Embracing Family If parenting seems more difficult these days, you are not alone. Many parents feel stretched too thin, trying to set boundaries while not being too strict, show kindness while not being too lenient and raise children with faith in a world that sometimes seems to lack it. There is advice everywhere — on […]
Sarah and David Herrmann: Recognizing Christ born among us
Embracing family Each Christmas, we gather around the Nativity and contemplate the mystery of God made flesh. We imagine the Holy Family in that humble stable — the newborn Christ wrapped in a simple cloth, Mary joyful but exhausted, and Joseph watchful and protective. It is a scene of tenderness and vulnerability, and a reminder […]
Sarah and David Herrmann: From entitlement to gratitude
Embracing Family How many times as a parent have we said, “So, what do you say?” to remind our children to say “thank you”? Ingratitude has been an age-old challenge, even in the time of Jesus. In Luke 17:17, after curing 10 people with leprosy, Jesus asked, “Where are the other nine?” Only one returned […]
Sarah and David Herrmann: Empowering kids to fix their problems benefits everyone
Embracing family Most parents dread certain predictable situations with their kids: undone chores, postponed homework, bedtime drama, oversleeping, laundry on the floor, dirty dishes in the sink or forgotten school items. As Dr. Phil often said, “The best predictor of future behavior is relevant past behavior.” If our children keep repeating these behaviors and we […]
Sarah and David Herrmann: Our children are like us, both in good times and bad times
Embracing Family In one of our parenting classes, we had a mom ask what she could do about how angry she gets when her children are disrespectful. She said that her kids know how to press her buttons, and she loses it when they are rude. When we asked her what “losing it” looked like, […]
Sarah and David Herrmann: Eliminate keiki distractions in Mass
Embracing Family Do you ever wonder why we bring Ziploc bags with Cheerios, Goldfish or other snacks, as well as toys and devices, to church? The family “church bag” oftentimes includes snacks, toys and even devices, in addition to diapers and bottles. Sometimes it’s good to stop and ask ourselves why we’re doing what we’re […]
Sarah and David Herrmann: Children must know they are loved
Embracing family St. John Bosco said, “It is not enough to love the young; they must know that they are loved.” This sounds like we are stating the obvious. Of course, our kids know that we love them, right? Not necessarily! Of course, they know we love them unconditionally, right? Not necessarily! Hugs, kisses, love […]
Sarah and David Herrmann: Strive to look outward and ‘be the good’
Embracing family At one time or another, we have all had difficulty saying “no” or self-sacrificing to the point that we resented others for their lack of appreciation. Don’t worry. We’ve all been there! Self-sacrificing can reflect altruism if we do so with happiness and gratitude. We may have lost focus if we find that […]
Sarah and David Herrmann: Lifelong parenting calls for solid plan
Embracing family Yes, parenting gets easier — but only if we want it to get easier. Don’t give up or give in to your children’s demands, nagging or begging. Parenting gets easier, but it requires many choices to make that happen. It’s similar to the resolution of wanting to get into better shape or train […]
Sarah and David Herrmann: Help others find new beginnings in new year
Embracing family We don’t need to bring our mistakes and failures into the new year. Instead, we can truly celebrate the new year with new beginnings. To support this, we should consider going to confession to leave our failings behind and start anew. Doesn’t that sound awesome? Starting the new year off with a clean […]
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