Interested in joining: a few questions?

[Olivesmom]

Hi, I've been interested in the LDS Church for sometime now and I'm considering attending and learning more. I have a lot of questions, some more theoligical, but for now I'll start with some of the more logistical ones I have.

I'm married with two young kids and this journey is just mine right now. It is possible that my husband might join me at a later date, but for now it would be the kids amd I attending church. My husband also tends to work weekends, so even if he wanted to go with us he could only attend maybe once or twice a month at best.

I watched the little YouTube video explaining the church service, so I see that my kids would be with me during the first part. My concern is managing them. My kids are pretty well behaved, but I have a 3 year old daughter and an 18 month old son. My daughter might sit fairly quietly, but my son is a different story. Like most 18 month olds he wants to run around and won't understand that he needs to sit quietly. I'm worried about being new and causing a scene. Do other people bring small toys and books to keep their young kids entertained, or is this frowned upon? Even with toys I don't think my son will be too quiet. I struggle to keep him entertained during my daughters hour long ballet class, in which he has lots of toys and snacks to keep him occupied. Not to mention he is able to run around the waiting area.

Also, after the first service would my kids go to sunday school, or would they go with me to to the next meeting?

And lastly, attire. I have plenty of appropriate skirts and dresses for my daughter and myself, but not a lot of dressier things for my son. Besides jeans and sweats I think he has maybe one pair of corduroy slacks. Would it be okay for him to wear the cords and a sweater? I just don't have dressier things for him, he is a big boy and needs elastic waistbands and such- dress slacks don't seem to fit him right now.

Thanks is advance for your help!

[NeuroTypical]

3 yr old and an 18 month old? Yes, that can be pretty challenging.

Do other people bring small toys and books to keep their young kids entertained, or is this frowned upon?

Absolutely bring things to keep them occupied. My girls are 11 and 8, but I remember the years and years of struggling with exactly this. There were lots of trips to the foyer. Sometimes there were entire first hours done in the foyer.

If the place you attend has lots of families, you will be in good company with other folks who are in the same position.

Also, after the first service would my kids go to sunday school, or would they go with me to to the next meeting?

There should be a nursery available for the kiddos. But I don't remember if the minimum age is 18 months or 2 years - does anyone know? It might be different for different wards.

Regarding dress, we are one of the last Christian churches out there that still believe in "Sunday best". That said, I see plenty (and I mean a lot) of young kids dressed in just plain practical stuff. Cords and a sweater sounds fine - he should fit right in.

It hasn't been that long for me since I was in the grips of young kid challenges. Welcome and I hope your experience is a good one!

[Just_A_Guy]

Nursery age is 18 months, so your boy will be fine. Welcome aboard!

[skippy740]

I watched the little YouTube video explaining the church service, so I see that my kids would be with me during the first part. My concern is managing them. My kids are pretty well behaved, but I have a 3 year old daughter and an 18 month old son. My daughter might sit fairly quietly, but my son is a different story. Like most 18 month olds he wants to run around and won't understand that he needs to sit quietly. I'm worried about being new and causing a scene.

Depending on the make-up of the congregation... you'll be one among a few parents with the same situation. You'll be right at home! :)

Do other people bring small toys and books to keep their young kids entertained, or is this frowned upon? Even with toys I don't think my son will be too quiet. I struggle to keep him entertained during my daughters hour long ballet class, in which he has lots of toys and snacks to keep him occupied. Not to mention he is able to run around the waiting area.

As long as the toys themselves don't make any electronic noises, etc. I suggest a coloring book, picture books, felt shapes and anything else that can help your kids to focus more on Jesus.

Also, after the first service would my kids go to sunday school, or would they go with me to to the next meeting?

Ah! You are about to experience one of the greatest things: the blessings of the nursery!

Nursery is for kids between 18 months to 3 years old (if I remember correctly). They'll play with other kids and with toys. They'll do some singing and other things. If your child was under 18 months old, then they would be with you during the remaining 2 hours of church servies.

Your 3 year old should be part of the "sunbeams" class - a tad more formal and a classroom instruction, but still on their level.

If there are problems, the teachers will need to know where to find you.

And lastly, attire. I have plenty of appropriate skirts and dresses for my daughter and myself, but not a lot of dressier things for my son. Besides jeans and sweats I think he has maybe one pair of corduroy slacks. Would it be okay for him to wear the cords and a sweater? I just don't have dressier things for him, he is a big boy and needs elastic waistbands and such- dress slacks don't seem to fit him right now.

Thanks is advance for your help!

That sounds great!

The nice thing about clothes is that, no matter our age, they affect how we feel. Hopefully, over time, the clothes will help your children to know that it's time for church and time to be reverent, that it's different than any other day.

But don't count on that to happen any time soon!

[Mormonfanboy]

Don't do it!!!

The church is a cult. Their whole structure and genesis is based on a great lie. First. their has never been even the slightest bit of evidence to suggest that Hebrew people lived in the ancient americas. Next, Joseph Smith was a known fraud and his "translations" have not held up to scholastic scrutiny. Their is enough damning evidence to prove that the Book of Mormon is a fabrication, but you won't ever hear about it from missionaries.

Finally, the church has a long standing history of sexism and racism. Don't let them indoctrinate your children. They are not old enough to make this decision for themselves. You don't need the church to teach them good values. You can do a great job as a parent yourself. Someone will probably censor me for this, but I hope you get a chance to read this first. Before you decide, read and talk to ex-mormon members and get all sides of the story. The modern church leadership is trying to pull a scam on their own people. Don't fall for it.