Posts Tagged ‘news and views’
Working Mom
As Sara prepares to return to work, she’s savoring each moment with Gus. She reflects: “I know that letting go and trusting in God is a vital part of parenthood.”
Bishops See Families as Agents of Evangelization
As the Synod of Bishops continues in Rome, many emphasized the role of married couples and families in the new evangelization. They are not just the recipients but the agents of evangelization.
Accomplished or Saintly?
Most parents have certain aspirations for their children, which don’t always take into account the child’s unique personality and interests. Stacey notes: “It is more important that my children know they are loved and valued regardless of what they do or how they perform.”
Can You Believe It? How TV Portrays Love
Can unrealistic portrayals of romantic relationships on television result in harm for some married couples? Quite possibly, yes. New research finds that people who believe in such portrayals are actually less committed to their spouses.
Date Time
For the first time since Gus was born, Sara and Justin get to have a real date. They speak about the importance of taking time to put their marriage first.
What Did Vatican II Say About Marriage?
The Second Vatican Council’s teaching on marriage and family is often overshadowed by other topics. This teaching is significant, however, and has heavily influenced Church statements on marriage.
Cardinal Dolan Sees New Urgency Around Marriage
At the recent convention of the Knights of Columbus, New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan said that marriage should be looked upon with a “sense of urgency.” He noted that Catholics are “hopeless romantics … when it comes to married love.”
Football On The Home Field
It’s football season and Josh is loving every minute of it. But can he also tackle his responsibilities at home?
God’s Grace
With an infant in tow, Sara finds it difficult to get to confession. But with God’s grace she manages not only to receive the the sacraments, but to enjoy an unexpected “play date.”
Is It Cold Feet? Or Something More Serious?
Premarital doubts may be common but they’re not benign, says a new research study. Engaged men and women who experience doubts before marrying can be more at risk for an unhappy marriage and divorce.
What Do I Know?
This week Stacey springs a “pop quiz” on readers: How much do you know about the essentials of the Catholic faith? It’s a good question as we prepare for the Year of Faith, which starts next month.
Expectations
“Recently, one of my friends with two kids told me the secret of motherhood during times of transition – simply have no expectations. Two months ago, that advice would have been laughable and foreign to me. These days, I couldn’t agree more.”
Moms and Daughters
Five-year-old Lucy is definitely a Mama’s girl, but Stacey knows this stage probably won’t last. She reflects on the complicated relationship between moms and daughters.
Motherhood
Gus is almost a month old. As Sara reflects on the changes in her family she says, “I wasn’t prepared for the joy that Gus would bring to our lives.”
My Subordinate Wife
Josh notes that the recent Sunday Mass reading from Ephesians offers material for pillow-talk between spouses: “Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife.” He reflects on what this passage means for his own marriage.
Young Adults Remain Optimistic About Lifelong Marriage
In an age of widespread divorce, one might expect young adults to be wary of marriage. But, according to a new poll by Clark University, 86% expect their marriage to last a lifetime, and their attitudes towards love, marriage and children remain remarkably traditional.
Gus’s Baptism
Just five days after his birth, Gus is welcomed into the Catholic Church. Read about his baptism in the presence of family and friends.
“The Talk”
It’s a moment many parents dread: having “the sex talk” with their child. Stacey describes what happened when she raises the topic with pre-teen Oscar.
Gus’s Birth Story
Baby Gus has arrived, but there were a few harrowing moments. Sara recounts his birth story.
A O River!
Stacey admits that she and Josh are pretty intense competitors. Recently they joined forces to compete in the Urban Adventure Games. How did their personal adventure turn out?
Of Dogs and ‘Tweens
Different children require different types of parenting. Josh is learning to relate to his and Stacey’s oldest child so that he feels heard. And then there’s that wicked sense of humor…
The Waiting Game
Sara is less than a week from her due date. She writes: “I’m working hard to appreciate the last few days (or hours or minutes) before we have Baby outside the womb.”
Can a Family Still Find Time to Eat Together?
How important are family meals? Research shows that children as well as parents value this time to sit down together. It can be a challenge to schedule this daily ritual, but the benefits are huge.
Flogging a Lifeless Horse
Josh identifies a common communication pattern that often drives conflict between men and women. He offers some simple advice to keep the conflict from escalating.
Married Fathers and Mothers, and Their Children
The intact, biological family remains the gold standard for raising children, according to a new study done at the University of Texas at Austin that has captured widespread attention.
