when we get 10 fingers he got a treat. Or looking for a rainbow. Cam you see something red they point or whisper to me where they see it then orange and so forth until they found a whole rainbow.

[@hannahmcmillan5712]

Lol we pull out the big guns for the sermon too (gum). 😅

[@iamURHO]

7:14 Look at how she admires you. 😂❤🎉

[@anniegray6277]

We’ve been doing this for about 3 years. Started with ages 4, 3, and baby! Now, they get compliments often because we can visit any church setting and they behave very well. I think it has helped with making them content on road trips, too!

[@christyclark876]

Thanks so much for your videos and podcasts. I find them so inspirational and encouraging. I would love to hear your thoughts on how you enjoy the evening as a family, particularly as a couple. Are you able to spend any time visiting as a couple before your kids go to bed? I find that I want to visit with my husband when he gets home from work, but my 2-year-old is constantly wanting my attention. Since she doesn’t have a sibling yet she can’t just go off and play with a playmate. (I give her lots of attention during the day.) Also, I can’t wait to do family read alouds, but the things I read to her wouldn’t be of interest to my husband, as they aren’t chapter books. I find that the evenings are stressful because if I am giving my husband attention I’m not playing with her, and if I’m playing with her I’m not giving my husband attention.

[@elinalaplant8475]

Same! I’m trying to teach my toddler that when mommy and daddy are talking, please wait and don’t interrupt. I also spend lots of time with my toddler during the day so she gets plenty of attention. We did have a baby 4 months ago though.

[@marilynpetersen9115]

can you post magnetic toys, coloring activity books or anything that helps to keep them engaged at church?

[@lydiastewart2032]

This was really helpful! How would you entertain a younger baby- 12-18 mos? I have a big bag of toys and books but I feel like the more toys the worse it gets. Any toy suggestions or are you guys not really doing toys for babies at church?

[@mycupofcocoa1125]

Food coloring crying room great !

[@longkorts]

Never heard of kids not being in the service. In our church sometimes people go to the kids room but the standard is everyone is sitting through the service and drawing or something. It pry makes it easier when everyone does it, doesn’t really enter their minds to do something else

[@katyspencer7972]

What about volunteering at church? How would you go about that if you were with all kids solo if the other parent is volunteering?

[@laurenswift9368]

Are you all saying “boogie board?” I’d like to look into that!

[@lydiac53]

Was it you guys who mentioned you had special "church toys" that were little magnetic tins with animals that the kids played with?

[@Laurenttroyer]

“Crying Mothers Room”.. 🤣🤣🤣 that’s hilarious. I’m sure it has been a crying Moms room from time to time😂

[@nataliafeenstra9415]

Do you have a video on why your kids sit with you in the service instead of taking them to a junior church? Or maybe you can send me links on this topic. Thanks

[@renarich4942]

I’m seventh day Adventist we don’t have children’s church we have sabbath school on the Lords day (7th day). Part of me thought implementing children’s church would be a good idea maybe it will be better to keep it as it is together ❤️

[@annem6778]

Fabulous tips! What do you usually do for a late lunch after your service? I know you prep a lot for your Sabbath. 15 years into motherhood, I still find it hard to feed my family after church.

[@kaitlync15]

We do a lunch board! Sourdough bread, salami, pepperoni, turkey, cheese, a fruit or two, a veggie or two, a nut and a snack item! When we get home I lay it all out!

[@jmljasmine]

At what age do you start the gum? And the ones who are too little, how do you deal with the angry jealousy? Do you have something for them too?

[@laurens8623]

How do you guys cope with curveballs.... often opportunities to see how we respond to HS

[@JA-vv8wy]

Do you guys not attend Sunday school before the service?

[@angelab4518]

Off topic, but have you ever been touching on the topic of pets? Or does anyone know? Thought so but didn't find it in Q&A titles...

[@nostalgictoysandmore2005]

Which church is this? I like to check out churches online.

[@DoRo-ob6th]

Thank you for your beautiful and inspiring films. I really like her! May I ask a question? they mention in the film that Sunday is the Lord's day. But when I read Mark 2:28 it says Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, not Sunday. Lord's day equals Sabbath?

[@laurenswift9368]

Jesus rose from the dead the day after the Sabbath- Sunday- so that’s why it’s called the Lord’s Day and historically most Christians worship together on Sundays. The reference in Mark is true!! He is Lord of the Sabbath - the Sabbath is not the Lord. But that reference is also before His death and resurrection I was just wondering about this a few years ago when I heard someone else talk about it 😀

[@ashleywinter8024]

How would you approach this when dad is on the platform preaching and playing drums? I’m on my own from Sun up through the whole service. And my husband wants more kids. We have 3 under 5 right now. HELP

[@rebeccaschubert7255]

Yeah, thats me too! What do you do as a pastors wife with kids D:

[@wee0bird]

Same boat here 😅

[@jenniferziegler6194]

My husband is the worship leader and plays guitar. I sing and play piano. He also preaches from time to time. I wish I could keep my kids with me but it would be so difficult without my husband's help! I have been considering just serving in children's church to be near my kids. Or maybe pulling them out of children's church to be with me. Maybe I could try to implement at least some of this, some of the time! Even if it's not every child, every week. ??? The Lord will guide us and help us find what works for us.

[@TheLadyofJoyfulAcres]

My husband is not a pastor on staff but he does get called out with his job often. I would recommend you and your husband sitting down and practicing every night during the week as they suggested in the early part of the video, and him enforcing every night that he will be administering punishment to anyone who does not obey Mommy on Sunday. Then they have a chance to obey on sunday, and if they choose to not sit still like you guys have practiced all week, then they will get disciplined properly. If that is regularly enforced, then you will have more peace.

[@aymeesretep8754]

Have you ever been to a traditional Catholic Church?

[@wee0bird]

I doubt it, they are Christians.

[@brianheath5091]

Iots of positive comments but with having a young boy ourslves it is very hard for him to sit still. I dont think its natural for a little boy to sit perfectly still at church. And thats ok. Our kids go to church with us and apart from the fidgeting (sitting/standing/repostitining etc) they do great for their age and temperaments. I guarantee there are moms listening to this where its hard to even be fully present at church and thats ok too. You are forming and raising souls and God knows that. He knows there are lots of distractions but God still blesses you and graces you. Just the fact you are going to church is a wonderful gift for your kids even if they don't see it yet.

[@amyichwan9737]

Which fictional books do you read to your kids that babies and young toddlers would enjoy as well?

[@dorisdeal8729]

Question: if the pastor is very straightforward with certain sinful subjects, is it ok for the child to listen to this?

[@stevensfam]

Personally I think it gives you a great chance as the parent to address those things tactfully later. Usually it seems if there are kids in the audience the Pastor typically is discreet. But there is a balance in protecting your kids, but also letting them hear real issues in a godly setting. Just my thought. :}

[@cugilbert3799]

🙏 "Promo SM"

[@1.4.4.5]

I advise everyone to read The Quran, or a good translation of its meanings if you don't speak Arabic.