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

What if our child tells us that he or she is "gay" or "lesbian"? How should we respond?

Amidst the turmoil of emotions many of us might feel, Mr Nicholas Gabriel Lim shares with us some useful tips to help us respond in a way that will not only preserve the precious parent-child relationship, but also enable us to embark on the journey with them in a Christ-like way.

Resources:

1. "Homosexuality, Gay Marriage, and Holiness" https://youtu.be/bLrRfwpvERU

2. “Ministering to the Catholic LGBTQ Community: Fr Adrian Danker, SJ” https://youtu.be/2Gkz8eHBIYk

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

4. Courage International https://couragerc.org/

5. Encourage Singapore https://courage.org.sg/encourage/

6. Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 1 October 1986.

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline #samesexattraction #homosexualitycatholicchurch

When it comes to the topic of same-sex attraction, the Church has, unfortunately, often been seen as unforgiving, even harsh, in its teachings and attitude towards persons with this condition.

On the contrary, the Catechism tells us: "They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.” (CCC 2358)

Let us consider how we, as Catholic parents, can share with our children what the Church actually teaches on this topic, and very importantly too, how we are called to respond to these persons as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Resources:

1.    "Homosexuality, Gay Marriage, and Holiness": https://youtu.be/bLrRfwpvERU

2.    “Ministering to the Catholic LGBTQ Community — Fr Adrian Danker, SJ”: https://youtu.be/2Gkz8eHBIYk

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

4.    Courage International https://couragerc.org/

5.   Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 1 October 1986: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19861001_homosexual-persons_en.html

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline #samesexattraction #homosexualitycatholicchurch

As Catholic parents, one of the biggest hopes we have is for our children to become a priest/religious, or if God calls otherwise, to find the right spouse in life. Yet, at the same time, we also know how factors such as emotions and misplaced compassion may lead our children to make the wrong choice.

In this interview, Dr Christopher Cheok shares with us insights into what these common pitfalls are. With this, we will be better equipped to share with our children tips to help them in making the right choice when choosing a life partner.

Resources:

1. "Is He/She the One?" Jason Evert: https://chastity.com/podcast/is-he-she-the-one/

2. "Top 10 Guys to Avoid", Jason Evert: https://chastity.com/podcast/top-10-guys-to-avoid/

3. "Marrying the Right Person", Jackie Francois Angel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98ozGTvoo-c

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#marriagepreparation #catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline #marriage #whatismarriage

More marriages are breaking down, and many of these have been attributed to extra-marital affairs. Why do some people cheat on their spouses? What can spouses do to prevent this from happening in their own marriages?

Drawing from his experience in his work as a psychiatrist, Dr Christopher Cheok shares with us insights into this issue.

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline #marriage #whatismarriage

What is God’s plan for marriage between a man and a woman? Did St Paul really justify male domination by saying, “Wives, submit to your husbands?” (Ephesians 5:22)

If not, what did he really mean in Ephesians chapter 5?

This episode discusses God’s plan, from the very beginning, for the institution of marriage between a man and a woman.

Resources:

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2331 to 2336 http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a6.htm

"Making a Total Gift of Self in Marriage” https://youtu.be/ShHTvbZou-Y

"The Powerful Sacrament of Matrimony” https://youtu.be/7G7-0p43U5c

“Why Gender Differences Matter" https://youtu.be/9ICbtmdrpcI

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline #whatismarriage #marriage

One of the biggest questions from our children nowadays, and perhaps one of the most challenging, is this: "Why should marriage be only between man and woman?"

With all the influence from social media and contemporary culture, it is not difficult to see why many can be so befuddled by this question.

We will look at this issue from the perspective of reason. It will help us understand what marriage is in essence, and the important role it plays for the good of spouses, children and society.

Resource: "What Is Marriage?" by Sherif Girgis, Ryan T Anderson & Robert P George, Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy 34:1 (Winter, 2010): https://www.harvard-jlpp.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2013/10/GeorgeFinal-1.pdf

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline #marriage

Fathering has never been easy since time immemorial. More so in modern times with higher expectations for fathers to perform both at home and in the workplace.

How can Catholic fathers exercise our role in bringing up our children well? How can they deal with the need to balance pressures at work and at home? How can wives support their husbands in this vocation?

Dr Christopher Cheok shares with us some tips on how fathers can handle these challenges and become even better fathers in the process.

Resources:

1. Fathers for Good - http://www.fathersforgood.org/

2. Catechesis on Saint Joseph: 8. Saint Joseph, father in tenderness, Pope Francis, 19 March 2022 - https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2022/documents/20220119-udienza-generale.html

3. The duties of parents (CCC, 2221 to 2230) - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a4.htm

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#catholicparents #catholicparentsonline #catholicparenting #catholicfathers

Managing rebellious teens has never been an easy task for many of us parents. What causes them to be rebellious? What can we do when they are? How should we respond?

Mr Nicholas Gabriel Lim, a psychologist/counsellor who has worked with many youths, shares with us some insights into this issue.

Resources:

https://nicholasgabriellim.com/

"Parenting Your Teens and Tweens with Grace", Gregory and Lisa Popcak, 2021.

"Parenting with Grace: The Catholic Parents’ Guide to Raising Almost Perfect Kids", Gregory and Lisa Popcak, 2021.

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#catholicparents #catholicparentsonline #catholicparenting #managingteens

"Why should I be Catholic?"

This is not an uncommon question that Catholic parents might face as our children grow up and grapple with the concept of faith and God.

How do we know if what we know about Jesus from the Gospels is true? And how can we be sure the Catholic Church is indeed the one true Church that God has willed to continue His saving mission on earth?

We explore these questions and discuss why the Catholic Church provides the surest way of helping us find true happiness, and ultimately to get to Heaven.

Resources:

1. "Why I Am Catholic (and You Should Be Too)" [Paperback] by Brandon Vogt, Published February 22, 2019 https://www.avemariapress.com/products/why-i-am-catholic-and-you-should-be-too- paperback

2. "3 Reasons Why You Should be Catholic" by Matthew Nelson https://www.wordonfire.org/articles/fellows/3-reasons-why-you-should-be-catholic/

3. "What's so great about being Catholic?" - Jason Evert https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBkoII7Xmyc

4. The Case for Jesus Course by Dr Brandt Pitre https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfQ-OKjl1ZQ

5. "The Case for Jesus" – book by Dr Brandt Pitre, published February 2, 2016 https://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/title/the-case-for-jesus-book

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#whybecatholic #catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline #catholicfaith #catholicfaithformation

It is quite certain that many of us try to raise our children to love God. Yet, many of our youth seem to have lost sight of who God is, or more basically even, whether God exists.

In the post-modern world of today, many doubt God’s existence because they do not find evidence for Him in our world. However, is this true? How can we convince our children that God does indeed exist?

We share two ways (out of the many available) to help us prove God’s existence.

Resources:

Five Ways to Prove God Exists (Aquinas 101), The Thomistic Institute

St. Thomas Aquinas’ Favorite Argument for the Existence of God (Aquinas 101), The Thomistic Institute

Explaining Thomas Aquinas’ Proofs, Pints With Aquinas

Five Proofs of the Existence of God by Edward Feser, Ignatius Press

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#proofsforgod #catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline #catholicfaith #catholicfaithformation #scienceandfaith #doesgodexist

Has the development of science disproven the need for #God, and thus the need for faith? Is faith just an irrational belief in a system of thought that is contrary to the #logic provided us by science? Unfortunately many people, including many of our children, believe this to be the case. We need to correct this misperception that is so prevalent today.

We discuss the relationship between #faith and #science, and show why they do not contradict each other, but rather complement each other in our pursuit of truth.

Resources:

Does Science Contradict Faith?, The Thomistic Institute

Seven Ways Faith and Reason Work Together, The Thomistic Institute

Fides et Ratio: Encyclical Letter on the Relationship Between Faith and Reason, Pope St John Paul II

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline #catholicfath #catholicfaithformation #scienceandfaith

As Catholic parents, we want our children to grow up well in the faith and to practise the virtues, defined in the Catechism as a "habitual and firm disposition to do the good" (#1803). This necessarily involves discipline.

How can we discipline our young children in a way that will instil in them the love for a virtuous life? Ms Melissa Huang, a qualified early childhood educator and Catholic mother, shares with us some tips in this area.

Resources:

Parents.Catholic.Sg, an initiative by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore to support Catholic parents in their role as the first catechists of their children’s faith.

The Peyton Institute for Domestic Church Life

Virtues and Happiness, The Thomistic Institute

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#catholicparents #catholicparentsonline #catholicparenting #catholicfaith #catholicfaithformation #virtues

Anecdotal experience suggests that many of our teens leave the Church not long after receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. How can we reverse this trend? How can we keep our teens in Church, not just physically, but in a way that engages and helps them appreciate and treasure the faith better?

Mr Nick Chui, who holds a Masters in Theology from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family, and is an educator by profession, shares with us what may be needed to achieve this.

Resources:

Parents.Catholic.Sg, an initiative by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore to support Catholic parents in their role as the first catechists of their children’s faith.

The Peyton Institute for Domestic Church Life

Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online

#catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline #catholicfaith #catholicfaithformation