[AmberNML]

We were reading the Doctrine & Covenants each night for scripture study, but after the Prophet's challenge in the August Ensign, we have switched to the Book of Mormon again.
Just wondering, how do you get through 2 whole chapters a night with a 2 year old? Our 8 and 9 year old do fine, but our 2 year old goes to the bathroom, jumps around, sings his ABCs, throws books, etc.
When our older kids were 1-3, we read for their attention span length, usually just one column a night.
Any help on getting a 2 year old to at least stay in the same room for more than 5 minutes without completely disrupting everone else?
Thanks, Amber

[babydawn]

I have young children myself, so my husband and I have decided to continue doing scripture study with our children, the way we were originally, and read the Book of Mormon together after they went to bed. That way, we are still participating in President Hinckley's challenge, and we are keeping our children's interest as well. Perhaps if you really want your older children to still participate, you should do it with them after your 2 year old goes to bed, that is, if he goes to bed earlier than your other two, and just read a couple of verses with your 2 year old along with his bed time routine. A child's attention span at that age is under 5 minutes, so trying to make him sit through 30 min or so of scripture, something he doesn't understand, isn't really reasonable in my opinion. Another idea would be to treat it like sacrament. Bring in some coloring books, story books, or quiet toys and allow your 2 year old to play with these things during scripture study. Still, 2 is a hard age to get to sit still regardless of the circumstances. Hopefully, I have been of some help to you. Good luck.

[Tsunshine]

My husband and I are both reading the Book of Mormon. But for our kids ages 6, 3, and 2 reading 2 chapters a night was not an option. So I am reading the children's version of the Book of Mormon. We read one story a night then talk about how it applies to their life, or the lesson that they can learn from it. My 2 year old can easily sit through one story, especially since it has pictures. I would suggest that in your case you read the children's Book of Mormon with your 2 year old, so then they have a chance to participate in the challenge. Then read the Book of Mormon with your older children after your 2 year old is in bed. Everyone would get a lot more out of it with out the distractions from your younger child. Hope this helps.

[batesfam]

Hi there.....we have 6 kids under 6.....my wife hands them a friend to look at while she reads.....and every once in awhile she or I pop up and ask the kids who are they talking about in the scriptures that we are reading and they usually get it......they are kinda listening and kinda looking at the friend at the sametime.........

[Andie_dell]

That's why this is called a Challenge!!! I have a girl who is almost two. What we did was buy the The Childrens Book of Mormon at the Distrabution Center that has all the picutres. We read together in our book while showing her the pictures in her book. I also read that book to her every night. She loves the pictures, but now we have read her BOM three times the pictures start looking the same. So another idea is I have purchased all the gospel art pictures you use in lessons and put them all in sheet protectors and when I know we are going to read about a particular story in the BOM I show her the pictures. Kids need visuals, especially our two year olds. Have fun and tell me if that helps.

[cocotbo]

Originally Posted by Andie_dell

What we did was buy the The Childrens Book of Mormon.

OK, this is a bit off topic, but I couldn't resist. I'm not a member of the church, but is there somewhere I can find the Children's Book of Mormon? I think that would be a wonderful thing to have for my own child.

[Tsunshine]

Not only is there a children's Book of Mormon, but also New Testament and Old Testament.
You can purchase them at www.ldscatalog.com then click on Adaptations under the Scripture section. Each soft cover book costs $6.00.
This link should take you directly there: http://www.ldscatalog.com/webapp/wcs...t100003&retURL=

[cocotbo]

Originally Posted by Tsunshine

Not only is there a children's Book of Mormon, but also New Testament and Old Testament.

And bible stories and videos and CDs! Great stuff! Thanks for sharing.

[AmberNML]

We ended up getting the audio CDs and listened to a chapter in the morning while eating breakfast. Then read at 8pm like regular. We mapped it out on the calender, and finished he Book of Mormon on the 23rd of December 2005.
I was really amazed at how much everything connected reading it that fast! I know for sure I have read it start to finish AT LEAST 10 times, but it was the first time I connected some of the events and places.
My favorite part was when we were reading about the good soldier Gideon. And my daughter Megan ( asked, "Are those the bad guys?" My daughter Nita (9) responded, "No, You're thinking of the Gideonton Robbers." I gave a little grin, and said, "Actually, you are thinking of the Gadiaton Robbers. Gideon is a good guy." They both nodded confirmation to each other. I was thrilled that they were able to pull information together from months ago! YEAH!!!
On an odd note, Nita's new favorite scripture is Ether 15:31 They weren't paying attention when I was reading, so I acted it out. Evidently it made a huge impression.

[cocotbo]

OK, I'm not up to Ether in my reading yet, so I just had to check it out when you said you acted it out.

WHAT FUN!!! That is so great that you are doing everything you can to make it engaging for your children. Kudos to you!