Jesus and Donuts
I’m not sure how many of you can relate, but I distinctly remember going to church on Sundays and the thrill of shuffling down the stairs for coffee and donuts after mass. Is this a thing everywhere or just where I went?
We joined a new parish in 2020 and they, too, offer this same nostalgic element of fellowship that I was so fond of as a child. There is something really sweet and tender about seeing my daughter run up and down the ramp laughing with her friends with a donut hole in her hand. Sundays have become the day that she has coined Jesus and Donuts.
Let’s be honest. Taking kids to church is hard work. There’s the whole getting them ready part and THEN getting them to be quiet and sit still for 60 minutes. WHEW! Just typing that makes me stressed!
Not all weekends are perfect but here are a few of our go-to items that help our kids make it through mass:
A Small Pouch - I stumbled upon this little gem by accident and it has by far been one of the best tools! This is one that we use: Clip-On Tech Pouch by Thirty-One. What I love about this specific pouch the most is that the zipper is quiet!
Statue Replicas - Look around your church to see which statues are featured and shop for mini-replicas. Put the replica into their small pouch along with the corresponding Saint Card. My daughter’s eyes lit UP like it was magic when she made the connection between the statue in her hand to the statue at the church. There is one caveat with this - the replica I have is made of a hard material that makes a lot of noise if they bang it on the wooden pews. It’s on my list to find an alternative.
A Mini Etch a Sketch - Hop on over to your nearest Dollar Tree pronto. This will be the best $1.25 plus tax that you’ve ever spent!
A Blanket - 1 hour is a long time for anyone to sit still, especially tiny humans. I allow my daughter to lay her head down on the pew and cover her with a blanket if she seems tired. I find that a simple muslin swaddle blanket is small enough to throw in our diaper bag and can also serve as a burp cloth if needed.
Snacks - I think this one may be a little controversial but I load up on snacks. Cheerios are my go-to because they’re crunchy yet quiet when the kids chew them and kids of all ages (mine are 10-months-old and 2.5-years-old) can eat them.
On the Go Water Wow! Book - This no-mess option is exciting for kids and a dream come true for parents. These coloring books are reusable and the water marker neatly stores in the front cover.
Teethers - If your baby is small, don’t forget their teether or pacifier. And if it has a clip to attach to the child’s shirt, even better! I personally like this Silicon Rosary.
Explain What’s Happening - I have been trying to help my kids understand what’s happening during the service. I use phrases like “singing”, “reading a book”, “cooking”, and more. You can also look around and observe what’s around, like candles, flowers, and any imagery that might be found in the stained glass windows.
And, of course, the promise of donuts.