Whether you have one or ten children, you might be wondering how to pray the rosary with little kids. Maybe you’ve tried and it. went. HORRIBLY. I understand. If you are a Catholic revert like me, you may be presented with unique challenges like having to teach your kids that the rosary is NOT an idol. Oh that is fun, eating your own words. Now that we are far beyond that, I am just a fellow Catholic mom who has tried to pray the rosary with my kids of all ages and writhed with rage at the less-than-reverent behavior of these precious babes of mine. We can do better!
How do I explain the rosary to my little kids?
The best way to explain the rosary to little kids is, I think, to break up the prayers and talk about them! Keep it simple, no need to dive off the deep end. (I am guilty of this… I passionately keep talking and talking and soon notice that all my kids eyes are glazed over…) The Apostles Creed is our profession of faith, the Our Father is the Lord’s prayer taught in scripture, and the Hail Mary reminds us of our Blessed Mother’s holiness and how she brought Jesus to earth. For really little kids I might just keep it at that. You can use your discernment and further explain the Glory Be and Oh my Jesus prayers, as well as the concluding prayers.
What kind of rosaries should I get for my little kids?
I have found that rope rosaries are the way to go! I love a beautiful chain rosary but they come apart and break so easily, especially with kids. Here is an example of a beautiful rope rosary! If budget is a concern for you, check out your local parish for rope rosaries. Most parishes that I have been to usually have some sort of table set up near the entrance with free will offering rosaries (basically, rosaries for free, but donate if you can, and they often have rope rosaries!). They may not have the most aesthetically pleasing options, but it can be a great start, and kids love them regardless! My local adoration chapel also has an area where you can get free will offering rosaries, so if you have one near you, check there too!
How do I teach my little kids to sit quietly during the rosary prayer?
I would be lying if I said we had this mastered. Here are our family rules:
- School aged kids must choose a seat and keep that seat for the whole rosary
- If you know the prayers, you must be following along and praying out loud as best you can
- Toddlers are the only kids allowed to move about and play quietly as long as they are not overly disruptive
- Rosaries are for hands only (not feet, knees, or to be used as ninja weapons)
What to do if my kids don’t want to pray the rosary with me?
If you have come up against sour attitudes about praying the rosary, you are not alone. When we have dealt with this we encourage said child to set aside whatever icky feelings they are having about praying at the moment and to participate with a good attitude. I like to tell my kids “God already knows that you don’t feel like praying right now, but he can handle that. Ask him to help you turn your tude around”. It’s important not to be shaming in your approach. I think loving, yet firm encouragement is key. I don’t want my kids to have negative associations with our faith practices all because mom or dad gets overwhelmed with all the crazy, so I really try to keep my emotions in check although I may get pretty frazzled..
What if we can’t make it through the whole rosary?
If you’re feeling frustrated because you can’t seem to make it through the whole rosary with your kids, don’t fret. Whether it’s just a decade or two, or even only a couple Hail Mary’s, Jesus and Mary won’t mind. In fact, I like to think they’re chuckling at the whole ordeal and patting me on the back. At least that’s what I like to tell myself. The important thing is that we try, and with practice and perseverance, I think praying our family rosary with all our kids will be one of our most cherished family traditions.
What tips do you have for praying the rosary with little kids? Please leave them in a comment below!
Peace be with you!