Our children don’t sit well on their own.
Maybe other people’s children are more naturally obedient than ours are, but I know in our family we had reached the point that it was time to do some serious training. Church services were hectic, chaotic affairs, usually necessitating leaving the auditorium with a child in full cry – several times during the service. They would look at a book for a few seconds, then want another book or toy or snack. Not only did we ourselves not get much out of the service, we were also a distraction to everyone else as well.
I started training sessions last week. Every day we sat on the couch with no books or toys and learned how to hold still and be quiet. My children are young so we started with small time increments.
The first day we sat for two minutes.
As soon as the timer beeped both children begged to do it again! So we did. They still think it’s a great game to sit there quietly and pretend we’re in church.
Every day since then I have added one minute or two to the time we sit.
We are now up to fifteen minutes.
That may not sound like much, but to this mom of three three and under fifteen minutes of peace and quiet mid morning is bliss! No little people being bored, no noise, no demands, just time to sit and listen to music and think. It’s great.
I put it off for a long time, but Church training is turning out to be a lovely peaceful break for this mama. Monday I studied the Sunday school lesson while they sat – a whole week earlier than I usually study!
The last two days we’ve been pretending I have to take Oscar to the nursery – and they still sit there without me. Maybe one day I’ll be able to sneak away and take a bath during church practice. Oh the possibilities!!
I’m finding out that it really pays to train, or just practice the desired behavior at home. Lately along with the church training we’ve been practicing the right response when it’s time to leave a friend’s house. When I see them playing happily with their toys, sometimes I’ll interrupt and say, “Children, it’s time to pick up toys and go home!”
The right response is, “Ok Mommy!” And they begin picking up toys. They think it’s a fun game even as they learn to respond well when we’re in public.
Win/win.
One thing is for sure, this Sunday was much more relaxed and I actually heard what was said in the sermon! I know if I stick with it, church and also daily life will only get better.
Now I just need to start adding the baby to our training sessions…
What about you? Are your children among the naturally obedient ones, or did you have to do some intentional training as well?
Wonderful! And what cure kiddos! Your practice times remind me of something I heard from my sister-in-law who once asked a woman what her secret was to getting her children to behave so well. She told her to get a really good puppy training book & use it. Puppy training books encourage regular obedience training times. I’m sure that method wouldn’t work so well for older children though!
I love this, Tabitha! Too cute. I’m glad it’s working for you. Like you’ve already experienced, it will make a big difference in the future.