How does your toddler (if at all) sit through Mass?

[LadyOfWassail]

When DS was a baby he used to sleep through it, or stare at the candles but now he is a total nightmare - they have a corner with books etc. but he runs round and shouts, so I have to just walk round with him outside until he settles but usually end up going home. Do you just not go with toddlers or am I doing something wrong? I am dreading Christmas mass but I don't feel I can skip it. He is 20 months. And will not sit and play quietly with toys

Agree with what?s gone before ? but also remember that it will get better ? and most people like children to be there and understand that children do not sit still.

Pews (better than chairs with little ones) make very good playpens ? it?s easy to box your lo in with a picture box or a toy. People will understand that toddlers won?t sit completely still ? just avoid giving your lo the opportunity to run up and down the aisle (very tempting for a toddler).

It?s very tempting to sit at the back so that you can make a quick exit but I did used to find that I got better behaviour if we sat where dd could see what was going on.

it does pass! I was watching my friend with her 2 littlies the other Sunday and when said "peace be with you" to her DH, he said "Chance would be a fine thing"... and I realised how my 2 (4 and 5 now)do sit and do their colouring and stuff and DS1 even follows the hymns and will join in a bit now.

I do find it one of the most stressful times of the week though but have struggled on for nearly 6 years now - going every week (think that's important as they it becomes part of their routine) because, when it works out and they have realy picked up on things, then it is completely worth it