Catholic Activity: Introducing the Holy Family to Your Baby

You have a natural inclination to share affection. When you love someone dearly, you want others to know and love him also. Because of your love for each member of the Holy Family and your enrichment by their patronage and favors, very soon you will tell your child about Jesus, Mary and Joseph. You will want the members of the Holy Family to love your baby and care for him all his life, just as you will teach your baby in turn to love them.

DIRECTIONS

Are you wondering just how you can go about introducing the Family of Nazareth to a nine-month-old baby? Well, how did you introduce his grandparents to him? If Grandmother and Grandfather live in the same city, your child probably became aware of them almost as soon as he came to know and recognize you. He probably came to know Granddad's hearty laugh and to reach for Grandmother's glasses.

If his grandparents live in another city, you have possibly taken him to see them or they have come to him. At the time of that visit your baby already knew about his grandparents, by the bootees and sweater Grandmother knitted and the fuzzy stuffed dog Grandfather had sent some time before. You had told him about countless other indications of their affection.

At nine months your baby readily distinguishes you and his relatives from strangers. The Holy Family can become as familiar to him through colorful pictures about their life at Nazareth. Indeed, a love for the members of that family must become part of the baby's life. Make room for them in your home. Listen to their words. Let your child feel their presence.

Activity Source: From Crib to Stroller, Parent-Educator Series 1, Leaflets 0-12, Birth to Three Years by Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, 1961