Praying with grandchildren

[pandiok]

Recently we had 6 of our grandchildren for an overnight stay. In reply to a prior request from one of our grandchildren we said the Rosary with all of them. Our daughter has now told us that this should not happen again as their religious formation is her responsibility. However,
she does not do it. What should we do?

 

[geekborj]

Recently we had 6 of our grandchildren for an overnight stay. In reply to a prior request from one of our grandchildren we said the Rosary with all of them. Our daughter has now told us that this should not happen again as their religious formation is her responsibility. However,
she does not do it. What should we do?

Perhaps talking about this with your daughter is the best way. You have to tell her that you love your grandchildren to the point that you are also concerned of their religious formation. Should she not want to have her children say the Rosary, she should simply inform you.

One can agree to differ but with charity explain why the difference.

I personally believe that religious formation of children are not the SOLE responsibility of parents but also of grandparents. However, grandparents are there for the wisdom and through love, offer such wisdom to children and grandchildren. Your prayers for the children and grandchildren should not cease.

 

[hannajomar]

So, one grandchild asks to pray the Rosary. Are you supposed to make the other grandchild sit out?

 

[crystal_waters]

Pray pray and pray!..if your daughter wont let you pray with your grandkids maybe you can get round that in a subtle way by having ewtn tv or radio on in the background while they are with you

 

[Allegra]

If your daughter told you not to say the rosary with the children, then I would agree to stop doing it. I’m assuming that your daughter isn’t Catholic and doesn’t intend for her children to be Catholic. I would be deeply offended if my mother attempted to engage my children in activities that are contrary to the Catholic faith. It isn’t a grandmother’s place to undermine a parent’s right to teach their child their faith. I would have to insist on a clear statement that nothing like that would ever happen again or I would not leave my children in my mother’s home unsupervised.
Now, on the other hand, if the daughter in question is the mother of only some of the children involved and you want to say the rosary with the other children as part of your nightly custom in your own home, then your daughter has to decide if she wants them to spend the night under those conditions or if she is okay as long as the kids aren’t actively participating in saying the rosary. If your daughter expects you to hide the fact that you are Catholic in your own home, that is an unreasonable expectation.

 

[exquisitor]

To pray the rosary in answer to a request from your grandchild was indeed the right thing to do. You must be an example to your grandchildren and show and proclaim your faith. How happy must our Blessed Mother have been to see you all gathered together in prayer. These are the memories your grandchildren will take through life and hopefully they will carry on praying the rosary and stay close to their faith. I am sorry that their mother feels that their religious upbringing belongs to her alone, for my own grandmother was very religious as is my own mother, and we learn by example. Continue to show them how you live your faith and teach them the truth no matter what barriers are put before you.

Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:13-14

May God bless you, your grandchildren and their mother

 

[hannajomar]

I’m unclear, were all 6 grandchildren your daughter’s children?

 

[PhilipUSA]

Where are the God Parents? Do they have any? In absence religious advancements, they are obligated to step in as allowed. So many leave formations as a choice by individual children. They hope for the best for the esteem, happiness and psychological appeasement of the of the child. Today’s culture and societal norms do not promote Holiness.

Would your grand kids instinctively know to brush their teeth or wash their hands - of course not. Children are like dry sponges that have gaps or voids that need to be be filled. Hopefully truth will fill that void. What is truth? The love of God.

You were able to plant a seed or two before being asked to leave the garden. Good job! You will recognize opportunities to interject formations. The Rosary is a great gift and powerful weapon. Every Rosary said in earnest will echo throughout eternity.

My recommendations:
Pray and contemplate the fruit of the fourth Joyful Mystery - “Obedience”. And; the first and fourth fruits of the Luminous Mysteries “Openness to the Holy Spirit” and “Desire for Holiness” . You, your daughter and grand kids will receive abundant graces.
We will join with you in prayer.
God Bless!