Do you look at those families who pray the Rosary together every night and wonder how in the world they do it? I used to be one of those people. As a mom with several young children, I would look around at other young families in disbelief, questioning how they kept their sanity while praying an entire Rosary every day. It seemed like an impossible feat, though the desire was there to accomplish it for our family.

This year was our year. After sporadically praying the Rosary for years but never making the leap to a daily Rosary, we finally made the commitment and have stuck with it. And as unqualified as I am, I wanted to say to all of you who are on the fence about praying with your kids: YOU CAN DO IT!

Not only is it possible, it is really so important and fruitful.

If you’re nervous about praying with your young kids, grandkids, or nieces and nephews, you’re in good company. Believe me, I was right there with you. Here are some things that might help you out:

Invite Participation
If you get your kids involved in praying, they will not only get more out of the Rosary but they’ll be more engaged as well. Teach your preschool-age and older kids how to follow along on the beads, and as you pray more frequently and they pick up the words to all of the prayers, invite them to lead a decade or two!

Get a Rosary Book
Find a kids’ Rosary book with images of the mysteries so they can look at and contemplate the mysteries. There are many great books and pamphlets out there at Catholic book stores for just a few dollars, and for us, it has been worth the investment! Our kids like to follow along in their book and look at the images of the Blessed Mother and Jesus as we meditate on joyful, sorrowful, luminous, and glorious moments in their lives.

Lower Your Expectations
If you are hoping for a picture-perfect family Rosary with your little kids sitting still and keeping quiet and everyone praying along at the right time, you are going to fail. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try! Your kids will still be kids, even when you are praying together. But just imagine the joy and love that Mama Mary has for them as she watches them wiggle and squirm their way through her Holy Rosary.

Pray with Relevant Radio
Try praying along with Father Rocky on the Family Rosary Across America at 7pm CT each evening. You don’t have to remember the words or keep track of which decade or Hail Mary you’re on, and your kids will have the added benefit of praying with and for thousands of families across the nation. It’s a win-win!

When you start, things might be tough. And even if you’ve been praying regularly for months or years, some days will still be difficult. But it gets easier and it will always be worth it.

So I’m here to say to you—if you make any resolutions this year, make the resolution to pray the Holy Rosary. 2022 is your year!