In this episode of Growing Hearts, we are joined by Lourdes Mejia, Principal of Montgrove College, to explore how parents can accompany their children through the joys and challenges of growing up — while making their faith truly their own.

Drawing on more than a decade of experience, Lourdes shares wisdom on fostering authentic relationships with God, balancing freedom with family prayer, and helping children gradually take ownership of their faith. This conversation highlights how faith is first nurtured at home and how schools and parents can work hand in hand to create opportunities for young people to encounter Christ in a personal and lasting way.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Faith begins at home – why the family environment is the first school of love and the foundation of a child's relationship with God.
• Freedom and ownership – helping children grow in faith without it feeling imposed, and encouraging them to discover personal meaning in prayer and practice.
• Connecting faith and family life – breaking down the divide between "religious practices" and daily family relationships, so that loving God feels natural.
• Navigating the teenage years – how to embrace questions, challenges, and moments of doubt as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.
• The role of listening – why attentive listening and guiding with gentle suggestions helps children discover their own path to God.
• Hope for the future – Lourdes' vision that students grow into happy, hopeful people who know how to love, serve, and face life's challenges with courage.

Join the Conversation

Faith is a journey we walk together as families. It grows not just through routines, but through the everyday love, conversations, and examples children experience at home. It's something children learn to make their own, step by step. Lourdes reminds us that when parents live their faith with joy and openness, they give their children the strongest foundation to build their own relationship with God.

As you reflect on this episode, consider:

• How can I make prayer and faith practices in my home more meaningful and personal for my children?

• In what ways can I encourage freedom and ownership in my child's relationship with God?

• How can I create intentional moments of connection — whether over a meal, during a car ride, or on a simple walk — to really listen to my child?

• Do I trust that God is guiding my child's heart, even when I can't see the results right away?

We'd love to hear your thoughts! How do you accompany your children in their faith journey? Share your experiences and continue the conversation with us.

You can:

• Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast

• Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website

• Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday

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