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 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 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 MoreThree Key Catholic Teachings About Sexual Intercourse
The final step in the “stair-step” approach to teaching your child about sexuality is teaching about the act of sexual intercourse. In addition to the biological facts about intercourse, there are 3 key points to teach about God’s plan for life and love. Point #1: The most important Catholic Church teaching about sexual intercourse is…
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 MoreThe Dimensions of Maturity
I’m sure that you know that your child’s physical development and their level of maturity are not on the same track. Just because children grow physically does not guarantee that they are becoming more mature. Your child is an integration of a body and soul. Because the soul animates the physical body, you need to…
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 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 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 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 –…
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