Struggling to pray with my kids consistently | DadHQ

Struggling to pray with my kids consistently

19h ago1 min read

Been trying to start a nightly prayer routine with the kids before bed but I keep forgetting or getting too tired. My wife mentioned that they're not learning what prayer really means if I'm not modeling it myself. Feel like I'm failing them spiritually. How do you guys stay consistent with this? Do you do morning prayers, bedtime, or something else? I want to lead by example but honestly some nights I'm just exhausted after work.

6 comments86 views

Comments(6)

FFred J.Regular18h ago

We keep a little prayer jar by the bed now instead of trying to remember the exact routine. Kids pick a slip or we just say something quick. Took pressure off and we actually stick with it better that way.

CCarl W.Regular18h ago

Start smaller. We do like a 30 second thankful thing instead of a whole prayer routine and it's way more sustainable when you're exhausted at bedtime. Kids feel it more when it's actually happening than when you force something you're too tired for.

JJoseNew Dad12h ago

Keep it simple and short. I was trying to do these long meaningful prayers and kept skipping it because it felt like another chore. Switched to like two sentences, something I'm grateful for and something the kids want help with, and now we actually do it most nights. Consistency over perfection.

AAndrew T.New Dad7h ago

The forgetting part is real. With three kids and a full day I was constantly spacing on it. I set a phone reminder for 15 minutes before bedtime and it changed everything. Now it's automatic. Not fancy, but it works.

DDanielRegularjust now

You're not alone in this. Most of us start these routines with good intentions and then life happens. Don't beat yourself up about the gaps. Just start again the next night. The kids will remember that you tried more than they'll remember the nights you missed.

BBrandonNew Dadjust now

I struggle with consistency too, not just with prayer but with a lot of routines. The trick I found is anchoring it to something you already do, like right after brushing teeth or before the door closes after they get in bed. If it's attached to an existing habit, you forget less.