Watching General Conference with a 2-year old is like spending 8 hours with them in Sacrament Meeting. I’m not completely convinced it is even really possible. This conference weekend we had the broadcast on our television and on radio’s throughout the house, but we weren’t very strict about sitting down to watch it. I really enjoyed the parts of conference I was able to hear, but I’m sure I’ll get more out of it when I read the Ensign next month.
It was interesting to see Bridget pause at various times during her play to watch for a few seconds. It only happened here and there, and it was somewhat fleeting, but I bet she still learned something – if only from the spirit that was brought into our home by having it on.
On a funny note:
At the beginning of the Saturday morning session I was trying to explain to Bridget what conference was (and why she couldn’t watch Corpse Bride instead), when they were about to start the opening prayer. I asked Bridget to fold her arms for the prayer. She did. But, they the following conversation ensued:
About 30-45 seconds into the prayer. . .
B: Mom.
T: Shhhh.
B: Mom, you gonna say the prayer?
T: He is saying it (pointing to the television)
B: (momentary silence)
B: Mommy. Say the prayer.
T: Shhh. Just listen.
After that, she listen to the end of the prayer, adding her “amen” to the end.
By the closing prayer for that session, she was reminding me to fold my arms and close my eyes. She recognized the start of the prayer, and keep me on my feet.
She was napping through the afternoon session.
Sunday morning, I had just gotten her out of the bathtub and we were listening to the choir sing while I combed through her hair. That’s when the prayer started. She immediately folded her arms (while standing on a stool in the bathroom). I set down the comb and followed suite. She was quiet and reverent through the entire thing. I was pretty impressed, especially considering that these are not ‘toddler-length’ prayers.
I am so grateful for my beautiful little daughter, for her energy and desire to learn. And for her sweet little example. Thanks Bridget, I’m glad you could enjoy some of conference even at such a young age.
I agree with you about how hard it is for them to watch conference, and how they would listen and pray when needed or reminded. But it was hard, and i’m glad we have conference. I guess we’ll have better luck in October??
Andrew was wondering why we had to fold our arms when it was just a guy on TV praying. It seems like if it’s on TV it’s not real to them or something.
It’ll be awhile until it’s gets any quieter with kids…they don’t have to be toddlers. This year was the first year the 3 older ones were quiet for the entire 2 hours while Luke was asleep Sunday afternoon. They had their own conference packets to keep them busy.
Amen about Conference and toddlers not mixing well. I think I only listened to three whole talks. Plus I got Mastitis again on Saturday so I was in a lot of pain.