Unruly Kids in Church

I posted a Twitter update this morning that received several comments on my Facebook page from mom’s who did not seem to understand my position.  My explanation was limited due to the 140 character limit on Twitter, so this is a great opportunity for a blog post.

Autumn and I attend Silverdale Baptist Church, and because we are rarely on time (anywhere), we sit in the balcony.  This morning there was a young child behind us.  He was either 4 or 5 years old.  I didn’t notice him at first – and then the kicking began.  He might as well have been walking on the back of the pew.  Just when I thought he was tired of that, he got a hold of a piece of chewing gum, only to repeatedly smack it so loud that I thought he was trying to get his buddies’ attention in the nursery on the other side of the building.

And come on, I’m a reasonably guy.  The first time or two did not even phase me.  But 10 minutes later my nerves were shot.

Let me further clarify, that although what the kid was doing completely annoyed and distracted me, it was his parents that I had the issue with.  I understand children are going to be children.  They are a product of their environment.

SO WHAT ARE PARENTS THINKING?

Apparently, they are not.  If parents choose to bring their children into church, bypassing the child care provided by the church, then they should be responsible for their actions.  I support children in church 100% until that one kid disrupts 35 others who are trying to focus.  If any of you moms disagree, please leave a comment below!

And just for those of you interested, here’s a site I found called Church Etiquette for Children.  Good read.