When it comes to children making a fuss during religious services, it’s helpful for all sides — parents, pastors and other worshippers — to strive to be considerate and understanding.

“Parents need to be sensitive not only to their child’s needs but also the needs of the faith community. The normal kind of fidgeting around, that’s tolerable. But when a child gets loud and disruptive, the parents really need to attend to the child at that point, and that’s really more important than staying in the prayer moment,” said Pat Lechtenberg, pastoral associate at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1234 Ky.

Pastors, parents share strategies for keeping kids quiet in church (10-16-04)

“When you’re ministering to your family, it’s a way of giving praise to God as well. So even if you excuse yourself momentarily from the faith community, you’re still praising God by ministering to (the needs of) your child.”

Lawrence pastors said they understand it’s difficult for young children to stay quiet through a long sermon. That’s why churches offer programs designed to suit their needs.

“It’s really a disservice to make kids sit there through a service if they’re not old enough to really understand what’s going on, especially the message. Kids most likely aren’t going to get anything out of the message,” said the Rev. Paul Gray, senior pastor, Heartland Community Church, 619 Vt.

“The subliminal message is, ‘This is dull and boring, I don’t want to be here.’ It’s much better for them to be in an age-appropriate setting where it’s fun.”