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Development Topics
Toddlerhood — Dr. Dobson Answers Your Questions
Misbehavior During Prayer
Q: I am really struggling with praying with my 3-year-old. I’m having a hard time making it reverent. Of course, I don’t expect him to pray like I do, but he wants to act silly during the prayer, or repeat the same thing three and four times. Should I let that go or should I instruct him more in his prayer life?
A: I think a little bit of both. A 3-year-old has a difficult time comprehending something as abstract as God who doesn’t talk back in an audible voice, and whom you can’t see. That’s hard for a child, and he is naturally going to be distracted and find it challenging to discipline himself to hold still.
On the other hand, you can nudge him in that direction. I think you’d be wise to set up the boundaries before you kneel to pray with him. Sit down with him and say, “Remember yesterday when we prayed, you got kind of silly? Talking to God is the most important thing we do all day. So I don’t want you to act silly during prayer today.”
If he does it again after you’ve lovingly drawn boundaries, ask him to think about what he just did (without a condemning or nagging tone). Then pray with him again. But I wouldn’t let it get to me because what he’s doing is absolutely natural and normal for his age group.
Do you have thoughts, questions, advice on this topic? Post your stories and comments in the forum for other parents to respond to. Enter the forum now.
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