“Relax! God Put the Wiggle in Children”: A Letter of Encouragement for All Mass-Going Parents

I wish every parish did this!

Parents commonly struggle with loud, wiggly children in Mass. But how should parishes respond? Many parents become discouraged due to the lack of support, stares, and the general challenge of managing a child in Mass.

But let’s aim to put parents’ minds and hearts at ease!

The flyer below recently circulated Twitter. It supports parents’ tireless efforts in bringing children to church. While this Twitter user saw the letter in an Anglican church, the same message can also apply to Catholic Mass-goers.

Along with a photo of the letter, Catholic twitter user Shannon Last wrote, “At a nearby church for our kids’ winter concert and saw and love this! Something for Twitter priests to consider?”

Here’s the letter below:

Here’s the full text of the flyer:

“To the parents of young children:

Relax! God put the wiggle in children. Don’t feel like you have to suppress it in God’s house.
Sit towards the front where it’s easier for your little ones to see and hear what’s going on. They tire of seeing the backs of heads.
Quietly explain the parts of the service.
Sing, pray, and voice responses. Children learn by copying your involvement!
If you have to leave the service with your child, feel free to do so, but come back! As Jesus said, “let the little children come to me.”
Remember that the way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they respond to the Church, to God, and to one another. Let them know that they are at home here.
Please let your child use the reverse side of this card to draw and doodle.

To the members of our congregation:

The presence of children is a gift to the Church and a reminder that our congregation is growing. Please welcome our children and give a smile of encouragement to their parents!”

“Relax! God Put the Wiggle in Children”: A Letter of Encouragement for All Mass-Going Parents

Here’s the letter below:

“To the parents of young children:

To the members of our congregation:

Let’s encourage parents in their sincere efforts to bring children to Christ!