This is a simple nightly family prayer routine that combines a few foundational Catholic prayers with a short, child-friendly examen. The goal is not perfection, but consistency: to help everyone in the family notice God in the day, give thanks, and lift up intentions together in a way that can be done in under 10 minutes.
Nightly Family Prayers ("Three Things Prayer")
Tips: Try to do this in the same time and same place each night. Set an alarm on your watch to remind you if necessary. Can be done in under 10 minutes - sometimes I need to refocus the kids (especially if they had a recent sugary dessert). Pull these instructions up on your phone and use them as a guide whenever necessary.
1. Opening Prayer
2. Three Things Prayer
3. Closing Prayer
Final Thoughts
The thing is to do this. Talk to your spouse about it. Do what works. Don't be hard on yourself if you miss a night (sometimes you need a mulligan - don't stop multiple days though). Turn it into a lifelong habit your kids will take with them. Teach them to recognize God in the everyday.
What you'll notice is the kids will start to crave this time and won't want to go to bed without this special time.