Question:
Sometimes my one and a half year old daughter wakes up in the morning before I have a chance to daven shacharis. My wife is still sleeping at the time, so I don’t want my daughter to cry or go and wake her up. I watch my daughter for some time until I go to daven. Is it permissible for me to read her stories, play games with her, etc. to keep my daughter occupied and calm, or might engaging in these activities be problematic before davening?
Answer:
It is permitted. Although we should not engage in work before davening, however work that is mitzva related is permitted. Helping one’s wife and caring for his children are a mitzva, therefore it is permitted.
You should have a lot of nachas from her.
Sources:
Halichos Shlomo (Tefillah) 2 ftnt. 8
