Gentle Catholic Parenting Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Kathryn Rombs about the vocation of motherhood, the ambivalence some women feel about motherhood, and how motherhood can be a path to great fulfillment.

In this podcast episode, I share three ways parents can encourage and support strong siblings bonds between their kids. Sibling relationships can be a source of great blessing and a sign of holy unity!

Sibling conflict is probably inevitable, but it doesn't have to be destructive. In fact, our kids can learn conflict management skills that help them protect their own dignity and their relationships. Important questions I address: What is a parent’s role in their kids’ conflict, and how can our faith help our kids see their siblings and their conflicts more clearly?

Substitute or transferred attachment happen when kids look to peers or even objects to meet their emotional needs. Why is this a problem, and do you really need to worry about it?

All kids are fearful sometimes, but how do we tell when normal childhood fears cross over into something that should concern us? In this show, Kim breaks down common childhood fears by age group, then she explains the signs of maladaptive anxiety.

How can you raise emotionally healthy children when you didn't have an ideal childhood? What if that childhood was filled with abuse or neglect? In today's podcast episode, I'm joined by author Erin McCole Cupp as we explore these important questions.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, this is a good time to review the art of making conversation at the dinner table. Real conversation involves not only talking but listening attentively to the other person, something many adults seem to have forgotten how to do! Here I’ll focus on parents making conversation with children or teenagers, but these tips apply equally to conversations with just about anybody.

Parents get plenty of advice about how they should handle sleep issues with babies and toddlers, but what should we do when our school-age children (and even teenagers) can’t seem to settle down at night? In this show, I clarify the possible problems and provide a few ideas for helping older kids let go of the day so they can go to sleep.

In this podcast, I explain why structure is one of the most effective discipline tools for any parent to keep in their parenting toolbox. When you have a strong structure in your home that includes many routines, rituals, and a familiar rhythm that your child can depend on, your child is less likely to resist you when you need him to do something. Routines also allow you to mentor your child in what maturity looks like even before he arrives at maturity.

We're continuing our routines and routines series by focusing on PLAY today! Play is the engine of emotional, social, and spiritual growth in our kids. We can use routines and rituals to ensure we set aside time for play in our homes. In this podcast: What is play? Why do kids need play? Tips for playing with your kids and tips for creating invitations for your child’s solitary play.