With a growing family and dwindling patients prayer came into play more and more. Prayer is a HUGE part of our days in and out of the home. It doesn’t matter where we are we say grace before every meal, a litany of prayers before bed and bless each of our bundles, and say the rosary a minimum of 6 times a week (if it’s been a rough day we add a second so some weeks we’ve said them a good 14 times!).
We pray all of the time anywhere and anytime. In our van is a popular place. The kids are so sweet and will pray for me if I had a “head boo boo” (headache), or feeling overwhelmed and they ask for more patience, or if someone is sick or anything they pray for health. It’s truly amazing what children will think and say if given the opportunity. Just encourage it and at anytime and in any place.
One of the ways I deal with behavior issues is asking for a prayer. This helps them realize they aren’t behaving the best and will ask for help which is a great life lesson. Doesn’t always work but is a great tool to have in your arsenal.
Extras
- This is a fantastic book for little ones for a daily devotion. Our friends (godparents to two of our children) got this last Christmas for them and we are using it again this year. It’s a quick 1 page message, prayer, and bible reading. https://www.amazon.com/Year-Devotions-Preschoolers-Little-Blessings/dp/0842389407/ref=sr_1_18?crid=11YE2L4JB47D8&keywords=childrens+daily+devotional+book&qid=1582335375&sprefix=childrens+daily+de%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-18
- Give them the opportunity to say grace before a meal themselves before reminding them. If they forget just remind them they might have forgotten something and they’ll usually remember.
- Ask them if they want to say a prayer. Bedtime is a great time to see if they want to pray for someone in particular. (it always surprises me how much they are listening even if I don’t think they are)
- I find it helps if they have their own religious items also. Doesn’t matter what it is either, if you have it try and find a child version or grab a second one for them.
- THERE ARE SOOOOO MANY religious toys out there. I feel the more the better. Here’s a simple balancing game that’s a great family game or to let them play themselves (small die is included to monitoring needed if a little one) https://www.amazon.com/Balancing-Stacking-17-Piece-Imagination-Generation/dp/B077128TZF
Till then God Bless and Enjoy!
~Just Your Average Mama