I also bring some snacks, like Cheerios.Now this may be controversial.Some people say that bringing snacks is not appropriate.But here’s my feeling about it.If he were seven years old, then no, it wouldn’t be appropriate.But toddler-hood is a critical time for children.They are learning about the world around them.Don’t we want them to learn about the world through the Church?They are learning to speak.Don’t we want them to learn the language of the Church (and no, I don’t mean Greek- though learning Greek is all well and good too)?They are learning appropriate behavior.Don’t we want them to learn appropriate Church behavior?I desperately want the Church to be part of his learning experience during this most important time.In which case, I’m willing to compromise a little (like the Church does- oikonomia, right?) and bring a few Cheerios to avoid having to remove him from the service.I also have a few picture books or cars that he likes.And I’ll let him play with them if I have to.But this does not mean that I stop engaging him.I’ll give him a break to play for a few minutes, but then I attempt to get him to put it down and pay attention.