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Generally, we prefer to attend our church’s early service instead of the later one. We find that it better suits our morning routine, and allows us to enjoy a quiet Sunday more fully.  The downfall for many families is that there are no children’s programs during the early service because few children attend at that time.  Many churches opt for a “Family Service” where the whole family, kids and all, sit together to worship.  The music and special events make that time more of an entertainment hour for kids. My kids prefer sitting with the adults.  However, when it comes to listening to a sermon, little ones may have a tough time sitting quietly.  I remembered that my grandmother used to take a tote bag filled with inexpensive items and toys to keep us happy during a long service.  I decided to try the same thing. Here’s what I put inside my bag!

First, I settled on books only.  My son tends to get out of hand when he plays “games”, even if they’re handheld or contained inside a plastic case.  These books aren’t just text, though.  They include activities, stickers, and coloring pages.

My favorite of these choices is the Adventure Bible “Wild About The Bible” sticker book.  I’ve raved about the Adventure Bible before, and this is one more selection from their kid-friendly products.   The book contains puzzles and activities printed right on glossy pages, which makes it feel more special than a typical coloring book. Word searches can be hard to find for a 1st grader, but these are just at his level.  The reusable stickers are easy to reposition.  This book will be especially handy when we’re studying Bible stories that relate to the book.  My son can still participate in worship through a developmentally appropriate way.  It’s a win-win for us!   Consider this book for a rainy day activity, or to give as a gift.

Color Wonder can be a great option for church, so that broken crayons or leaky markers don’t make a mess on the carpet or pew.  Grab a few books with Color Wonder Bible Stories.  I also found the Itty-Bitty Bible Stories booklet at Family Christian’s site priced at just $1.79.  It’s the perfect size to tuck into your purse, and the pages have dot-to-dot activities to keep the kids busy.

For the older kids, or even parents, an Inspiring Lists Journal is a great option.  It has a journal starter at the top of each pretty page, so just let the ideas flow!  My daughter loves to journal, and keeps several going at one time.  This will be a creative way for her to express her thoughts. I know I’ll treasure the small notebook in the future, when I can look back at her sweet ways.

If your kids get wiggly during church, how do you settle them down?

NIV Adventure Bible Polar Edition Giveaway 
Bonus Word List

11/20  full-color
11/21   hardcover
11/22  illustrations
11/23  articles
11/24  memory verses
11/25  activities
11/26  dictionary
11/27  concordance
11/28  maps
11/29  NIV