5 Fresh Ways to Prepare Children for Sacrament Meeting

Sacrament meeting is unique in that it is the only Sabbath meeting where the entire family attends together.  This can often result in loud and distracting moments, but it is important to remember that the Church is all about family.  However, parents can do more than simply bring their children along to Sacrament meeting.  They can prepare their children during the week and during the meeting itself.

Eat Together as a Family at the Table

Studies have shown that eating dinner as a family improves a child’s intellect and mental health.  Sister Carol Hillam said, “Mealtime is Magic:  Love can be spread at dinner.  It is a safe and together time.  It can be a good moment for scripture reading, family prayers, or a discussion a bout the day.  I hope our homes are not just “fast food joints” where children reach for the cold cereal and milk and watch TV while they dine; then the dishes are added to the already big pile left on the floor in the family room.”  What better time to not only talk about, but set the example of reverence and reflection.

Consistent Family Home Evening

Every family should preserve and protect this precious time of togetherness.  Family Home Evening not only teaches children simple gospel principles, but it can also set a pattern for reverent behavior.  And what better place to practice than at home?  Gradually children learn how to sit still and listen.  They learn how to apply gospel principles to their lives.  They learn the importance of the sacrament ordinance and why they should be reverent.

Remove Distractions

Years ago, our bishop counseled our congregation to stop bringing snacks into the chapel. I had several young children at the time and couldn’t believe his request.  How would I keep my children quiet?  One day I relayed my reservations to my mother, expecting sympathy and validation.  Instead, she encouraged me to not only keep the snacks at home, but also the “quiet book” and the toys. I decided to heed that council cold turkey.  The next Sunday I sat in the chapel with my four young children by my side and my “Sunday bag” left at home.  The result wasn’t magical or immediate, but it made an impact.  My children were better behaved than they had been in months.  From then on I was converted to the idea of leaving all distractions at home.  Do you dare to take the challenge?

Make them dread the foyer

Kids are still kids and if they are being too distracting, they may need to be taken out.  However, when you plop them on the couch and give them a toy or your phone to play with, they will eventually look forward to it.  Instead, try taking them to an empty room where they can finish their tantrum or simply stare at the wall until they are ready to be reverent.  Stop rewarding their misbehavior.

It’s about the ordinance

Remember that sacrament meeting is more than the songs we sing or the talks we listen to.  Dallin H. Oaks said, “the ordinance of the sacrament makes the sacrament meeting the most sacred and important meeting in the church.”  You can’t expect young children to fully understand the importance of the sacrament, but you can teach them simple truths that will develop over time.  Our focus and attention should be on Jesus Christ and His Atonement.  Partaking of the sacrament worthily gives us an opportunity for spiritual growth.

With patience and preparation, Sacrament meeting can be a delight to parents and children.  The Lord wants us to enjoy the Sabbath day, but doesn’t expect perfection.  Keep encouraging your child to try their best every week.  Setting a pattern for reverence will help us and our children turn to Him.