Most loving Father, the example of parenthood,
you have entrusted our children to us
to bring them up for you and prepare them for everlasting life.
Assist us with your grace, that we may fulfill this sacred duty
with competence and love.
Teach us what to give
and what to withhold.
Show us when to reprove,
when to praise and when to be silent.
Make us gentle and considerate,
yet firm and watchful.
Keep us from the weakness of indulgence
and the excess of severity.
Give us the courage to be disliked sometimes by our children,
when we must do necessary things
which are displeasing in their eyes.
Give us the imagination to enter their world
in order to understand and guide them.
Grant us all the virtues we need to lead them
by word and example in the ways of wisdom and piety.
One day with them, we may enter into the joys
of our true and lasting home with you in heaven.