When was the last time we went on an exclusive date as husband and wife? How often do we make time for each other as husband and wife? Exclusively, without our kids around?

We discuss why it is imperative that spouses make time for each other on a regular basis, for the sake of our marriage, for the sake of our kids, for the sake of our family.

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at www.catholicparents.online

#marriage #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline

How can parents help their children grow in faith and virtue? What are the foundational pillars of formation that can support our children on this journey? What can Catholic parents in mixed marriages do to carry out their mission in this area?

We interview Rev Fr Carter Griffin, rector of St. John Paul II Seminary in Washington, D.C, and author of the book "Forming Families, Forming Saints".

He shares rich insights from his book, drawing from his decades of pastoral experience, the Church's perennial wisdom, and the lives of the saints to bring us a practical guide for raising happy, healthy, and holy children amidst the challenges faced by many parents today.

Check out our book review at https://catholicparents.online/bookreviews/

and the book at https://stpaulcenter.com/store/forming-families-forming-saints

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at https://catholicparents.online/

#catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline

When was the last time you affirmed your spouse? And how frequently do you do this? For our relationships to thrive, we need to affirm our spouses on a regular basis. We discuss why we must affirm our spouses regularly and propose various ways we can do so.

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at www.catholicparents.online

#marriage #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline

One of the challenges married couples face, especially in the earlier years of marriage, is to understand and speak the language of love that our spouse identifies more strongly with. After all, how each of us expresses and perceives love, our so-called language of love, can be, and often is, quite different from that of our spouse. This can easily give rise to misunderstandings and frustrations. We explore how couples can seek to understand, and speak, their spouse’s love language, based on the 5 languages of love by Dr Gary Chapman.

Check out this link to discover your language of love (and your spouse too). https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at www.catholicparents.online

#marriage #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline

Marriage is the foundation of our family. The stronger our marriage, the more we love one another, the better we can give our children a stable, positive and nurturing environment to flourish in. In other words, stronger marriage, stronger family, happier children.

Unfortunately, many parents focus so much on their children that they tend to forget to work on their relationship with their spouse, often to the detriment of their marriage, and subsequently their family and yes, paradoxically, their children as well.

This episode begins a series dedicated to improving our marital relationship, so that, strengthened by each other in God's love, we will be even more empowered to love our children better.

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at www.catholicparents.online

#marriage #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline

Often, the Catholic Church has been caricatured by the secular media as an organisation that is out of touch with modernity, perhaps none more so than in the area of gender theory.

But what has the Church actually said on the topic? And why? What's the big deal about being male and female? Why did God make us that way? What should we make of Gender Ideology? How should we regard those who experience gender dysphoria? Why is it that only men can become priests?

To help clear some of the confusion, we discuss why the Church says what she says in this area.

Resources

A brief introduction to the Theology of the Body: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbMSjSC-HEU

Declaration “Dignitas Infinita” On Human Dignity: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_doc_20240402_dignitas-infinita_en.html

The Catholic Guide to Gender Theory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LtUsTYItVA

Courage International Singapore: https://courage.org.sg/

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at www.catholicparents.online

#gendertheory #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline

One of the reasons given to justify the position that sex is not binary, that is, either male or female, is the presence of so-called "intersex" conditions. These are rare situations when babies have atypical genitalia, or when boys and girls have chromosome or hormone variations, which leads to challenges in easily classifying them as male or female.

However, the term "Intersex" is, more often than not, misunderstood. The collective and more medically accurate terminology is Disorder of Sex Development (or DSD).

We explore the medical issues underlying DSD, whereby certain rare disorders of sex development can cause some individuals to not exhibit the full features of one sex or the other. We discuss why understanding this issue better helps us affirm the fact that sex is really binary, that is, male and female, in the first place.

Resources

Person & Identity – Parent FAQs: https://personandidentity.com/parents/parent-faqs/

Chastity Project – Gender: https://chastity.com/qa/category/gender/

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at www.catholicparents.online

#gendertheory #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline

Approaching gender theory as a concept is totally different from approaching the person who experiences gender dysphoria, often in a very painful way. We interview Mr Nicholas Gabriel Lim, Psychologist, Counsellor and Legal Practitioner, who shares with us how we can journey with persons who experience gender dysphoria, in truth and in love.

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at https://catholicparents.online/ 

Resources

Courage International (Singapore) https://courage.org.sg/

Jason Evert, "Understanding Gender Dysphoria" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPG0EmLdmOk

Jason Evert, "Navigating Gender Dysphoria in Youth - What to Do, What Not to Do" https://www.youtube.com/live/xAcCj4g58SY

We have discussed some of the key philosophical ideas and cultural changes that led to the development of gender theory and subsequently “gender-affirming treatment”.

“Gender-affirming treatment” basically refers to therapy that affirms individuals in their gender dysphoria. This could consist of any single or combination of a number of social, psychological, behavioural, medical or even surgical interventions, in the hope that this would help the individuals feel better about themselves and relieve their psychological distress arising from gender dysphoria.

We concluded by noting that some of the most liberal countries which had initially embraced this idea and promoted “gender-affirming treatment” and transition for the young, such as those in Scandinavia and other parts of Europe, have now gone back on their policies and put a hold on this practice. Here, we discuss the medical evidence (or lack thereof) that contributed to this U-turn.

Resources

Cass Review — Final Report: https://cass.independent-review.uk/home/publications/final-report/

Cass Review — Summary of Findings: https://cass.independent-review.uk/home/publications/final-report/

Doctor explains why gender transitioning therapy is not supported by evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abTMFKoytMo

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at www.catholicparents.online

#gendertheory #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline

How did Gender Theory originate? What were the philosophical ideas that have caused the cultural confusion we are witnessing today in some societies? Who was Dr John Money, and how did he contribute to this idea that gender is a mere social construct rather than something that is innate to a person?

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at www.catholicparents.online

#gendertheory #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline

In recent times, we have often been asked about “gender theory” by Catholic parents, and how we are to approach it.

As such, we have embarked on this series on “Gender Theory” in an endeavour to shed some light on this seemingly complicated topic through the lens of reason and faith. We hope and pray that this will provide parents with a better grasp of this topic as we continue to navigate the ever-changing challenges facing us in our vocation.

This episode is the first in the series, and provides an introduction to the topic by discussing the etymology of the word “gender” and what “Gender Theory” proposes.

Resources

"Why Gender Differences Matter", Christopher West: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ICbtmdrpcI

Declaration “Dignitas Infinita” On Human Dignity, Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, 2 April 2024: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_doc_20240402_dignitas-infinita_en.html

“What is Gender? A Guide Through Gender Terms”, Jason Evert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaCSFv07Em0

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at www.catholicparents.online

#catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline

In recent times, there appear to have been more conversations and articles written about "toxic masculinity", whether in print or social media.

Based on this reading, which in turn is based on rather rigid stereotypical ideas about masculinity, it is used to dominate and use, even abuse, our female counterparts for the man’s gratification.

Yet, what is masculinity in the first place? Is authentic masculinity really toxic? Or is it a disordered version of it the cause of much of the woes that we see in our families and society today?

We examine these questions, and share with listeners what God had planned for masculinity from the beginning.

See also:

"What Does True Masculinity Look Like?": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeVj8ysdTJQ

"Christopher West on Faith, Family & the Future of Masculinity": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=630dGpRtvo0

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at www.catholicparents.online

#catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline #masculinity #toxicmasculinity #theologyofthebody

A recent report, that should concern any parent, noted that more youth aged 19 and below committed sexual crimes in 2023, 470 to be exact, about 30 per cent more than in 2022.

One of the main reasons cited was their exposure to pornography. According to experts, research has shown that teens who view pornography are likely to experience greater emotional and behavioural problems, earlier sexual experimentation, greater sexual permissiveness, greater objectification of women, and higher risk of sexual aggression.

It is indeed an urgent call for parents to see what we can do to protect our kids from becoming abusers or abused. Here are some points as to what we can do to help our children in this area.

Resources:

1. The Toxic Nature of Porn: https://www.ruahwoodsinstitute.org/the-toxic-nature-of-porn/

2. Understanding Pornography and Its Effects on Us and Our Children: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk1u8q1CUsg

3. Protecting Our Children from Pornography: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLzet2NkWqU

4. Introduction to Sexuality Education: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haZLE3DSfGg

5. Talking to Our Children About Sexuality: https://catholicparents.online/episodes/sexuality/

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline #chastity

The Ministry of Health released new screen time guidelines for children in 2023.

In this interview, Ms Natalie Lim, Principal Psychologist, shares with us how these guidelines can be implemented for our children.

In addition, she shares with us how she and her husband help their teens manage screen time as well.

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#screentime #digitalmedia #catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline

It is always heartening to hear from teens as to how we can use social media safely and responsibly. Here is some advice from some teens to others as to how they can do just that.

Resources

Best advice from teen girls on the use of social media: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/best-advice-from-teen-girls-on-the-use-of-social-media 

Episode 37 — Helping Our Children Manage the Digital World: https://catholicparents.online/2022/10/07/episode-37-manage-the-digital-world/

Episode 38 — Helping Our Children Manage Screen Time: https://catholicparents.online/2022/10/21/episode-38-managing-screen-time/

Episode 39 — Managing Digital Devices: https://catholicparents.online/2022/10/28/episode-39-managing-digital-devices/

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline #socialmedia #onlinesafety #managingsocialmedia

One of the best ways we can be gift to our children is by living a sacramental marriage founded on the love of Christ and His Church. And many of us have entered marriage thinking that it would be a case of "living happily ever after".

However, experience tells us it is anything but. The fact is, ups and downs abound in any marriage. Yet through the challenges and vicissitudes of married life, we have the choice to become bitter or better for it. Which do we choose?

Through this interview, Alphonsus and Cyrine Gregory share with us the challenges of marriage, and how we can make the choice to make ourselves and each other better for it, through the grace of God. 

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at https://catholicparents.online/ 

Resources

1.    Worldwide Marriage Encounter Singapore: https://wwmesg.org/

2.    Couple Empowerment Programme Singapore: http://cep-sg.org/

3.    Couples for Christ Singapore: https://couplesforchrist.org.sg/

#catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline #marriage

A recent article in our local newspaper reported that about 800 students were referred to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for #vaping offences in 2022, a 16-fold increase from 2019. What is more, this seems to be an underestimate.

Another report suggested that up to 40 percent of residents in our universities' halls are using vaporisers, or vapes for short. Why are our young drawn to this practice which we know is hazardous to health? What can we parents do to help them avoid it?

Resources

"Connecting with Our Children" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fuh8lSpQFgM

"Understanding Substance Abuse and Its Prevention" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu2qm8FR-eo

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#catholicparents #catholicparentsonline #catholicparenting #mentalhealth #addiction

Many of our children (and us parents) experience examination stress at some time or another. While we want to help our children perform well in school, we are also aware that, if such stress is not handled well, our children may be driven to rebellion, anxiety, depression, despair, or in the worst-case scenario, even suicide.

How can we help our children (and ourselves) manage examination stress? What should our attitude be towards examinations, and education in general? In this interview, Dr Penny Tok, a child psychologist in private practice, answers these questions, and more.

#catholicparents #catholicparentsonline #catholicparenting #examstress

The Catholic Church has often been accused of being anti-science, and the saga involving Galileo Galilei is commonly used to illustrate this point. In this interview, Mr Nick Chui shares with us insights into what actually happened in the Church’s interaction with Galileo, as well as some interesting facts about the Inquisition. Finally, we discuss whether faith is indeed opposed to science.

Mr Nick Chui holds a Masters in Theology from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family, and is a history educator by profession.

Resources:

"How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization" by Thomas E Woods: https://shop.catholic.com/how-the-catholic-church-built-western-civilization/

"God's Philosophers: How the Medieval World Laid the Foundations of Modern Science" by James Hannam: https://www.amazon.sg/Gods-Philosophers-Medieval-Foundations-Science/dp/1848311508

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#catholicparents #catholicparentsonline #catholicparenting #faithandscience

Sexual desire is powerful. And throughout human history, it seems to have gotten many people into trouble. 

Why do we have sexual desire? What is it for? What should we do with it? Suppress it? Indulge in it? Or is there another way? 

We discuss God's plan for sexual desire, and how we can direct it in a way that helps us find true love and happiness.

Resources:

"Chastity — Same as Celibacy?" by Catholic Parents Online https://youtu.be/9kcxlxSb4WE

"What to Do with Your 'Sexual Needs' as a Christian" by Dr Christopher West https://youtu.be/vx_iMIqQPL4

"Sexual Desire and Lust: What's the Difference?" by Fr Mike Schmitz and Jason Evert https://youtu.be/dDzDH1WRbtM

"How Do You Deal with Sexual Desires?" by Jason Evert https://youtu.be/ouIE4LjU2Eo

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline #sexualdesire #chastity