Teaching the Way of Love (TWL) is unique among parenting programs available today in that its primary goal is to teach parents how to become the primary educators of their children. The job of a parent is incredibly important. Pope John Paul II said “The future of humanity passes by way of the family” (Familiaris Consortio, # 86). There is nothing more fundamental to our vitality as a society and as a Church than the creation of holy families where children learn to know, love and serve God.
The basic focus of the Teaching the Way of Love Series comes from Familiaris Consortio #36 which states;
…since parents have conferred life on their children, they have a most solemn obligation to educate their offspring. Hence, parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. The right and duty of parents to give education is essential, on account of the uniqueness of the loving relationship between parents and children…It is irreplaceable and inalienable, and therefore incapable of being entirely delegated to others or usurped by others. …(T)he most basic element (of this education)…is parental love, …with the values of kindness, constancy, goodness, service, disinterestedness and self-sacrifice that are the most precious fruit of love.
Familiaris Consortio 36
Clearly, the role of the parent in a child’s life “is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it” (FC #36).
To achieve the primary goal of the program, Teaching the Way of Love presents the principles and skills that will shape the parents’ character to do what is right and strength to avoid what is wrong.
The secondary goal of Teaching the Way of Love is to nurture dialogue about the concepts discussed and to assist in the formation of an action plan to implement actual strategies in the home.
The final goal of Teaching the Way of Love is to give parents confidence in their ability to be the best educators for their children by providing a down to earth, practical format for parenting.
