I recently was at a class to help our church build up and support their family faith formation classes or learning how to support parents at home to live the liturgical seasons with their families.

I was sitting next to a parent/catechist and she spoke about the importance of reminding parents that it is important and okay to bless your children everyday. My grandma, had Holy Water everywhere in her home. I loved walking by her Holy Water font in her house and often times I would bless myself . I never told her or asked her about why she had a font in her room, I just knew it was something that protected her home and I always felt safe there. This is a picture of the font she had in her home that is from Germany and from her parents, my great-grandparents.

Fast forward, both of my children have their own alters in their room. It’s just located on one of their shelves. It was encouraged by their second grade teacher before they received their sacrament of First Communion. My children are now in 8th grade and 5th grade and both have their alters in their room to this day!

Now, one of the things (I am scared to admit) is I didn’t know I could bless my own children. I always assumed that was something only a priest could do! From my own research, I noticed that blessing your children was something our patriarchs did in the book of Genesis and Exodus. Quite honestly, I am excited to start this in my own life with my children, Godchildren, and nieces and nephews.

I came across this article and just thought to myself. My goal, is to bless my children at night before falling asleep. I will start small and eventually tie it in do our morning routine. Here is the article I thought was practical and worth the read: Why You Should Be Blessing Your Children Everyday

Morning:

This sets the tone for their day and reminds them they carry Jesus with them.

Step-by-Step:

1. Trace the Sign of the Cross on their forehead.
2. Say: “May God go before you to guide you,
   behind you to protect you,
   beside you to befriend you,
   and within you to fill you with His peace.
   In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

You can also add:

• “Be kind, be brave, and be a light for Jesus today.”
• Or a simple: “God bless you, I love you.”

Bedtime:

This helps your child rest in the peace of God’s love.

Step-by-Step:

1. Make the Sign of the Cross on their forehead (or you can do it on their head/heart too).
2. Say something like: “May the Lord bless you and keep you.
   May His face shine upon you and give you peace.
   Sleep in the arms of Jesus, my love. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Optional Additions:

• Thank God aloud for something that happened that day.
• Ask your child if they’d like to thank God or say a prayer too.
• Sing a soft hymn like “Jesus Loves Me” or “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman.”

These moments become little anchors in their day and yours too. You could even create a special gesture or phrase that’s just yours and your child’s—something they’ll remember forever.

-Nicki