Introducing your kids to faith

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Igypop83

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Hi there. I’m father of one daughter. She will be one year old next month, so I know it’s very soon for this question. But I’m thinking about how to teach her (and the kids to follow) about the Catholic faith. For example, if you would work with a catechism, how would you do it? Just read it together and have her learn it (maybe by heart)? It doesn’t seem right and I’m sure, it would bore her to death. I’m afraid, I’m a really bad teacher and actually have no idea how to explain the basic truths of the faith. Do you have some experience? Or do you know a good book (or website) where I can get some advice?
 
Igypop83 said:
Hi there. I’m father of one daughter. She will be one year old next month, so I know it’s very soon for this question. But I’m thinking about how to teach her (and the kids to follow) about the Catholic faith. For example, if you would work with a catechism, how would you do it? Just read it together and have her learn it (maybe by heart)? It doesn’t seem right and I’m sure, it would bore her to death. I’m afraid, I’m a really bad teacher and actually have no idea how to explain the basic truths of the faith. Do you have some experience? Or do you know a good book (or website) where I can get some advice?
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It is so good that you are thinking about this and that it is important to you. Since this is probably your first, I want to welcome you and congratulate you on your fatherhood. It is awesome.

I have five kids. From 2 months to age 9. I home school them using religious curriculum.

The best thing you can do?
well, it isn’t make them learn the CCC. That is all well and good but cannot start at age 1. Nor is it even enrolling them in religious ed. Though that is an important step to take as a parent. And it is not even getting the right DVD or Book for them. Though that is also something you should do. The number 1 best thing you can do for your child to teach them the faith is go to Mass, and take them with you. All the time. And let them watch you pray, adore, and talk about God.
From birth all of my kids are in Mass, or in the adoration chapel with us for an hour (we do this as a family) or are praying with us at night. This is what a 1 year old needs. This is what a 16 year old needs.
 
HD covered it pretty well. At this early age, she will learn the most by watching you. When she’s older, she’ll start asking questions - answer them. If you don’t know the answer, look it up together. This will help her learn the faith as well as understand that it’s OK not to have all the answers and will give her the tools to find answers on her own.
 
We pray together (starting with bedtime prayers), go to Mass together, and to the extent possible celebrate the liturgical year - for us right now that looks like different decorations throughout the year, celebrating feast days for saints that we are close to (with prayers but also a special dinner or dessert, same for our baptism days).

We have children’s Bibles that we read to the kids from. Just that has generated a lot of questions from my son who is now 4 (he probably knows more now than I did before I converted as an adult 😊).

I think the best way to teach the Faith is just to live it, every day. Your kids will pick it up.
 
If you live according to the teachings of your Catholic faith, they will for sure follow you. Your example means the world to them right now. If they grow up and go in a different direction, best believe they will take all that you have taught them with them, and at least you know in your heart, you did your best. Also a few of the kids in my family strayed, but I never gave up on them and they are coming back. God is so good and merciful.
 
You have received a lot of good advice. Bringing your kids to Mass and bringing up the faith in discussions at home is a good start. Our parish starts religious ed at age three. Your parish may have videos you can borrow on the faith and saints.
 
I agree. Bring them to everything, and include them in your prayer time. Ask them to pray with you. Sit up front where they can see everything, and explain what’s going on. Volunteer and bring them with you to help. As they grow up, make sure their closest friends and best experiences take place in a faith context.
 
Oh, and I am just noticing your screen name. I saw Iggy Pop in concert in the 80s. Front row!
 
I found many times I would be reading on my own a story about a saint, or an event, like Fatima, and I would share with my children those stories or relate them to something else we might be discussing. This is true for any age at all. Sometimes I might simply relate a story from a book with some spiritual value, like a saint’s biography. Or use the experience of a saint, or even Jesus, to guide a decision brought to the table around dinner. The opportunities are countless, but it starts with seeing day to day conversations as opportunities to bring Catholic thought and experience to bear on every question, every issue.

Don’t overlook either some of the animated videos available for the lives of the saints or, again, Fatima. My kids really wore the ones we had out; they love and know those stories forever.

Sometimes I might tell a Bible story to them as if spinning a great yarn. They should learn that the Bible is full of great stories. Once in a while, we would even act out Bible stories together and have fun with that.

Above all was Mass without fail.

Have fun with that kid!
 
My kids are really young too.

I have a three year old and an 18 month old.
They come to Mass with us and I bring them to daily Mass too.

Daily Mass is a great way for kids to start getting used to Mass, in general, but at a shorter time frame.
Plus, our Church has perpetual adoration and my oldest daughter is just fascinated when they expose the host after Mass.

They are still so young though and learn by watching everything you do. I’ve learned not to press the matter and just let them be observant.

My 18 month old just started catching on that we say Prayers as a family before meals and before bed.
Up until now…she’d just start eating right away while we all said Grace or finding a book to read or stuffed toy to busy herself with while we said bed time prayers.
I never scolded her or anything…I just let her be and waited.

Sure enough…she started noticing that the entire family takes time to pray and thank God before we eat and before we go to bed…and she joined in on her own.

It’s all about consistency and keeping your Faith out in the open. Hang pictures, let them fiddle around with Rosary beads, read them bible stories and saints stories and bring them to Church.
It becomes routine and kids thrive within that.

Keep it simple.
 
I agree with all the above, particularly including prayer in the rhythm of your daily life, rather than just making it something you do on Sundays and in private as an adult. I’d add putting religious art in your home–the picture below has been in countless bedrooms of Catholic children–storytelling that includes both Bible stories (including parables), stories about the saints, and stories by children’s writers that reflect the faith and also songs and rhymes. (Look how much theology is in the old Christmas songs!)
 
Thanks for your great advices! What I meant is, when they are old enough, I would also like to teach them systematically. Do think, that’s a good idea, or not necessary? Just following my (hopefully good) example and watching me, they will not know about the sacraments, about mass and all this stuff.
 
Igypop83 said:
Thanks for your great advices! What I meant is, when they are old enough, I would also like to teach them systematically. Do think, that’s a good idea, or not necessary? Just following my (hopefully good) example and watching me, they will not know about the sacraments, about mass and all this stuff.
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I think it depends on the kid and how they are when it comes to learning.

Personally, I’m totally turned off by the idea of forcing any child to memorize scripture or the Catechism.
I think it could back fire big time.

I think creating an environment that gives continuity across the board when it comes to the faith is a better approach.

Frequently attending Mass, reading books to them about the bible and the Mass, answering any questions they have, going to confession as a family, saying prayers and the rosary as a family and being the best Catholic example you can be will give you far better results.

Personally (and this is a personal opinion because this is not feasible for everyone), my husband and I agree that we want the continuity to extend to school as well for a multitude of reasons.
We’re sending our girls to Catholic school or we’d home school if we didn’t have that option.
 
Igypop83 said:
Thanks for your great advices! What I meant is, when they are old enough, I would also like to teach them systematically. Do think, that’s a good idea, or not necessary? Just following my (hopefully good) example and watching me, they will not know about the sacraments, about mass and all this stuff.
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I guess I don’t know what you mean by systematically? If you live in the US your parish should have a Religious Education program in place. You could always be more involved in this yourself starting right now. I am fortunate enough to homeschool my kids and because we use a thorough Catholic curriculum, and because out priest is supportive of us we do not currently use the Parish RE program for sacrament prep. But we have in the past and it has been more than adequate. Some parishes require this some do not. This does depend on the parish though and if there is a problem in your current parish, it is better you know it now so you can either attend a different parish or volunteer to help change the quality of the program.
That being said, parents are the primary educators of the faith to the children, so in no way should you “hand off” your kids to the parish and walk away.
Buying a Catechism and having them memorize it would not be advised. However the Baltimore Catechism can be used for this, as it was written for such. There are plenty of good resources out there. Try Seton, or Ignatius Press.

If a three year old says the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be. And can pray at meals then you are ahead of the curve.

Remember, their brains can easily memorize but cannot comprehend certain theological ideas and concepts. Rote memorization on what the council of Nicea was and the immaculate conception will impress the neighbors, but will mean nothing to a young child.
 
Igypop83 said:
Thanks for your great advices! What I meant is, when they are old enough, I would also like to teach them systematically. Do think, that’s a good idea, or not necessary? Just following my (hopefully good) example and watching me, they will not know about the sacraments, about mass and all this stuff.
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When it comes to “systematic” knowledge, start first by knowing what the curriculum is in your diocese. If there are ideas that could come up in your daily life but don’t, look into that.

I would introduce those ideas naturally, however, as “things that were just assumed at my house, growing up.” For instance, you say the Rosary as a family when the children are little, then at some point you can say, “When you can recite the Mysteries and know all the prayers, then you will get a turn at leading.” For some children, that will be earlier, and for others, later. The “systematic” deadline comes when the topic is covered in formal catechism classes. If your child hasn’t picked it up by then, it is time to buckle down and learn it by rote.

When you talk about right vs. wrong, you can say, for instance, “You need to show Grandma more respect. The 4th Commandment, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ also has to do with honoring your grandmother.” You don’t run down all ten every time, but refer the Commandments as something that are a point of reference in daily life. The ten together will come up when you tell the story of the Exodus–just leave them as a part in a story, as they appear in the Bible, rather than ruining the drama of the story by a lot of explanation that will make a young child’s eyes cross. In this way, your child will have a much fuller appreciation of the Commandments than if he or she had only been exposed to them in a formal way in catechism classes at church or school. You will also be talking about religion in a way that is relevant and concrete, rather than abstract, which is much more appropriate for small children and also lays a sturdy foundation for “abstract” learning that will present things in a more systematic way later in her education.
 
Igypop83 said:
Thanks for your great advices! What I meant is, when they are old enough, I would also like to teach them systematically. Do think, that’s a good idea, or not necessary? Just following my (hopefully good) example and watching me, they will not know about the sacraments, about mass and all this stuff.
Click to expand...
Being systematic is good, but age is not a factor to be ignored. The Catechism is awesome, but it was not written for little kids. Luckily, there are a wealth of resources that use the Catechism as a benchmark and then articulate things in an age appropriate way.

I recall being concerned when my youngest was that age, too. 🙂 But it has all worked out. Between Mass, family prayer time, answering curious questions, going through the Faith & Life program at home, sending her to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at the parish, and generally taking advantage of every faith-building opportunity we can, things seem to be working out pretty well. For Christmas, she wanted a crucifix that can stand on her bedside table (and Anna and Elsa stuffed animals :rolleyes:). And we read through the entire Golden Children’s Bible each night at bed time because she asked to with no prompting from me. So something must be sticking. 😛
 
Hoosier_Daddy said:
I guess I don’t know what you mean by systematically? If you live in the US your parish should have a Religious Education program in place. You could always be more involved in this yourself starting right now. I am fortunate enough to homeschool my kids and because we use a thorough Catholic curriculum, and because out priest is supportive of us we do not currently use the Parish RE program for sacrament prep. But we have in the past and it has been more than adequate. Some parishes require this some do not. This does depend on the parish though and if there is a problem in your current parish, it is better you know it now so you can either attend a different parish or volunteer to help change the quality of the program.
That being said, parents are the primary educators of the faith to the children, so in no way should you “hand off” your kids to the parish and walk away.
Buying a Catechism and having them memorize it would not be advised. However the Baltimore Catechism can be used for this, as it was written for such. There are plenty of good resources out there. Try Seton, or Ignatius Press.

If a three year old says the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be. And can pray at meals then you are ahead of the curve.

Remember, their brains can easily memorize but cannot comprehend certain theological ideas and concepts. Rote memorization on what the council of Nicea was and the immaculate conception will impress the neighbors, but will mean nothing to a young child.
Click to expand...
I live in Austria and here in almost every parish liturgical abuse happen on a regular bases. Our priest even openly denies dogmas of the church. That’s why I don’t trust the programs in our parishes…
 
Igypop83 said:
Hi there. I’m father of one daughter. She will be one year old next month, so I know it’s very soon for this question. But I’m thinking about how to teach her (and the kids to follow) about the Catholic faith. For example, if you would work with a catechism, how would you do it? Just read it together and have her learn it (maybe by heart)? It doesn’t seem right and I’m sure, it would bore her to death. I’m afraid, I’m a really bad teacher and actually have no idea how to explain the basic truths of the faith. Do you have some experience? Or do you know a good book (or website) where I can get some advice?
Click to expand...
Cor ad cor loquitur. “Heart speaks to heart”. What I mean by that is that, if you believe these truths as certain, as revealed by God, and then practice your faith and seek to love God with your whole heart, then your child will naturally learn the faith from you. Now, of course, explanations are going to be necessary. You might start by asking her questions like “how did all of this stuff get here?”, and when she sees you make e.g. the sign of the Cross, and asks “why do you do that?” simply start by explaining to her that you do so to honor the presence of God. Later when they are better reasoning abilities, such as around five, six or seven, do you explain to them the Trinity, and the Incarnation of Jesus Christ etc.

Also, example goes a long way. For instance, put a crucifix in her room, and pray before it. When she comes to try and make you look at her, remain fixed on the Crucifix - this way she learns quickly that whatever you’re doing, and Whoever you’re talking to is more important than she is, which is of course true (that’s not to say you don’t love your daughter - I’m sure you love her to death, but God ought to be loved more).

Let it come naturally, but make sure you do it. Don’t hesitate to ask rhetorical questions in order to get her to think about things which will lead to questions of the faith. Granted, I’m not a parent, so take this advice with a grain of salt, but this is how I plan to do it.

Benedicat Deus,
Latinitas
 
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