Top photo credit: Canva image
By Judith Kiernan, Special Contributor
No need to opine on the days facing mothers of infants and toddlers! Is there ever “a schedule” or a free moment?
As a mother, I have weathered the storms of ear infections, colic, allergies and rainy days. Did I ever hear the voice of God in all of this? Better yet, did I open my heart so that I could see him there with me?
Pope Benedict XVI said that “Faith is not maintained automatically. It is not a finished business that we can simply take for granted. The life of faith has to be constantly renewed.”
So, what can a mother do? Think about the putty in your hands. As a parent you can invigorate and refresh your faith journey and bring your precious children along. It was Mary who lovingly nurtured the infant Jesus and accompanied him as he grew. She was open to living the Divine Plan. Using some simple suggestions, we too, can navigate the seasons of our faith journey and motherhood in the moment where God has placed us.
Here are some ideas to consider:
Relaxation
Choose a comfy chair, a quiet dim area or the nursery. Sit down with your bundle(s) of joy, take some deep breaths and encourage stillness. Is there a Crucifix, statue or picture of Jesus to focus on? Let this be the “time-out” spot, a meditation minute. Slow the pace; change the scene. One of you may be ready for a nap!
Bedtime Prayers
A TV commercial demonstrates “that thing your family does;” a unique practice that sets you apart from other families. Say a prayer aloud each time you place the little one down for a nap or the night. Over time it will become, “your thing.” One day they will say the prayer with you. It can be as simple as: “Blessed Mother please wrap my child in your mantle of love.”
Let’s Visit Jesus Today
All kids love field trips! Let’s visit Jesus! This may just be showing what Jesus’ house looks like from the car. Toddlers can walk with you around the church while you point out things. Whisper when doing so and kneel when it’s time to pray. You are, in effect, modeling proper church behavior and signaling what happens here.
Music Playlist (Car and Home)
Today’s young adults bemoan the fact that they do not know the hymns that parents/grandparents love. You can make a music playlist of their favorites. Faith-filled music can be played in the car, at bedtime, feeding time and just about any time. Before long, you will be singing them yourself; accompanied by the children.. Check Amazon.com for Christian Children’s Music.
Reading Stories
There are an abundance of books featuring bible basics, bedtime prayers and stories about saints for toddlers through teens. Make books a birthday gift this year. Bring a favorite to Mass occasionally. These stories set the stage for future readers in the faith genre! Check ChristianBook.com and perhaps your parish library.
Faith at Home is a monthly column coordinated by the Diocese of Trenton’s Departments of Catechesis, evangelization and Family Life, and Youth and Young Adult Ministry. For additional Faith at Home resources, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/faith-at-home.