As your children grow, your goals and strategies as a parent need to grow with them. Learn what goals to set and which strategies work best for each stage of parenting. These goals and strategies are all based on the four tasks of the family that you read about in “What Works.”

Parenting in the Early Years
The birth of a child is one of life’s greatest joys. If you have ever had the privilege of talking with a new mother or father immediately after child birth, you have heard phrases like, “That was amazing – I’ve never felt like this before – I just saw a miracle – I can hardly believe what just happened”. And watching the new parents hold their offspring is like watching the power of the universe unfold before your very eyes. The soft tenderness of love is palpable. But, within days of the birth, the couple begins to understand that nothing will ever be the same . . .

Parenting the Young Child
These are the family years of high activity, rapid growth and emerging personalities. Children between the ages of 4-8 are in love with life and all that it can give them. At the beginning of this stretch, 4 and 5 year olds busy themselves by making daily discoveries about themselves and their world. By the ages of 6-8, children are trying to make sense about what they are have discovered. Four and five year olds are still fairly self centered and bossy. By ages six through eight they become able to see what life is like from someone else’s perspective. Physically, the entire span of these years is filled with growth and refinement of motor skills (four and five year olds still prefer gross motor activities but by age eight many enjoy fine motor hobbies and games).

Parenting in the School Age Years
It’s time to strap on extra fortitude and temperance – the teen years are about to begin! Parenting children between the ages of 9-12 requires more understanding, foresight and strategy than ever because children in this stage of life begin the complex and sometimes unsettling process of becoming adults. Every aspect of their being is about to undergo a process of change. And, whether you like it or not, whether you find it easy or not, whether you want this to happen or not, it is your obligation to walk with your children and guide them towards an adult life that is pleasing to God.

Parenting the Young Adult
The Catholic Church implores you to see your child as a young adult. In doing so, you understand that you are still the primary educator. Children should not find themselves alone during this stage of life. The wisdom of the Church states that parents should “educate their children for life in such a way that each one may fully perform his or her role according to the vocation received from God.” (FC. 53) This implies that parenting is a lifelong task. It does not take a break or vacation during the teen years. Remember, the future of humanity passes by way of the family. Build a hopeful future with your young adults.