Posts by Jeffrey Arrowood
Begin with the End in Mind
In the book, Seven Habits of Effective Families, written in 1998, Stephen Covey directs families to develop a mission statement that will guide them. He firmly believes that if you want to achieve a goal you have to begin with a statement of your purpose – a clear description of who you want to become.…
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 MoreWe ARE Capable of Self-Possession and Self-Control!
Click Here to Download the PDF PLEASE PRAY THAT Parents will lead their children to self-control and self-possession. Our culture will start to value a fully human life rather than animal self-indulgence. Families can become a place of loving correction, true repentance and true forgiveness. Catholics will return to the Sacrament of Confession and fully…
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 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…
Read MoreEngaging the Conversation: the Basics
Having discussions with your child about “sticky” moral issues can be nerve-racking. But there are four main steps that will prepare you for the necessary conversations that you will have with your child. The first step is to learn about the moral issues that your child is likely to face. The second is to prepare…
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 MoreNecessary Conversations About the Art of Sacred Silence
Click Here to Download the PDF of This Article My world is so quiet right now. As I sit at my keyboard writing this article, my children are sitting in the living room quietly working on their schoolwork. I just finished Morning Prayer, and my heart is filled with gratitude for this moment of serenity.…
Read MoreGeneral Principles for Teaching Sexuality by Developmental Stage*
As you read through these principles, it is helpful to remember that one stage builds upon the next and that the stages of growth and development often overlap. Early Childhood Parents are called to: Provide a wholesome and safe environment – especially through the monitoring of media. Convey to their children that they are…
Read MoreBasics of Prayer
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (articles 2623-2649) spells out five things that all Christian prayer should do. No matter what style of prayer we use, we should strive to do all of these things as much as possible: Adoration and blessing is the general attitude our prayer should take. Adoration is the acknowledgment that…
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