No, awakening to the faith of children is not just the parents' business

The awakening of children's faith is not only done by parents. The other members of the family (grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc.) are also called to take part in this important mission.

Even if the role of parents in the education of their children's faith is paramount and irreplaceable, the place held by other members, more or less close, of the family should not be overlooked. Their mission is complementary to that of the parents. For the child to grow and build in peace and harmony, it is important that he can see his grandparents, uncles, aunts, and other family members, pray, participate in Mass and behave like Christians. At certain times, the child will be more sensitive to their example than to that of his or her parents.
Give advice while respecting parents' choices
When the child comes on holiday with his grandparents, for example, they learn about their eating, sleeping, etc. habits and needs. It is essential that they also do so with regard to his prayer life. As in other areas, holidays outdoors must ensure the stability and permanence of the child's necessary development, while allowing him to open himself to other ways of seeing, of doing, of being, than those he usually meets.

On the other hand, members of the same family can help each other a lot in the education of their children's Faith: exchange of ideas, advice, or simply a silent example that will rekindle trust, make you want to do more and better, show without speech that helping children walk to the Lord is a grace offered to all parents. Faith education is sometimes a subject that is not always easily addressed as a family, even when one feels the need for advice or encouragement. It is true that it is such an important and profound issue that you cannot talk about it at any time and in any way.

Lead by example
It is important to maintain a climate of trust where everyone will be welcomed and loved as they are, without judgment or criticism. A climate of discretion also where one can speak without fear of hearing his words repeated to all echoes, not out of a taste for secrecy but out of respect for what cannot be unpacked in the public square. The help of grandparents (among others) can be exercised especially at the most important times of the christian life of the child: baptism, first communion, etc.

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