O God, the Father of humankind, who has blessed me with these my children and committed them to my charge to raise them and prepare them for eternal life:
Grant me the graces I need to fulfill this most sacred duty and stewardship. Teach me both what to give and what to withhold; when to reprove and when to forbear; make me to be gentle, yet firm; considerate and watchful; deliver me equally from the weakness of indulgence, and the excess of severity.
Help me also to teach them to play. That I might instill them with the joy and benefit of participation in the gift of sport and recreation. And grant that, both by word and example, I may be careful to lead them in the ways of wisdom and true piety, so that at last I may, with them, be admitted to the unspeakable joys of our true home in heaven, in the company of the blessed Angels and Saints.
Amen.
