Tag: Parenting

A new parent-led movement aimed at supporting parents in the fight against teen smartphone addiction held its first public event at Castle Hill RSL in October. Educator and positive psychology practitioner Katrina Alvir says the initiative, Connect IRL, is aimed at helping families re-connect with each other better and promote stronger friendships as “childhood doesn’t belong online”. 

ConnectIRL (IRL is short for ‘in real life’), focuses on raising awareness about the use and impacts of technology on children and teenagers.

I remember my mother telling me once that the secret of life is that nobody ever really grows up. I think she was right. But half the battle is realising this is true, and making it work for you! 

The family is where we first encounter love and learn to relate with others. In many hidden ways our earliest bonds influence love and trust in our adult relationships.

I don't know if we would have been better parents if we had tried to raise ducks first, but I do know we're better duck handlers because we've raised so many kids. Here are a few of the things we've learned, that could apply to raising young 'un in both the family anatidae or the family hominidae.

If our kids or their friends found themselves in trouble of some kind, would they flee to us? Or would we be last on their list if they needed help? How can we behave as parents, to help kids realise that we're on their side?

New South Wales has held the first hearing into their inquiry into the impacts of pornography on mental, emotional, and physical health.

Our earliest experiences of love and care profoundly influence what we each bring into our marriage. Attachment Theory illuminates how.

From crying babies to troubled teens, over 30 years an expert team at Parent Line have heard and helped stressed-out parents and carers with it all. Parent Line Practice Manager Vanessa Harnischmacher says the free, confidential phone counselling service offered by Catholic Care across New South Wales is a crucial investment in children’s wellbeing needed more than ever as pressures on families continue to rise. 

This Father’s Day, we asked senior Catholics in Sydney with nine, eleven or even thirteen kids how they make time for the things that really matter.

With our second son preparing to marry in a few months, we’ve found ourselves reflecting on our in-law relationships. In particular, we noted how our parent and parent-in-law relationships differ.

Earlier this year I was invited to my old school, Redfield College Dural, to share with the senior students what helped me most in preparing for the HSC.