Parenting K-8

DESCRIPTIONS of TOPICS(useful for creating on-site advertisement)

The core issues in Formative Education are recommended in this order:

Factors of Home and School that Foster Authentic Self-Esteem
ALTERNATIVE TITLES:
(1) Parents and Teachers — Partners in Formation
(2) Parenting for Life Success
(3) Home, School, and Student Success
(4) Home: The Birthplace of Self-Esteem; (5) Raising children of character in a materialistic world

Authentic self-esteem is the foundation for life success. If helping children to develop self-control, self-esteem, good character and a strong conscience is an interest close to your heart, do not miss this presentation. Guiding the lifelong process of soul formation is the primary responsibility of parents. It is also the mission of teachers. Both parents and teachers contribute vitally to the soul formation of a child when they communicate genuine affection and foster lifelong development of security, autonomy, initiative and industry. Together we will reflect on these core elements and consider practical advice that was gathered from teachers and from parents of children in grades K through 12 who were recognized for positive self-esteem and character.

For a Two-Part Series add:Though participation at both sessions is the ideal, participants who must limit attendance will still benefit greatly from the spiritual, theoretical, practical, & motivational support available in a single session.

Moral Growth Through Ages and Stages

Did you know that moral foundation is established by age 3? How does that occur? Did you know that moral education actually begins in early childhood and then grows through ages and stages throughout life? Did you know that moral development is motivated by a person's sense of "What is right?" and "What is my reason to be good?" Do you know what is age-appropriate behavior for children and how to evoke it?

If these questions interest you, come to the presentation:

  • • to explore these questions
  • • to identify the motivational mentality of each stage
  • • to review objective criteria for moral formation
  • • to discuss principles of decision-making that support moral development

Raising Good Children in a Materialistic World
ALTERNATIVE TITLE:
Moral Character – Taught & Caught

Character is both taught and caught, and the home is the primary place for formation. Simply stated, a moral life is a life of love. Moral life is rooted in emotional development, reasoning ability, and decision-making skills. This parent presentation will identify key issues in moral development and focus particularly on the following topics:

  • • Children learn what they live
  • • The Fundamental Elements of Character Development
  • • Core Habits needed for moral growth
  • • Objective Criteria for Christian Conscience


Treat yourself to a digest version of moral development. Find validation of your parenting style and hear practical suggestions for fostering moral maturity within children at every stage of life.

Misbehavior? Name it, Claim it, Tame it, or, Prevent it from the Get-Go!

Self-mastery and self-esteem are two sides of one coin! If helping a child to grow into a person who is responsible, self-disciplined and respectful is a recurring theme in your heart, do not miss this presentation. Parents lead children to develop self-discipline when they:

  • • understand the basic needs that motivate children
  • • identify how to avert misbehavior
  • • know how to "read" the danger signs
  • • determine responses that lead to conversion and re-connection
  • • exercise a pro-active style of authority

These dynamics of self-discipline are learnable skills and they are the focus of this presentation.

Home: The Heart of Christian Character

Character is both taught and caught and the home is the primary place for formation. This family retreat will identify key issues related to moral development.

  • • Core Habits of Desire, Discernment, and Decision
  • • Objective Criteria for Christian Conscience
  • • Principles of Decision-Making
  • • understand the basic needs that motivate children
  • • Age/Stage Characteristics of Moral Maturity

BULLY-PROOFING THE FAMILY

Bullying is a non-issue when we recognize that we are all members of one family.  Bullying, putdowns, hurtful teasing, and emotional isolation are non-issues when parents foster a healthy sense of autonomy that results in self-control, self-regulation, and positive self-esteem.  Bullying is a non-issue when children know and practice the dynamic of forgiveness. This presentation offers formative support in five areas:

  • •  personal dynamics of a bully, a victim, a bystander and a disciple
    •  proactive parent practices that bully-proof the family
    •  strategies for teaching forgiveness
    •  advice for victims of bullying
    •  electronic resources on topics like bully-proofing, social competency, friendship, how to handle teasing, put downs, cliques, peer pressure, building moral intelligence, esteem-building, . . .

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  • Catholic Parents - Keepers of the PROMISE

    If you were on trial for being a CATHOLIC PARENT, would there be sufficient evidence for a jury to pronounce a verdict of guilty? At your own baptism you accepted the call to imitate Christ -- the priest, prophet, and servant-king. At the baptism of your child you promised to be that example within your family. Suppose the prosecutor examined your children on how well you are fulfilling your vocation as the "first teacher; the primary educator" who leads them to grow in knowledge, love, and service of God? Is there sufficient evidence to be found guilty as charged? Also, when they brought their child to baptism, they promised to give constant care in training that child in the practice of the faith. This presentation offers insights that support parent efforts to be effective as the "first hearlds of the Gospel" to their children. Don't miss this opportunity to learn what really works in building a home environment that helps children in the lifelong process of soul formation.

    Specifically, participants will consider:
    • • How "priest, prophet, king" translates into daily family life
    • • Ways that parents can create a spiritual climate in the home
    • • Ten core indicators of Catholic parenting

    • Create a Family Culture of Spirituality

      It is a cultural challenge to establish a culture of Christian spirituality within the home. It requires parental creativity. This presentation will suggest "starter ideas" for cultivating family spirituality during Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Ordinary Time – four of the seasons in the liturgical year.