April 13, 2021

How can you support your spouse or child if they want to change a bad habit? Say or write the goal out loud as a start. Join them in the process. Help them set a reward and consequence. Don’t rescue, but be there to comfort if they don’t succeed – yet!

April 12, 2021

Remember your first real date? Can you recreate it in some way this week – go to the same place? Watch the same movie? At the least, reminisce together.

April 11, 2021

“Peace be with you” (John 20:19). The peace Jesus promises us often comes through forgiving your spouse when he or she hurts you. Is there something you’re finding hard to forgive? Take it to Jesus in prayer, and ask for His peace.

April 10, 2021

(Reader’s Tip) Wake up each morning vowing to make the decision to love your spouse no matter what. When you feel anger or negativity, look at your spouse and remember your decision to love.

April 9, 2021

Are you a “Doubting Thomas?” Sometimes we doubt our beloved’s good intentions; sometimes we doubt our ability to live up to our commitments. Trust takes time, forgiveness and trying again.

April 8, 2021

Is there an older married couple whom you admire? What one or two things have you learned from them?

April 7, 2021

Politeness and good manners are not just for adults and job interviews. Teach your children basic courtesy, greetings, and not to interrupt. It can make everyone’s life at home more peaceful. Model it with your spouse.

April 6, 2021

Many married couples’ lives are hectic. Take a rest break today. Yes, you may have responsibilities, but if you can’t find time to rest today, commit to doing it some day this week. Rest in each other’s arms for a moment, or an hour.

April 5, 2021

Laughter, when shared, is a healing balm. Share jokes today. Does your family have any stories about family foibles that get repeated at family gatherings? It doesn’t matter that it’s embarrassing; it becomes family mythology!

April 4, 2021

He is risen! Alleluia! Today on this most holy of days, celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus with your family: a special meal, songs, prayers. Celebrate the freedom from sin and death we have in Jesus!

April 3, 2021

“Today there is a great silence over the earth, a great silence because the King sleeps.” (From an ancient homily for Holy Saturday) All of creation is still as we wait for the Resurrection of the Lord. Take some time today to be intentionally be quiet and prayerful to prepare your hearts for Easter morning.

April 2, 2021

Jesus’s love for us ultimately took the form of sacrificing His life for us on the Cross. What’s the hardest sacrifice you’ve ever made for your beloved? May the memory of this sacrifice unite you more closely to each other and God.

April 1, 2021

Holy Thursday is when we remember the institution of the Eucharist. “This is my Body; this is my Blood.” As Jesus gives His life for our nourishment, so spouses are called to give themselves to each other. What are you holding back? Take it to prayer.

March 31, 2021

Today is traditionally known as “Spy Wednesday,” the last day of Lent. Is there an extra prayer, sacrifice, or practice your family can take up to prepare your hearts for Easter?

March 30, 2021

(Reader’s Tip) It’s important to remember your priorities in your marriage. Never sweat the small things that may get on your nerves about your spouse.

March 29, 2021

Before Easter arrives, is there anything for which you need to ask your spouse’s forgiveness? Ask your spouse, and encourage him or her to do the same.

March 28, 2021

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mk 15:34) Have there been times when you have felt forsaken by God? Has he later proved his presence and love to you? Praise God for his love and presence in your life and marriage.

March 27, 2021

Let today be a “Change It Up” day. Marriages can get stale because they get into ruts. Commit to change something today together. It could be simple, like the food you eat, or more challenging, like a bad habit.

March 26, 2021

How do you respond in love when you’re angry with your spouse? It may require calling a “time out” on yourself. After you calm down a bit, you can talk about the issue more charitably.

March 25, 2021

She “shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us!’” (Is 7:14) Through the faith of Mary, the Son of God became flesh and dwelt among us. Pray today for the grace to hear the Word of God and respond faithfully!

March 24, 2021

How do you build trust in a marriage? It’s like a bank account – as you deposit honest deeds and words, trust builds up. It’s earned over time and grows. The same works for children who ask, “Don’t you trust me?” Remind them to make deposits now to build up trust.

March 23, 2021

Think you know a lot about your faith? Don’t keep it to yourself. Consider teaching a religious education class. Ideally you could do this as a team. If that’s not possible, the support spouse can review the lesson plans and advise.

March 22, 2021

Have a “Remembering Night.” Together, reminisce about the first time you saw each other, your first date, when you first realized he or she might be “the one,” and the night before your wedding.

March 21, 2021

“If [a grain of wheat] dies, it produces much fruit.” (Jn 12:24) Death is hard: the death of a loved one, the death of dreams, and the daily dying to self. But Jesus promises that when united with Him, even death and suffering can be fruitful. Find comfort in His words today.

March 20, 2021

So you’ve got a good marriage. Great! You’re not reading these tips because you’re in trouble but because you want to keep it strong. A good way to invest in the next generation of marriages is to volunteer to do marriage preparation with engaged couples.

March 19, 2021

St. Joseph is the model for husbands and fathers. Men, pray to him today to be courageous, prayerful, and gentle leaders in your family.

March 18, 2021

“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” (John 8:7) One can’t be married without noticing the other’s faults. Knowing our own faults, however, can help us be more gentle toward our spouse.

March 17, 2021

St. Patrick is said to have used a shamrock as a symbol of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Your marriage, too, is an image of the Trinity! Your love shows God’s love to the world.

March 16, 2021

Typically couples divide up work around the house according to time, skill, and interest. For a change of pace, try switching up jobs for a day. The work might not get done as efficiently, but you’ll learn a lot.

March 15, 2021

One great way to support other couples is by volunteering for marriage ministries in your area. Is your parish looking for marriage preparation help? Do you have an idea for a couple’s group? Brainstorm with your spouse and put it into action.

March 14, 2021

“Everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:15) We might have a lot of goals that we work towards during our lifetime. The ultimate reward that we strive for, however, is eternal life with Christ. Strive towards Heaven with your spouse.

March 13, 2021

The spring wedding season is almost here. Do you know someone who’s getting married soon? Send a quick note or e-mail assuring them of your prayers.

March 12, 2021

We’re more than halfway through Lent. Take time to go to Confession this morning to clean any sins out of your heart. If you need to reconcile with anyone in your family, go to them in humility to heal that relationship.

March 11, 2021

What do you owe your kids? Toys? An allowance? A cell phone? No, these are extras to be granted, not entitlements. Love, time, food, clothing, shelter, and safety are the essentials: focus on these.

March 10, 2021

How long has it been since you had a real date with your beloved? This is the time of year when spirits lag. Christmas and Valentine’s Day have passed. The weather is gloomy. Plan a romantic pick-me-up.

March 9, 2021

When is self-care legitimate and when is it just selfish? Does your self-care interfere with the urgent need of your spouse or child? Remember that you need to take care of yourself to best serve others. Talk about your needs with your spouse and strike a balance.

March 8, 2021

Your domestic church—church of the home—is intimately connected to the larger Church. Just as you pray for family members, pray for church leaders.

March 7, 2021

“Honor your father and your mother.” (Ex 20:12) For those with good relationships with their parents, this commandment can be easy to follow. For others, this can be difficult. Pray today for your parents, and ask God for reconciliation where needed.

March 6, 2021

Sometimes having a romantic evening together means doing less and eliminating something from your calendar. Do you really have to watch that TV show, wash the curtains, or attend that meeting? Prioritize your spouse.

March 5, 2021

A pediatrician asked a new mom when she and her husband were going to have a date that week. The doctor said, “I’m serious. Unless you agree to have a weekly date, you can find another pediatrician. Your child is more likely to thrive if your marriage is strong.”

March 4, 2021

When children come along, it can be easy to focus all your attention on parenting. But don’t let your kids take up all your time and neglect your spouse! Children benefit most from a strong marriage. Consider having a weekly date night or another intentional time alone with your spouse.

March 3, 2021

Have you prayed together during Lent (not just grace before meals)? Try saying a prayer together before bedtime, or share your reflections on a short passage of Scripture.

March 2, 2021

In conversation, what’s the difference between being quiet and listening? Listening takes effort to really understand your beloved. Being quiet may just mean you’re waiting for a pause to get your own thoughts in.

March 1, 2021

Have you ever tried a “tech fast”? For one day resolve not to use any technology – no TV, computer, cell phone, iPod, etc. Use the time you save to pray and to be present to your family.