Guide Your Family Through Future Generations With Family Ritual
Download the PDF(opens in new tab) What do you think of when you hear the word “ritual”? Does your mind turn to liturgy and prayer or formal ceremonies? You might be wondering what ritual could have to do with parenting and family life. The answer is that family rituals can be potent tools for building…
Read MoreTrue Joy Comes from Self-Control and Striving
Download the PDF(opens in new tab) Where do your children find joy? I teach at a Catholic school whose motto is “Joyfully Catholic.” Students will sometimes claim that we are not living up to our motto because we hold high standards for them. We give our students homework and expect them to complete it. We…
Read MoreResolve to Waste Time with your Children
Download the PDF(opens in new tab) A few years ago, Pope Francis sent out a challenge to parents across the globe. His simple and direct tweet said: Parents, can you “waste time” with your children? It is one of the most important things you can do each day. This mike drop tweet from our Holy…
Read MoreReady for the New School Year?
Download the PDF(opens in new tab) My parents had a wonderful practice of asking questions during dinner. They enjoyed getting us to think about topics and issues through conversation. I remember one question in particular; one that was asked the night before the start of another school year. What do you think you are going…
Read MoreWho Has the Greatest Influence On Your Children?
A your children grow toward adulthood, they come under the influence of a multitude of voices. Do they listen to their parents anymore? How can you continue to have the influence God calls you to? Learn what it means to be the primary educators of your children as they become more independent.
Read MoreSeven Facts About Adolescence & Seven Strategies
The demeanor of almost every youth going through puberty often appears to border on schizophrenia. One moment they are rational and calm – the next they are unreasonable and emotional. One day there are compliant and able to listen. The next they are lost in a space of their own. One week they want you…
Read MoreSharing Concern: Using “I” Messages
When you are concerned about a behavior, it is important to use a method of communication that attacks the behavior in question and not the dignity or self worth of the other. Parents can share their concerns positively as well as work towards a solution using this simple six-step process. Here is an overview of…
Read MoreCelebrate the Liturgical Seasons
Parenting Basics –> What Works? –> Participate in the Life & Mission of the Church –> Celebrate the Liturgical Seasons The Bible tells us that there is an appointed time for everything (Eccl 3:1). The Catholic Church marks the special feasts and seasons of each calendar year in the liturgical calendar. Knowing the basics of…
Read MoreThe Dimensions of Maturity
I’m sure that you know that your child’s physical development and their level of maturity are not on the same track. Just because children grow physically does not guarantee that they are becoming more mature. Your child is an integration of a body and soul. Because the soul animates the physical body, you need to…
Read MoreHow to Really Listen
One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is the ability to be heard because children in the throes of puberty have minds that are actively changing. These kids really need to have someone listen to them – someone who will help them sort through their thoughts and feelings. As the parent, you…
Read MoreHelpful Media Practices
There are three critical elements to which parents must attend when it comes to media; Time limits Content (what is being used) Context (how it is being used) How to Set Time Limits The American Academy of Pediatricians recommend that children under the age of two have NO screen time at all. Children over two…
Read MoreCreated Different But Equal
When children start to recognize the difference between boys and girls, the goal of parenting is to teach them to respect both sexes. What do you need in order to have that conversation with your children?
Read MoreParenting in the Early Years: Serving Life
SERVING LIFE The next task of parents is to serve life – both the children who have been born and those that are to follow.* When you are parenting children between the ages of birth and three, the more immediate need will appear to be to those who are already here. You will serve life…
Read MoreFour Cornerstones of Providing the Best
Faith, order, responsibility, and celebration within the family are the cornerstones of strong Catholic family life. They are not things that you can buy or trends that come and go. Rather, they are foundational principles from which people – especially your children – can flourish and become who God wants them to be. Faith Faith…
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