Puberty
General 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 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 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…
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,…
Read MoreTasks of the Family
Becoming a family means that you, as the parent, will lead your family towards the completion of a Godly mission. This mission comes from the document Familiaris Consortio (On the Role of the Family in the Modern World) which was written by Pope John Paul II. In his writings, the Pope identified four main tasks…
Read MoreMaking Sense of the Gender Debate
Download the PDF There are two things that really frustrate me: being confused and not being told the truth. That is why the culture’s campaign on gender is difficult for me to understand. Can you relate? The term gender confuses many people because it used to mean the same thing as “male” or “female” (a biological reality).…
Read MoreTogetherness: a Blessing or a Burden?
Being forced to be together can be stressful for families, especially for extended periods of time. We are in each other’s space. We get on each other’s nerves. But for Catholic families seeking to become a true community of persons, striving to grow in holiness and love, this is an opportunity not to be missed!
Read MoreConnect With Your Family All Year Long
We can connect to each other as a family (a “community of persons”) in any circumstance. in fact, the formula for an authoritative family: high demands and high levels of response (love and presence) can also lead to a greater connection as a family in any season and in any circumstance.
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?
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