Puberty
How 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 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 MoreThe Stair-Step Approach to Human Sexuality Education
Did you learn the facts of life from your parents or did you learn them from someone outside of the home? If you are like most parents, you probably learned most of what you know from someone other than your parents. Your information may have come from a class or from something you read about…
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 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 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 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 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 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 MoreThe Four Loves
In its most simple form, authentic love is the ability to will the good of the other. The basic truths about authentic or real love are; Love is primarily a choice, not just a feeling. Emotional response is a good part of love, but like all emotions it should be controlled and guided by reason,…
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