Early Years
Connect as a Family
In 2003, the Institute for American Families published a report called Hardwired to Connect. This study was filed by the Commission on Children at Risk – a team of 33 medical doctors, research scientists and mental health and youth services professionals. The group concluded that the rising rate of mental problems and emotional distress among…
Read MoreParenting is a Journey
If you like the content on this page, then you’ll love the video segment “Journey with Your Children” from the Embrace Parenthood DVD Program! You can watch this video segment for one week and download relevant workbook pages for only $2.99. Click here to add it to your cart now! Parenting is a journey –…
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…
Read MoreEveryone Fails. What You Can Do About It.
Children have free will, just as we do. They are also fallen human beings, just like we are. While frustration is natural, parents can also see an opportunity to exercise Christlike love. This article explores what parents should do when their children fail to meet the expectations parents set for them. What do we do when our children choose what is harmful, what is wrong, and even what is hurtful to others?
Read MoreA Gift to You Courtesy of Covid-19
The January 2020 TWL newsletter challenged families to do a gut check on what they value. Three questions were given to help readers determine what they deem important and necessary. When the article was posted, none of us knew how quickly life would be changed by the pandemic. No one saw the turmoil, anxiety and…
Read MoreWhat Can I Expect?
Authoritative parents expect that their children will contribute to the well-being of the family by taking on the responsibility of certain family responsibilities. Three areas of basic life skills which should be expected are: cleaning a house and keeping it that way, planning/selecting and preparing healthy meals, budget and making appropriate purchases. Expecting a child…
Read MoreWith God’s Help, Face and Resolve Conflict Just like Mary, Joseph and Jesus Did
The Holy Family is the model of holy family life. God created marriage and family life to be a “school of love” that teaches its members how to give themselves to each other in The Holy Family is the model of holy family life. God created marriage and family life to be a “school of…
Read MoreSetting Expectations of Goodness within your Family
One of the main tasks of good Catholic parents is to set high expectations for their children. This is often done by setting basic expectations within the life of the family. But part of being the “primary educators” of our children is also to set expectations that the young people under our care grow in virtue and build their character.
Read MoreRaising Catholic Kids who Live the Virtues
A key element of Catholic parenting is to parent in a way that seeks to shape the heart of your child, not just manage their behavior. A great way to accomplish shaping your child’s heart is to offer opportunities to grow in virtue. Unfortunately we don’t hear much about virtues anymore. We hear more about…
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