"A small child who can sit still for more than five minutes is a beautiful sight."
~Dale Meador, Family Reformation/Fall 2004
I ran across this article a friend shared with me a couple of years ago and once again found it to be helpful and insightful information. Dale Meador is a pastor (he and his wife Nancy have three older children.) He points out the fact that children have a lot of energy...and we can help them use that energy by putting it into simple chores. He also notes they are children and need to play, laugh, run and yell. Quoting Henrietta Mears:
"God put the wiggle into children and we shouldn't be in such a hurry to get it out."
He lists reasons why we should teach our children to sit still and offers a few helpful tips:
- The child who can sit still is under authority.
- The child who can sit still practices self-control.
- The child who can sit still is teachable.
- The child who can sit still is a blessing to others.
- Train a child before stillness becomes necessary.
- Create optimum opportunities for training.
- Reward peace and correct disobedience.
He gives verses for memorization:
Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. Col. 3:20
Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit. Prov.25:28
For worship:
Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7
Cease stirring and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10
A couple of things I've learned: Practicing being still at home first makes it easier for children to be still while you're out and about in other places. Taking a child in your lap and reading to them is also helpful. Concerning worship: Go over your order of worship with them, help them to understand each part. Practice your liturgy at home and let them know what's expected of them during worship. Are your children able to sit in front of a video for the duration without talking, fidgeting, or needing someone or something else? If so, our standard for worship should be even higher.
At home, I'm always looking for and needing creative ways to keep little ones occupied for more than five minutes. What's worked for you?
Another question: Do you think teaching your children to sit still will have life long effects? Pastor Meador does. He says, "Learning to sit still while young will prove a helpful, happy habit for the older school-aged child and pay dividends far into adult life."
