ParentingNEW! Family Life in a Pandemic (USCCB - For Your Marriage)
NEW! Teaching Catholic Kids (Our Sunday Visitor)
NEW! Treasure Box Tuesday (Traci Smith) A weekly newsletter for families with new activities each Tuesday
Parenting Articles from our Facebook page For Couples - Building Strong Relationships Builds Strong Families
Parenting - Becoming a Parent and Raising Children
Supporting and Building Up the Domestic Church
On Prayer
MOPS International exists to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ. MOPS is about meeting the needs of every mom of a child from conception through kindergarten.
Especially for Dads
City Dads - a national organization dedicated to helping fathers socialize and support one another.
Digital Dads - Raising Kids in a Digital World
Parent Resources9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids (thefishportland)
New apps are constantly being created, so it’s important to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for.
25 Ways to Ask Your Kids, "How Was School Today?" (Huffpost)
Without asking them, "How Was School Today? This article gives parents hits on keeping lines of communication open, getting more information from children with just a shift in the way we ask the questions.
About That Mom Who's Not Bragging About Her Kid (Washington Post)
An article about the bragging we do about our kids, and how we should pay attention to the parent who's not bragging. In our brokenness we should support one another.
Active Parenting Publishers (activeparenting.com)
Active Parenting Publishers has provided award-winning, video-based parenting classes for helping professionals since 1983. Their evidence-based programs cover topics including parenting programs, step-parenting, divorce, school success, and character education.
Catholic Parenting 101: Tips for Building Strong Catholic Families (RCL/Benziger)
Dr Tim Hogan offers parents articles on a number of issues that parents deal with in the course of raising their children. Topics include bullying, doing chores, behavior, sibling rivalry, dealing with loss and more. Check out this free resource.
Center for Parent-Youth Understanding (CPYU)
The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding is a nonprofit organization committed to building strong families by serving to bridge the cultural-generational gap between parents and teenagers. CPYU helps parents, youth workers, educators, and others understand teenagers and their culture so that they will be better equipped to help children and teens navigate the challenging world of adolescence.
Parent Further- Advice for Every Age (Search Institute)
Intellectual, Physical, Social, Emotional and Spiritual Development for every age and stage
Parenting.org (Boys Town)
Parenting.org provides valuable resources, articles and tips offering parenting help in today’s world. It includes free resources, articles and stories from the experts at Boys Town. Ask parenting questions online and search by age or topic.
Sticky Faith Parents (Fuller Youth Institute)
Sticky Faith Parents is designed for parents of kids of any age who are concerned about how faith is shaping their children’s life and what will happen to their faith when they leave home. Through research-based insights and stories from other parents, parents can use the ideas today and in the years to come to help build Sticky Faith in their kids.
What I Wish More People Understood About Losing a Child (MindBodyGreen)
When a parent loses a child, we hurt for the parent, we hurt for the whole family, but we may not always know what to say... here are some things for all of us to keep in mind.
Zero to Three (National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families)
ZERO TO THREE is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers. Our mission is to promote the health and development of infants and toddlers.
Parent EducationActive Parenting Publishers
Active Parenting Publishers has provided award-winning, video-based parenting classes for helping professionals since 1983. Their evidence-based programs cover topics including parenting programs, step-parenting, divorce, school success, and character education.
Parent Further (Search Institute)
ParentFurther provides practical, everyday parenting tips and helpful advice for difficult situations. ParentFurther helps parents teach their kids positive values; set clear boundaries and enforce reasonable consequences; find the support and knowledge they need to help their kids grow up successfully; and focus on the things that matter most to their family.
Parenting Young ChildrenSocial Emotional Screening for Young Children (Boone County Early Childhood Coalition)
This free online instrument The Survey of Wellbeing of Young Children helps parents do an initial survey of their child to assess if there are any risk factors include social emotional health. The brief tool is easy to fill out by parents and caregivers.
What our faith teaches us about hope. build. plant. grow. is a free faith formation program for schools, parishes, and families. Engaging lesson plans pair scriptural readings with children's literature and experiential education. build. plant. grow. aims to promote the spiritual and character development of children ages 5 to 13 years.
7 Lies Christian Parents Believe (Relevant)
An article about the positive influences parents have on the spiritual lives of their young children.
11 Things Empty Nesters Want Parents of Little Kids to Know (Huffington Post)
An article that gives advice to parents of younger children from parents who have been there.
Is it possible to go to Mass with Kids? Tips for taking your family to Church. (Catholic Link)
In this article Becky Roach outlines 11 tips that will help families with small children get everyone to Mass and even possibly have them get something out of it. She is realistic about her suggestions and she offers them in a humorous way.
Kids with Strong Bonds to Parents Have Better Relationships with Peers and Are More Adaptable (Patheos)
A recent study looks at the benefits of strong bonds between young children and their parents.
National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
ZERO TO THREE is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers. Our mission is to promote the health and development of infants and toddlers.
Parent Further (Search Institute)
ParentFurther provides practical, everyday parenting tips and helpful advice for difficult situations. ParentFurther helps parents teach their kids positive values; set clear boundaries and enforce reasonable consequences; find the support and knowledge they need to help their kids grow up successfully; and focus on the things that matter most to their family.
PBS Parents (PBS)
PBS Parents is a trusted resource that’s filled with information on child development and early learning. It also serves as a parent’s window to the world of PBS KIDS, offering access to educational games and activities inspired by PBS KIDS programs. Created with input from experts in child psychology, early childhood education, media and other fields, PBS Parents provides the answers parents to be their child’s first, best teacher.
Parenting AdolescentsNEW! Discussing Relationships and Dating (L.I.F.E. Get Families Talking) Kieran Sawyer and Dr. Kathie Amidei have developed a wonder tool for assisting families in conversations about relationships and dating and sexuality. The exercise accessed by the link is just a taste of the information and conversations starters that can meet the needs of families in exploring these vital issues. For more information go to www.GetFamiliesTalking.org For a video on this topic with Sr Kieran click on this link LIFE.
NEW! Cyber Bullying: How to Protect Your Teen (Comparitech) This is an excellent article with a great deal of information about the prevalence of cyber bullying and way to combat it.
NEW! GSR: The Global Sisters Report (Global Sisters) A Resource for Discussing Issues with Teens: Race, Environment, Human Trafficing, Migration, Corona Virus, etc. This resource is based on the Global Sisters Report and features what orders of sisters are doing around the world to combat or deal with some of the most important issues of our time.
NEW! TIK TOK What Parents Need to Know (Internet Service Providers)
TIK TOK is one of the most popular apps that teens use today. What is it and what might be some red flags for parents? This site is not a faith based site but it's overview of TIK TOK is valuable.
NEW! Teen Cell Phone Contract (iMOM)
Cell phones can be great tools for safety and a convenient way to keep in touch, but they can also be a point of contention. Judging appropriate cell phone etiquette and behavior can be difficult, especially for younger teens. Use this Cell Phone Contract to help them understand the guidelines you expect them to follow. Be clear with them now so they can make wise decisions tomorrow.
Getting Kids Off Screens (Modern Castle)
Derek and Samantha Hale have put together a very helpful article with lots of information and links about the dangers of too much screen time for kids (and adults by the way). Take advantage of their work and check out this very helpful article and website.
Active Parenting Publishers (activeparenting.com)
Active Parenting Publishers has provided award-winning, video-based parenting classes for helping professionals since 1983. Their evidence-based programs cover topics including parenting programs, step-parenting, divorce, school success, and character education.
Center for Parent-Youth Understanding (CPYU)
The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding is a nonprofit organization committed to building strong families by serving to bridge the cultural-generational gap between parents and teenagers. CPYU helps parents, youth workers, educators, and others understand teenagers and their culture so that they will be better equipped to help children and teens navigate the challenging world of adolescence.
Getting Closer to Teens Using Social Media (Fuller Youth Institute)
The Sticky Faith website offers parents some good tips for finding ways to use social media to communicate and connect with adolescents.
New Research on Teen Brain Development (Macleans)
There has been a great deal of new research on how the brain is still developing during the teenage years. The research shows that teens' brains are still in the process of growing and changing. The research has great implications for parents of teens regarding how to best parent during this crucial stage of growth.
Roy Petitfils' Webinar: Busting Myths About Teens (RoyPetitfils.com)
Roy debunks the three most commonly held myths about today’s teenagers. Find out what teens really need from adults. Learn practical, proven tools for dealing with the most resistant teenagers, and discover simple tips to help you communicate better with teenagers.
Partnering with Parents
NEW! Partnering with Parents Video Series (NFCYM)
Personal/Family Faith Plan Template (Diane Kledzik, Diocese of St. Petersburg)
Using the Family Faith Inventory (NFCYM Strong Catholic Families Initiative) with a Learning Plan perspective, this tool can aid parish leaders in accompanying individuals and families in their ongoing journey of faith. Adapt it to fit your setting!
Making Space for Grace (T. Peterson, Diocese of St. Petersburg)
A series of blog posts and radio segments that offer lessons and reflections for navigating our media environment so that it doesn’t harm our faith and family life.
Catechetical Leadership: On Family Faith Formation in the Parish
An excellent gathering of sources in support of family faith formation today. Douglas Beaumont presents the challenges and realities of a classroom model of catechesis today, and then the benefits of making the shift to a family approach.
Fun and Educational Things to do with the Kids while at Home (Emily Polovick MOT, OTR/L)
Free Online Events and Activities for Kids and Families at Home (Common Sense Media) This site offers not only educational activities but Art and Music Lessons, Storytinmes, Drawing Lessons, Audiobooks, Film and Music and Virual Tours. Check it out!
Parenting Podcasts!
Archdiocese of Washington Department of Special Needs Ministries Catechetical Resource List (coming soon)
Best Practices in Family Faith Formation (John Roberto)
From Generation to Generation: How American Catholic Parents Today Approach Passing on the Faith to their Children
Presented by Christian Smith and Justin Barkus at the Symposium on Liturgy and Evangelization 2016 (Notre Dame Center for Liturgy)
Helping Parents and Families Engage and Evangelize the Nones in their Homes Podcast (Evangelization & Catechesis, USCCB)
Time for Détente Between Church and Youth Sports (America)
In many parts of the country, the conflict is not waning between religious education sessions and youth sports as interest in sports grows and hopes for scholarships for would-be stars increase. The problem also fits into an overall challenge the church faces in the struggle to help people hear God in a world filled with distractions from Him. This article presents some possible ways of viewing the situation.
What Children's Confessions Reveal... (about going to Mass and more) (Patheos)
Father Anthony Gerber shares what children's confessions reveal about their mass attendance and non-attendance.
Coaching ParentsWhy Coach Parents (Twenty Third Publications)
Learn how to Coach Parents to form their own children in Faith.
Parent Faith FormationRetreat Experiences and Related Articles3-Minute Retreats (Loyola Press)
3-Minute Retreats invite you to take a short prayer break right at your computer. Spend some quiet time reflecting on a
Scripture passage.
Online Ignatian Prayer Adventure (Loyola Press)
This is an adapted version of the Spiritual Exercises. The eight week schedule would make it an excellent Lenten/Easter focus, but it can be promoted in your parish any time of the year. It is based on the longer retreat The Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O'Brien, S.J.
Online Retreat (Creighton University)
This is a retreat designed for people too busy to make a traditional retreat. People can experience a relationship with God
coming alive in the midst of everyday life. A simple Guide each week places themes, reflections, questions and desires into the background of our busy lives. We learn to find greater focus and to let one week build upon another. Begin any time, but if a person begins the week of September 19th, the retreat fits with the Liturgical Year. People can make the retreat alone, with a spiritual director, or form a group to make the retreat together.
Online Retreats (Good Ground Press)
Good Ground Press provides online retreats that give people a chance to look at where you are in your journey to God, to be more aware of your journey, and of the loving God with whom you journey. Each retreat is in multiple parts and can be experienced over several weeks. Retreats include themes such as Memoir Writing, Women of Prayer and Justice, and Everyday Spirituality: A Busy Person's Retreat.
Parent (Adult) Faith FormationWeekly Video Clips from Strong Catholic Families/Strong Catholic Youth
The Strong Catholic Families Facebook page offers parents the opportunity to subscribe to their weekly video clips on parenting and the role of parents in nurturing the faith of the children. Go to the Facebook page and subscribe in order to receive the clips via email.
Busted Halo video clips on YouTube (Busted Halo)
Many playlists provided for adults to explore and learn about the Church and their Catholic faith.
Catholic TV Networks Video Playlist for World Meeting of Families on YouTube
Videos on forming faithful families, and on preparing for the World Meeting of Families.
Family/Adult Learning (Our Sunday Visitor)
Articles and videos designed to help foster a deeper understanding of our Catholic faith. Topics include: understanding our Catholic faith, faith and spiritual growth, living the faith today, answering the call and more.
For Your Marriage (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
An initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, this site explores dating, engagement, marriage and parenting from a Catholic lens.
Outside da Box Formation Videos on YouTube
Their tagline is "Bringing Jesus Christ to the young church through digital media". These videos are great for parents and young people to watch together.
Studying the Encyclical on the Family: Amoris Laetitia
Apostolic Exhortation - "The Joy of Love" (Vatican) PDF Document of Apostolic Exhortation
Top 5 - Amoris Laetitia: The Joy of Love (James Martin, S.J.) video
Top Ten Takeaways from “Amoris Laetitia” (James Martin, S.J.)
Parent (Adult) Faith Sharing/Small Christian CommunityAdvent Awakenings/Reflexiones en Adviento (RENEW International)
The Advent Awakenings series is based on the three-year cycle of the Lectionary. Each book contains four sessions corresponding with the Gospels of the four Sundays of Advent. Each session includes reflections, prayers, action responses, and song suggestions, plus seasonal devotions that families can use at home to enrich their Advent experience.
Hosting Small Faith Groups (Loyola Press)
Author-speaker Joe Paprocki offers a six -part series with advice on how to host small faith groups This page also includes links to numerous small group resources from Loyola Press.
Lifting Up Our Hearts (RENEW International)
A six-session small group faith-sharing process which will renew parishioners' spiritual life and their appreciation of the liturgy. Originally written to help people understand the changes to the peoples’ responses at Mass, this resource is an excellent process to re-educate adults on Eucharist. It emphasizes the role of the assembly and leads Catholics in an opportunity to talk about their experiences at Sunday liturgy and come to a deeper understanding of the meaning of the Mass and its significance in their lives.
Longing for the Holy (RENEW International)
Longing for the Holy is for those who want to enrich their sense of the presence of God. Based on the gentle spiritual guidance and practical wisdom of best-selling author, Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, it concerns the way we channel the deep longing at the core of our beings. Designed for either a small group faith-sharing experience or personal reflection, participants explore the implications of the central mysteries of faith-- the Incarnation, the Eucharist, and the Paschal Mystery -- for spirituality. Attending to the cultural challenges that keep us from realizing our true desire, it considers the important themes of church community, justice, sexuality, the practices of the spiritual life, and being a mystic of the everyday.
Ascension Catholic Community (Melbourne, FL)
Commentaries/Reflections and Readings for Liturgical Years A, B, C - For use in Small Christian Community, meetings, and Scripture Study.
Good News Ministries
Receive by email life-enriching reflection on the daily readings from the Catholic Mass. On Sundays, the reflection include questions for private and group use, sent a week early to help you prepare for next Sunday's Mass.
- Boys Town "For Parents" Center: Boys Town Parenting Center
- Center for Parent-Youth Understanding: Center for Parent-Youth Understanding
- Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS): Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)
- Keep Connected (Search Institute): https://keepconnected.searchinstitute.org
- PBS Parents: PBS Parents
- Sticky Faith for Parents (Fuller Youth Institute): Sticky Faith Parents
- Zero to Three (National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families): Zero to Three
ParentingNEW! Family Life in a Pandemic (USCCB - For Your Marriage)
NEW! Teaching Catholic Kids (Our Sunday Visitor)
NEW! Treasure Box Tuesday (Traci Smith) A weekly newsletter for families with new activities each Tuesday
Parenting Articles from our Facebook page For Couples - Building Strong Relationships Builds Strong Families
- Yearly Check-In for Couples (Ignatian Spirituality)
- Pope Francis' 13 Tips for a Good Marriage (Aleteia)
- Tolkien Speaks: The Secret to a Happy Marriage (The Catholic Gentleman)
Parenting - Becoming a Parent and Raising Children
- On Parenting's most popular theme in 2016 - Kindness (Washington Post On Parenting)
- One Dad's Parenting Resolutions for 2017 (Washington Post On Parenting)
- It's Never too Early to Teach Children about Consent and Boundaries (Washington Post On Parenting)
Supporting and Building Up the Domestic Church
- How to Include Families in Faith Formation through Community Building Family Nights (Loyola Press)
- This Stage of Life? It's Hard (austin.citymomsblog.com)
On Prayer
- Creative Ways to Pray the Rosary (Loyola Press)
MOPS International exists to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ. MOPS is about meeting the needs of every mom of a child from conception through kindergarten.
Especially for Dads
City Dads - a national organization dedicated to helping fathers socialize and support one another.
Digital Dads - Raising Kids in a Digital World
Parent Resources9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids (thefishportland)
New apps are constantly being created, so it’s important to monitor what your child downloads. Being aware of the online tricks predators use will help you know what to look for.
25 Ways to Ask Your Kids, "How Was School Today?" (Huffpost)
Without asking them, "How Was School Today? This article gives parents hits on keeping lines of communication open, getting more information from children with just a shift in the way we ask the questions.
About That Mom Who's Not Bragging About Her Kid (Washington Post)
An article about the bragging we do about our kids, and how we should pay attention to the parent who's not bragging. In our brokenness we should support one another.
Active Parenting Publishers (activeparenting.com)
Active Parenting Publishers has provided award-winning, video-based parenting classes for helping professionals since 1983. Their evidence-based programs cover topics including parenting programs, step-parenting, divorce, school success, and character education.
Catholic Parenting 101: Tips for Building Strong Catholic Families (RCL/Benziger)
Dr Tim Hogan offers parents articles on a number of issues that parents deal with in the course of raising their children. Topics include bullying, doing chores, behavior, sibling rivalry, dealing with loss and more. Check out this free resource.
Center for Parent-Youth Understanding (CPYU)
The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding is a nonprofit organization committed to building strong families by serving to bridge the cultural-generational gap between parents and teenagers. CPYU helps parents, youth workers, educators, and others understand teenagers and their culture so that they will be better equipped to help children and teens navigate the challenging world of adolescence.
Parent Further- Advice for Every Age (Search Institute)
Intellectual, Physical, Social, Emotional and Spiritual Development for every age and stage
Parenting.org (Boys Town)
Parenting.org provides valuable resources, articles and tips offering parenting help in today’s world. It includes free resources, articles and stories from the experts at Boys Town. Ask parenting questions online and search by age or topic.
Sticky Faith Parents (Fuller Youth Institute)
Sticky Faith Parents is designed for parents of kids of any age who are concerned about how faith is shaping their children’s life and what will happen to their faith when they leave home. Through research-based insights and stories from other parents, parents can use the ideas today and in the years to come to help build Sticky Faith in their kids.
What I Wish More People Understood About Losing a Child (MindBodyGreen)
When a parent loses a child, we hurt for the parent, we hurt for the whole family, but we may not always know what to say... here are some things for all of us to keep in mind.
Zero to Three (National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families)
ZERO TO THREE is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers. Our mission is to promote the health and development of infants and toddlers.
Parent EducationActive Parenting Publishers
Active Parenting Publishers has provided award-winning, video-based parenting classes for helping professionals since 1983. Their evidence-based programs cover topics including parenting programs, step-parenting, divorce, school success, and character education.
Parent Further (Search Institute)
ParentFurther provides practical, everyday parenting tips and helpful advice for difficult situations. ParentFurther helps parents teach their kids positive values; set clear boundaries and enforce reasonable consequences; find the support and knowledge they need to help their kids grow up successfully; and focus on the things that matter most to their family.
Parenting Young ChildrenSocial Emotional Screening for Young Children (Boone County Early Childhood Coalition)
This free online instrument The Survey of Wellbeing of Young Children helps parents do an initial survey of their child to assess if there are any risk factors include social emotional health. The brief tool is easy to fill out by parents and caregivers.
What our faith teaches us about hope. build. plant. grow. is a free faith formation program for schools, parishes, and families. Engaging lesson plans pair scriptural readings with children's literature and experiential education. build. plant. grow. aims to promote the spiritual and character development of children ages 5 to 13 years.
7 Lies Christian Parents Believe (Relevant)
An article about the positive influences parents have on the spiritual lives of their young children.
11 Things Empty Nesters Want Parents of Little Kids to Know (Huffington Post)
An article that gives advice to parents of younger children from parents who have been there.
Is it possible to go to Mass with Kids? Tips for taking your family to Church. (Catholic Link)
In this article Becky Roach outlines 11 tips that will help families with small children get everyone to Mass and even possibly have them get something out of it. She is realistic about her suggestions and she offers them in a humorous way.
Kids with Strong Bonds to Parents Have Better Relationships with Peers and Are More Adaptable (Patheos)
A recent study looks at the benefits of strong bonds between young children and their parents.
National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
ZERO TO THREE is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers. Our mission is to promote the health and development of infants and toddlers.
Parent Further (Search Institute)
ParentFurther provides practical, everyday parenting tips and helpful advice for difficult situations. ParentFurther helps parents teach their kids positive values; set clear boundaries and enforce reasonable consequences; find the support and knowledge they need to help their kids grow up successfully; and focus on the things that matter most to their family.
PBS Parents (PBS)
PBS Parents is a trusted resource that’s filled with information on child development and early learning. It also serves as a parent’s window to the world of PBS KIDS, offering access to educational games and activities inspired by PBS KIDS programs. Created with input from experts in child psychology, early childhood education, media and other fields, PBS Parents provides the answers parents to be their child’s first, best teacher.
Parenting AdolescentsNEW! Discussing Relationships and Dating (L.I.F.E. Get Families Talking) Kieran Sawyer and Dr. Kathie Amidei have developed a wonder tool for assisting families in conversations about relationships and dating and sexuality. The exercise accessed by the link is just a taste of the information and conversations starters that can meet the needs of families in exploring these vital issues. For more information go to www.GetFamiliesTalking.org For a video on this topic with Sr Kieran click on this link LIFE.
NEW! Cyber Bullying: How to Protect Your Teen (Comparitech) This is an excellent article with a great deal of information about the prevalence of cyber bullying and way to combat it.
NEW! GSR: The Global Sisters Report (Global Sisters) A Resource for Discussing Issues with Teens: Race, Environment, Human Trafficing, Migration, Corona Virus, etc. This resource is based on the Global Sisters Report and features what orders of sisters are doing around the world to combat or deal with some of the most important issues of our time.
NEW! TIK TOK What Parents Need to Know (Internet Service Providers)
TIK TOK is one of the most popular apps that teens use today. What is it and what might be some red flags for parents? This site is not a faith based site but it's overview of TIK TOK is valuable.
NEW! Teen Cell Phone Contract (iMOM)
Cell phones can be great tools for safety and a convenient way to keep in touch, but they can also be a point of contention. Judging appropriate cell phone etiquette and behavior can be difficult, especially for younger teens. Use this Cell Phone Contract to help them understand the guidelines you expect them to follow. Be clear with them now so they can make wise decisions tomorrow.
Getting Kids Off Screens (Modern Castle)
Derek and Samantha Hale have put together a very helpful article with lots of information and links about the dangers of too much screen time for kids (and adults by the way). Take advantage of their work and check out this very helpful article and website.
Active Parenting Publishers (activeparenting.com)
Active Parenting Publishers has provided award-winning, video-based parenting classes for helping professionals since 1983. Their evidence-based programs cover topics including parenting programs, step-parenting, divorce, school success, and character education.
Center for Parent-Youth Understanding (CPYU)
The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding is a nonprofit organization committed to building strong families by serving to bridge the cultural-generational gap between parents and teenagers. CPYU helps parents, youth workers, educators, and others understand teenagers and their culture so that they will be better equipped to help children and teens navigate the challenging world of adolescence.
Getting Closer to Teens Using Social Media (Fuller Youth Institute)
The Sticky Faith website offers parents some good tips for finding ways to use social media to communicate and connect with adolescents.
New Research on Teen Brain Development (Macleans)
There has been a great deal of new research on how the brain is still developing during the teenage years. The research shows that teens' brains are still in the process of growing and changing. The research has great implications for parents of teens regarding how to best parent during this crucial stage of growth.
Roy Petitfils' Webinar: Busting Myths About Teens (RoyPetitfils.com)
Roy debunks the three most commonly held myths about today’s teenagers. Find out what teens really need from adults. Learn practical, proven tools for dealing with the most resistant teenagers, and discover simple tips to help you communicate better with teenagers.
Partnering with Parents
NEW! Partnering with Parents Video Series (NFCYM)
- Conducting a Family Faith Inventory
- Bridging the Generational Divide
- Creating Family Mission Statements
Personal/Family Faith Plan Template (Diane Kledzik, Diocese of St. Petersburg)
Using the Family Faith Inventory (NFCYM Strong Catholic Families Initiative) with a Learning Plan perspective, this tool can aid parish leaders in accompanying individuals and families in their ongoing journey of faith. Adapt it to fit your setting!
Making Space for Grace (T. Peterson, Diocese of St. Petersburg)
A series of blog posts and radio segments that offer lessons and reflections for navigating our media environment so that it doesn’t harm our faith and family life.
Catechetical Leadership: On Family Faith Formation in the Parish
An excellent gathering of sources in support of family faith formation today. Douglas Beaumont presents the challenges and realities of a classroom model of catechesis today, and then the benefits of making the shift to a family approach.
Fun and Educational Things to do with the Kids while at Home (Emily Polovick MOT, OTR/L)
Free Online Events and Activities for Kids and Families at Home (Common Sense Media) This site offers not only educational activities but Art and Music Lessons, Storytinmes, Drawing Lessons, Audiobooks, Film and Music and Virual Tours. Check it out!
Parenting Podcasts!
- Messy Parenting (Messy Family Project) Check out their archived podcasts HERE.
- The Catholic Family Podcast (The Catholic Family)
- Real Life Catholic Shares her Favorite Catholic Podcasts
- Catholic Stuff You Should Know
Archdiocese of Washington Department of Special Needs Ministries Catechetical Resource List (coming soon)
Best Practices in Family Faith Formation (John Roberto)
From Generation to Generation: How American Catholic Parents Today Approach Passing on the Faith to their Children
Presented by Christian Smith and Justin Barkus at the Symposium on Liturgy and Evangelization 2016 (Notre Dame Center for Liturgy)
Helping Parents and Families Engage and Evangelize the Nones in their Homes Podcast (Evangelization & Catechesis, USCCB)
Time for Détente Between Church and Youth Sports (America)
In many parts of the country, the conflict is not waning between religious education sessions and youth sports as interest in sports grows and hopes for scholarships for would-be stars increase. The problem also fits into an overall challenge the church faces in the struggle to help people hear God in a world filled with distractions from Him. This article presents some possible ways of viewing the situation.
What Children's Confessions Reveal... (about going to Mass and more) (Patheos)
Father Anthony Gerber shares what children's confessions reveal about their mass attendance and non-attendance.
Coaching ParentsWhy Coach Parents (Twenty Third Publications)
Learn how to Coach Parents to form their own children in Faith.
Parent Faith FormationRetreat Experiences and Related Articles3-Minute Retreats (Loyola Press)
3-Minute Retreats invite you to take a short prayer break right at your computer. Spend some quiet time reflecting on a
Scripture passage.
Online Ignatian Prayer Adventure (Loyola Press)
This is an adapted version of the Spiritual Exercises. The eight week schedule would make it an excellent Lenten/Easter focus, but it can be promoted in your parish any time of the year. It is based on the longer retreat The Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O'Brien, S.J.
Online Retreat (Creighton University)
This is a retreat designed for people too busy to make a traditional retreat. People can experience a relationship with God
coming alive in the midst of everyday life. A simple Guide each week places themes, reflections, questions and desires into the background of our busy lives. We learn to find greater focus and to let one week build upon another. Begin any time, but if a person begins the week of September 19th, the retreat fits with the Liturgical Year. People can make the retreat alone, with a spiritual director, or form a group to make the retreat together.
Online Retreats (Good Ground Press)
Good Ground Press provides online retreats that give people a chance to look at where you are in your journey to God, to be more aware of your journey, and of the loving God with whom you journey. Each retreat is in multiple parts and can be experienced over several weeks. Retreats include themes such as Memoir Writing, Women of Prayer and Justice, and Everyday Spirituality: A Busy Person's Retreat.
Parent (Adult) Faith FormationWeekly Video Clips from Strong Catholic Families/Strong Catholic Youth
The Strong Catholic Families Facebook page offers parents the opportunity to subscribe to their weekly video clips on parenting and the role of parents in nurturing the faith of the children. Go to the Facebook page and subscribe in order to receive the clips via email.
Busted Halo video clips on YouTube (Busted Halo)
Many playlists provided for adults to explore and learn about the Church and their Catholic faith.
Catholic TV Networks Video Playlist for World Meeting of Families on YouTube
Videos on forming faithful families, and on preparing for the World Meeting of Families.
Family/Adult Learning (Our Sunday Visitor)
Articles and videos designed to help foster a deeper understanding of our Catholic faith. Topics include: understanding our Catholic faith, faith and spiritual growth, living the faith today, answering the call and more.
For Your Marriage (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
An initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, this site explores dating, engagement, marriage and parenting from a Catholic lens.
Outside da Box Formation Videos on YouTube
Their tagline is "Bringing Jesus Christ to the young church through digital media". These videos are great for parents and young people to watch together.
Studying the Encyclical on the Family: Amoris Laetitia
Apostolic Exhortation - "The Joy of Love" (Vatican) PDF Document of Apostolic Exhortation
Top 5 - Amoris Laetitia: The Joy of Love (James Martin, S.J.) video
Top Ten Takeaways from “Amoris Laetitia” (James Martin, S.J.)
Parent (Adult) Faith Sharing/Small Christian CommunityAdvent Awakenings/Reflexiones en Adviento (RENEW International)
The Advent Awakenings series is based on the three-year cycle of the Lectionary. Each book contains four sessions corresponding with the Gospels of the four Sundays of Advent. Each session includes reflections, prayers, action responses, and song suggestions, plus seasonal devotions that families can use at home to enrich their Advent experience.
Hosting Small Faith Groups (Loyola Press)
Author-speaker Joe Paprocki offers a six -part series with advice on how to host small faith groups This page also includes links to numerous small group resources from Loyola Press.
Lifting Up Our Hearts (RENEW International)
A six-session small group faith-sharing process which will renew parishioners' spiritual life and their appreciation of the liturgy. Originally written to help people understand the changes to the peoples’ responses at Mass, this resource is an excellent process to re-educate adults on Eucharist. It emphasizes the role of the assembly and leads Catholics in an opportunity to talk about their experiences at Sunday liturgy and come to a deeper understanding of the meaning of the Mass and its significance in their lives.
Longing for the Holy (RENEW International)
Longing for the Holy is for those who want to enrich their sense of the presence of God. Based on the gentle spiritual guidance and practical wisdom of best-selling author, Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, it concerns the way we channel the deep longing at the core of our beings. Designed for either a small group faith-sharing experience or personal reflection, participants explore the implications of the central mysteries of faith-- the Incarnation, the Eucharist, and the Paschal Mystery -- for spirituality. Attending to the cultural challenges that keep us from realizing our true desire, it considers the important themes of church community, justice, sexuality, the practices of the spiritual life, and being a mystic of the everyday.
Ascension Catholic Community (Melbourne, FL)
Commentaries/Reflections and Readings for Liturgical Years A, B, C - For use in Small Christian Community, meetings, and Scripture Study.
Good News Ministries
Receive by email life-enriching reflection on the daily readings from the Catholic Mass. On Sundays, the reflection include questions for private and group use, sent a week early to help you prepare for next Sunday's Mass.
