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How to Bring Children to Church
Data use disclosures: Your responses will not be published in a way that allows them to be traced back to you. They will be published for the benefit of Catholic parents and researchers, possibly for profit.
Which of the following describes you?
Catholic mom
Catholic dad
Other
What are the ages of your children?
Under 1
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
6 years
7 years
8 years
9 years
10 years
11 years
12 years
13 years
14 years
15 years
16 years
17 years
18+ years (this includes multiple adult children)
How long has your family been attending Mass every Sunday?
A
We don't.
B
At least since we started having kids.
C
Other
How do your children experience Mass? Please check all boxes that apply to any of your children in a typical Mass.
Full of power struggles
Quiet but miserable
More or less cheerful resignation
Active interest and enjoyment
Other
By what age should I be confident that my healthy, normal child can be trained to sit reasonably quietly inside the nave for a full hour?
From birth
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
6+ years
Other
When my toddler is being so loud that I have to take him out of the nave, is it a good idea to let him walk around and play?
Yes, give the kid a break.
No, you’ll undermine your church training if you let him play during Mass.
It depends; let him run around if you’re satisfied that he has sat quietly for as long as he can.
Other
What has helped your children to participate in Mass more? Please check all boxes that apply to any of your kids.
Helpful
Actively UNHELPFUL
Donuts or other rewards
Punishments
Going to Sunday Mass early in the morning
Attending daily Mass
Sitting in front
Mass-themed toys (like teething rosaries, board book missals, saint dolls, etc.)
A variety of snacks, toys, or books
Planning (like church outfits, potty breaks, Sunday breakfast, etc.)
Minimizing kids' screen time throughout the week
What advice would you share with young Catholic families?
Submit