Childhood is a treasured time to introduce our little ones to Our Blessed Mother Mary. In the early years, they are soaking in all the beauty and goodness around us and Our Lady exudes all of it. She is also the Help of Christians, our shelter in the storms of life and “the most perfect way of approaching Jesus,” in the words of Saint Louis de Montfort.

Building a Relationship with Mary as a Mom

The first step for introducing our kids to Our Mother Mary is to get to know her ourselves first. In my motherhood journey, she has been the best company. When difficult times arose, I knew what I had to do: praying the Rosary was the answer. When my Mom was diagnosed with cancer, I felt Our Lady of Guadalupe very close to my heart.

As a Mom, the Rosary has been my ship and my weapon. I know my day will not be as joyful or smooth if I don’t pray the Rosary first thing in the morning. But not all spiritual paths are the same, and we are blessed to have many ways to her motherly heart to know her better. Ask her in prayer how she can nurture your soul, how she would like to lead you and your family to her immaculate heart.

Marian Devotions for Kids

If you have toddlers or preschoolers at home, praying the Rosary as a family might be a challenge. But don’t get discouraged! We are giving baby steps here. Remember, we are building a relationship with Mary.

Here are some building blocks for your family to start on:

Marian Art

When our two oldest kids were little we would follow every Marian feast day and do something special for Our Heavenly Mom every single time. A beautiful coloring page or an illustration/art work of her accompanied by a prayer or quotation copywork would hang from our walls as a way to honor Mary. Through the years, I am seeing the impact that this simple activity has had specially in our daughter’s heart. She loves her so much! But her devotion started little by little, slowly…

The Three Hail Marys

This devotion is absolutely beautiful and easy for little ones. This practice was revealed by Our Lady to Saint Mechtilde and to Saint Gertrude the Great. Each Hail Mary would be recited to honor God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit respectively. More about this devotion here. 

May Crowning

This is one of our favorite ones! We have a beautiful Mary’s garden statue and we pick tiny fabric flowers every year to make her crown. We pray as a family, sing some hymns and sometimes we share a special treat to thank Our Lady for her immense love and maternal care. If you are a newbie in May Crownings, this guide from Holy Heroes may be useful.

Rosary Picture Studies

Sacred Art is a passageway into busy, longing hearts. Into the Deep’s Picture Studies are a wonderful way to help your children focus on and ponder the life of Jesus and our Mother Mary under a new light.

Marian Consecration for Kids

I prayed the Marian Consecration for the first time ever after one of my best friends encouraged me to do it. My life has not been the same! I wanted to share this beautiful devotion with my family right away. After looking for books or resources to do it, I found Colleen’s Pressprich book was perfect for us. 

Seven Hail Marys Devotion

As children grow up in their devotion to Mary, we can teach them to meditate on Our Lady’s Seven Sorrows praying The Seven Hail Marys. It’s another beautiful way to know her mother's heart and learn from her. 

Rosary

Start praying the Rosary as a family once a week and as the kids get older, pray to Our Lady more often. There are amazing resources from Catholic artisans to help us on this task.

Call upon Mary

When our strength fails as we try to live our vocation for the glory of her Son, Mary is always there to intercede for us. Call upon Mary every day and let her fill your heart with God’s grace.

“Let her name be even on your lips, ever in your heart; and the better to obtain the help of her prayers, imitate the example of her life: “Following her, thou strayest not; invoking her, thou despairest not; thinking of her, thou wanderest not; upheld by her, thou fallest not; shielded by her, thou fearest not; guided by her, thou growest not weary; favored by her, thou reachest the goal. And thus dost thou experience in thyself how good is that saying: ‘And the Virgin’s name was Mary.’”  

St. Bernard.

Do you have a Marian devotion that is particularly close to your heart? Share it in the comments below.

Ready to dive deeper? 

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