I have my “theory” about kids misbehaving in settings such as you describe.
My husband and I have talked about it, and then coming to the conclusion we did, used it to help our kid learn to “behave” in similar situations.
When we were young, the place that taught us to sit still, was church. No entertainment for the young’uns during the regular church service, you went in with the adults (once you were out of the nursery...around 4 or 5) and you sat in church. Back in our day if you didn’t sit still, you were removed from the service, “disciplined” and brought back in. Kid’s in churches today sometimes don’t join the “adult” service till they’re in high school...way too late to have an impact.
P.S. I have very distinct memories of being taken out of church, given a talking to, and then going back in. Because if that didn’t work, we were taken out of the service, and given a spanking. But what I remember is because we were in Florida and the windows of the church were open (no AC in that day), my dad would put us in the car, drive us a block away and administer the spanking so as not to disturb the church service, LOL.
Awe, memories of church childhood. Those big fans for the congregation, everyone sweating, molded hymn books from the humidity (Floridian here too) and the dreaded 1000 pound claw pinch from Mom when I wouldn’t sit still ;D!
Wow you are spot on. I hadn’t thought about it but that is where I learned that being disruptive to my surroundings was going to result in punishment. Church was a reverend place. You got dressed up to go to Church out of respect (I’m sure some did to show off new clothes) and you were quiet during the service, and if you weren’t you would get the shush from Mom on the first warning. Next you would get the little pinch, and if you embarrassed her enough that she had to leave during the service, woe be unto you, because she was already mad about having to poke Dad 2 or 3 times to wake him up, and she couldn’t take him outside and “whup” him.
So you are correct, Church was probably the first place I learned how to show respect for others.