Joining Kati & Caroline this week are the mother-daughter alumnae duo of Carola Rubio Williamson ‘92 and Caroline Williamson ‘24. Carola is Visitation’s Assistant Director of Admissions. During their chat, the four discuss the dynamics of friendship among high school students, including the importance of being open-minded, navigating new school environments, the impact of social media, and the role of parents in guiding their children through friendship challenges. The dialogue emphasizes empathy, active listening, and the significance of modeling positive behavior in relationships.

This week, Kati & Caroline are joined by Mary Vieth, and alumnae and the Athletic Director at Visitation. They discuss how to nurture Salesian Spirituality in the realm of sports, helping athletes cultivate virtues like humility, patience, and resilience. Delivering deeper, they explore the significance of building holy friendships through sports, how parents can support their daughters as they navigate tryouts and cuts, and the life lessons that sports impart, preparing young athletes for future challenges.

Tune in as Kati and Caroline explore the significance of gratitude in daily life, particularly in the context of parenting teenage daughters. They discuss personal practices of gratitude, the importance of modeling these behaviors for their children, and the challenges posed by social media. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication about emotions and the value of celebrating others to foster a sense of community and joy.

This week, Kati & Caroline talk about the importance of navigating conversations in a divided culture through a Salesian lens. They explore the value of understanding different perspectives, the impact of perfectionism on communication, the role of values in dialogue, and the significance of fostering curiosity and openness in relationships, They delve into the need for respectful communication among teens and how parents can model healthy communication and embrace the journey of growth and understanding.

In this episode, Kati and Caroline discuss the importance of cultivating simplicity in a fast-paced world. They explore the challenges of managing expectations, especially for parents during the summer, and the need for intentionality in creating space for what truly matters. Together, they reflect on the internal work required to simplify life and the flexibility needed to navigate different seasons of life.

During a retreat earlier this year, Kati offered a talk about the history of the Sacred Heart in the Visitation Order, the apparitions of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary, and how we can live as beloved by Christ. In this Jubilee Year of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Kati explores the profound themes of the Sacred Heart of Christ, emphasizing the significance of the heartbeat as a metaphor for divine love and mercy. She discusses the 12 promises associated with the Sacred Heart, highlighting their relevance to modern life, particularly in terms of grace and family peace. Additionally, she reflects on Pope Francis's teachings and the importance of witnessing Christ's love through our actions and missions in everyday life.

This week, Kati and Caroline chat with Visitation’s Director of Christian Service Sofia Gutierrez about teens and service. They discuss how to encourage students to engage with their communities, develop essential life skills, and foster personal growth through service. Family involvement is key to empowering students to Live Jesus in their communities, which can be a transformative experience.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of personal growth for parents, the shift in family dynamics as children grow, and the significance of intentional family time. We also talk about how to support your daughter’s growing independence while maintaining family connections and finding balance in busy lives.

Nicole, a Visitation parent, shares the story of her daughter finding healing after battling anxiety and depression. Nicole’s daughter struggled with anxiety in middle school, later tipping into depression. By junior year of high school, her daughter’s mental health challenges were beyond Nicole and her husband’s ability to help; they decided to explore residential treatment. After five months of outpatient treatment including therapy, their daughter returned home in April 2024 and she has been able to finish her senior year at Visitation. Nicole shares how they couple empathy and validation with confidence and belief. Along the way, she found comfort and companionship in our Blessed Mother Mary, understanding the anguish she felt for our Lord on the cross. Praying the rosary and committing to other spiritual habits were the support beams that gave her stability during this difficult time.

In this conversation, Kati and Caroline discuss the importance of empowering teenage girls to embrace their unique identities and gifts. They explore practical strategies for building confidence, including well-timed compliments, fostering independence, engaging in service, navigating academic challenges, and practicing gratitude. The discussion emphasizes the need for intentional parenting to help daughters recognize their strengths and grow into confident women of faith, vision, and purpose.