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Marriage and Parenting Tip for March, Courtesy of the Office of Family Ministry, Diocese of Hamilton

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH
The amount of time spent together as a family during COVID might be considered by some to be too much, but it may also be filling a real need. Past research has shown that children consistently identify a desire to spend more time with their parents and family. Time for them means direct, active engagement. The long-term benefits to family relationships are proven: children grow up healthier in mind, body and spirit. Enjoying quality time with their family means children are more likely to turn to their family for love and support, keeping them healthy. So play with your kids, watch a movie together and discuss its message(s), pray together, be active together, cook together and/or clean together; the possibilities are endless. So remember, time with family is powerful when it is interactive, shared by all and fun!
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH
At the heart of every relationship there needs to be a foundation of love and respect. When couples respect each other, including their differences, they continually build each other up and enjoy time together. When we respect the other in relationship, we can accept their desire to influence us with their understanding of what is true, good and beautiful. When we are open to our spouse’s view of things, we not only grow, but we grow together. When we grow together, we cannot help but grow in love.
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

Marriage and Parenting Tip for February, Courtesy of the Office of Family Ministry, Diocese of Hamilton

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH
Two kinds of love are on display in the month of February this year – one on Valentine’s Day celebrating romantic love and one on Feb. 17th, Ash Wednesday, celebrating the infinite love of a merciful God. When we recognize the depth of God’s love, so powerful that nothing can separate us from it, we feel secure that God is always with us. Both these loves are important and this is a great month to help children understand that God is responsible for both. Talk to them about how He created us to want to be in relationships, care about others and love important people in our lives. Help them to understand that the six weeks of Lent ends with the celebration Easter. Easter, the day we rejoice over Christ’s resurrection and through his love, our ability to spend eternity in Heaven.
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH
In February we celebrate Valentine’s Day, a day created to celebrate love and a great month to think back to the days of dating we experienced with our spouses! Days when we flirted, complimented, spent endless hours talking, hated to be apart and planned and went on dates! Now compare it to your time together today – have you given up all or most of these actions? Marriages that continue to have relationships that reflect their dating days feel connected, vitalized and loved. Why not consider making February a month of renewal for your marriage? Purposely create a relationship with your spouse where you give them your time and attention by making them your number one priority and ignite that same spark of love you felt in those early days of dating.
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

Marriage and Parenting Tips for January, Courtesy of the Office of Family Ministry, Diocese of Hamilton

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH
Children love to read the same book repeatedly, eat the same lunch every day and they do best, in fact thrive, on a daily routine. The predictable makes children feel secure and competent because they know what to expect. With little children, routines for mealtimes, bed and bath times, prayer time and even playtime, can be a great comfort, making for happier children. This same wellness from routines also works for older children. The more routine in their lives, the more relaxed and happy their personality. So, start the New Year by creating a schedule for all family members, try it out and see how much peace can come to your household!
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH
Marriage unites two people together in an intimate partnership, allowing each person to feel loved and cared for by their spouse. God made us relational, so marriage meets our need for another in our lives and fulfills our deepest need to be known. Yet, sadly, too many married people feel lonely. So, why not make 2021 a year of joy? Talk to each other about your hopes for the future; tell your spouse about good things or bad that have occurred at work; share a joke, funny story or a frustrating event from your day. When we share are lives with another we connect more deeply, feel part of the others life and loneliness disappears. An easy way to keep intimacy intact and loneliness away.
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

Marriage and Parenting Tip for December, Courtesy of the Office of Family Ministry, Diocese of Hamilton

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH
Christmas during COVID will change many of our traditional outings and gatherings as a family, but we can still easily take part in our faith traditions. Centering our celebration on the birth of Christ is a great way to remind our children that Christmas for Catholics is the same this year as in other years. During Advent set up an Advent wreath and each week pray and talk about what each candle represents: hope, peace, joy and love; read the story of the Nativity (more than once!) and set one up in your home; adorn the tree with symbols of the faith; attend Mass and reflect on the readings each week, especially on Christmas Day. The joy of Christmas is not gone because of COVID since Christmas reminds us of something that will never change, God’s great love for each of us.
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH
At the heart of every person is a desire to be known and loved for who we are. We fall in love with someone and then spend extraordinary energy and time on learning about the person. Once we marry, we can forget to keep on discovering who the person we love is becoming – because each of us is always becoming. Time and circumstance constantly change and as a result, the person changes. When the one we love stays interested in who we are, we feel secure, cared-for and loved. So spend some time asking about likes and dislikes, what bothers your spouse and what brings them joy, what is the one thing they would like to do if there were no limitations, what their favourite food is – the possibilities are endless and so is the benefit to your relationship! Make your Christmas gifts this year time and attention!
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

Marriage and Parenting Tip for November, Courtesy of the Office of Family Ministry, Diocese of Hamilton

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH
November is the month in which we both pray for and remember our dead. We also celebrate Remembrance Day, a day we give thanks to all those who have died for our protection and freedom. It is a wonderful month to speak to your children about others who have gone before you. Share the legacy and traditions your ancestors have left for your family and the influence they have had on your lives. Talk to them about how we honour them by our daily actions and remind them to pray for them, not just in the month of November, but all year long. November is a month to discuss our own history, but also the history and traditions of our Catholic faith: All Saints Day, All Souls Day, attending Mass, the prayers we say at Mass, prayers before meals and bedtime, to name a few. Those that have gone before us have influenced us; let us help our children know and reflect on all they have left us.
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH
As winter approaches, we move into maintenance mode: we clear the gutters on the roof so water can flow freely, we change to winter tires to prepare for the coming cold and snow and we gather and store outdoor summer items from the yard to keep safe for next year. Do we take the time to offer maintenance to our most important relationship? Do we discuss shifting roles as our family changes and then discuss what we both need to stay happy and healthy? Do we check to see if we have prioritized each other instead of everything else? Do we spend time making sure our finances are in order? Do we pray together for patience, love, kindness and compassion to grow and strengthen in our relationship? Maintenance takes time, but for love to thrive, it is so necessary.
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

Marriage and Parenting Tip for September, Courtesy of the Office of Family Ministry, Diocese of Hamilton

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live in very real ways. Children are not immune to the impact that the virus has had and have probably heard more than we realize between media news clips and overhearing adults talking. This is a time to talk to your children and help them understand more fully what is going on in the world. Tell them that they can help themselves and others to be healthy and safe by following the instructions given by their parents, by teachers at school and by other adults who care for them. Remind them that our Catholic faith adheres to the fact that every person has dignity and each of us has to do our part to keep all people as safe as possible. As a family pray daily for all people to remain vigilant in their actions so we can defeat this virus. Empowering our children with concrete information and actions to undertake can prevent the development of very real anxieties from developing.
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH
Couple relationships often experience strain during times of stress and the last several months have provided some of the highest stress many couples have faced. It is important to step back and recognize why tensions might be running high and then engage in actions that can release the pent up stress. Try cooking together, walking, biking or hiking together, praying together, or any activity that will bring laughter to the day. It may even mean finding ways to have some time apart, whether that be one being outside while the other is in, or one being on one floor of the house, while the other is on another. Time together is wonderful, but too much can be distressing! Remember that you are in this together and together you can find ways to feel connected and beat any feelings of stress.
From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

Marriage and Parenting Tip for February, Courtesy of the Office of Family Ministry, Diocese of Hamilton

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH
Hugs, kisses, spending time together and looking after our children’s needs are all ways of letting them know they are loved, but experts are telling us we also need to use words to convey this important message. I love you - three simple words with a powerful impact. Children, especially as they age, need to hear us tell them they are loved, over and over again. So tell them you love them each time you greet them, remind them you love them as they leave, say goodnight and add those three powerful words and your child will know that they are indeed loved!
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH
February is often referred to as the month of love, since we celebrate Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14th. Real love isn’t a fairy tale though – it takes time and effort, good communication and spending time together. This Valentine’s Day go big: write each other a love letter, write out a list of the 10 things you most love about your spouse, commit to a date night each month on the 14th to keep the love day alive, look through your wedding album together and remember that moment when you united your love into one. Perhaps most importantly, commit to praying together each day because God is always present to give us strength when we need it!
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

Marriage and Parenting Tip for January, Courtesy of the Office of Family Ministry, Diocese of Hamilton

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH
Colder days in January can mean more time indoors, a perfect time to connect as a family. Board games, puzzles, movie night, sharing a decade of the Rosary, baking or cooking a meal together – these are all great ways to interact and learn about each other. The more time we spend with each other, the greater the connection we feel for the other. Children need to feel they are valued and nothing speaks to their hearts more than time spent together!
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH
New Year’s Resolutions are often lofty goals that don’t last too long after they are made, but even thinking about them reminds us that there is room for change/improvement. This year skip the resolutions and plan for a specific change in your couple relationship: a date night once a month (weekly if that is realistic); time at the end of each day to ask, what did we do good today, what could we do better; holding hands on walks or while shopping; sharing a coffee every morning before the kids wake up or work interferes; finding one thing to thank your spouse for daily; looking for moments to compliment. There are so many more possibilities, so take the time to do something! At the end of 2020 you will feel a renewed sense of connection and love – try one or try them all, but do try something!
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

December 2019 - Marriage and Family Tip for December, Courtesy of the Office of Family Ministry, Diocese of Hamilton

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH
For Catholics, Christmas is about so much more than gifts: it is the promise, through the birth of Jesus, of goodness and light coming into our lives. Do your children know this is the focus of Christmas? Advent and Christmas are perfect times to highlight the “reason for the season”. Read stories about the Advent wreath so they understand what each candle symbolizes; read the story of the Nativity (more than once!); be sure the tree is adorned with symbols of the faith; read family Advent reflections daily during Advent; attend Mass and reflect on the readings each week, including Christmas Day. Faith sets a foundation on which to stand and Christmas is a perfect time to bring Christ into your family activities!
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH
At Christmas we gather with love ones to share gifts, eat great food and build joyful memories. Sometimes we get caught up on the glitter and glam of the season and forget to take time as a couple to decide how much money, time and energy we can expend during the season. This year why not sit down in advance and decide how much you can do as a couple/family. Weave into your plans time for the two of you to take a quiet moment with each other. During Advent and Christmas, take time to pray and share important faith moments with each other. Trying these initiatives could make this Christmas your best yet!
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

November 2019 - Marriage and Parenting Tip for November, Courtesy of the Office of Family Ministry, Diocese of Hamilton

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH
The Bible has so many wonderful messages for us, but an excellent example for families is in the Creation Story, where we hear that on the seventh day God rested. When do we rest in the family? Do our children see the family as a priority because we make it one, or is family time squeezed in between work, school, sports and/or other activities? These are all wonderful portions of our lives, but when we don’t take time to rest and just “be” family, the toll can impact all of us. Teach your children the value of family by making it a priority. God talks to us through the Bible -perhaps he wants you to have the seventh day for rest too?!
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH
Touch is important to every human, but when life is busy we can forget its value. A quick kiss, a touch of the arm or back, a quick or long back scratch – these are just a few ways that spouses can remain close to each other. Each touch bonds us together and touching when intimacy is not part of the exchange means so much more: it says I love you, you are important and I need you. So hold hands, sit close on the couch and find little and big ways to touch. It will have a profound impact on your connectedness!
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

Parenting and Marriage Tips, Courtesy of the Office of Family Ministry, Diocese of Hamilton

February 2019--Parenting and Marriage Tips, Courtesy of the Office of Family Ministry, Diocese of Hamilton

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH
February is the month we celebrate love on Valentine’s Day, but the commercialism of the day can confuse children and make them believe that love is only about giving and/or receiving something. While that may be part of love, true love unfolds every day in the way we treat each other, help each other and care for each other. True love takes work, requires action and seeks to meet the needs of the one we love. Talk to your children, no matter the age, about what real love actually looks like, so they can grow up to give and expect that kind of love in their lives.
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH
Love is a choice, or more importantly, how we love is a choice. We can choose soft, complimentary and caring words, or we can choose harsh, cutting and angry words. Emotions in any relationship can run high at times, but we can control are emotions if we choose. We can take a moment to breathe deeply, ask ourselves if we want to hurt or offend the one we love and decide what the better words and tone to discuss an issue might be. When we choose wisely, we love more fully and our spouse responds in kind. Love is a choice – make wise decisions and your marriage will flourish.
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

October 2018--Parenting and Marriage Tips, Courtesy of the Office of Family Ministry, Diocese of Hamilton

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH

Children learn about life and themselves from every interaction they have with others, but the most profound impact comes from family. A study published by Psychology Press titled, Social Understanding and Social Lives, argues that the quality, as well as the quantity of conversations adults have with their children concerning thoughts and feelings, helps children’s social understanding to grow. As parents we have the ability to help our children identify, cope with and manage their thoughts and feelings. We do this by helping them recognize thoughts and feelings as they arise and then by providing them with ways to manage their inner selves. This leads to children healthy in mind, body and spirit - so talk it through, your kids are listening!

(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH

The fall harvest is a result of work undertaken throughout the spring and summer. Watering, nourishing, protecting from insects and the weather all contribute to a healthy yield. Why then do we sometimes forget that relationships too need to be cared for? Do we nourish, protect and nurture our spouses? Care for them gently and speak softly? As St. Francis de Sales said, “The worst way of speaking is to speak too much. Therefore speak little and well, speak little and gently, speak little and charitably, speak little and amiably.” A harvest of love can fill every relationship, but it takes commitment and purposeful work to keep our love strong.

(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

May 2018 - Parenting and Marriage Tips

Courtesy of the Office of Family Ministry, Diocese of Hamilton

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH

Parenting Tip 106
Children are impacted, from the day they are born, mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually by our responses, both to their needs and to the way we engage with the world around us. As parents we should provide expectations for our children’s behaviour, but it is also important to reflect on whether or not we expect the same of ourselves. If a child acts or speaks in a way we don’t like, we should correct them, but it is essential to ask if they might be learning that specific behaviour from watching us, their parents. Our actions and words matter - children need us to model the behaviour we want from them.
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH

Marriage Tip 86
“I love you” and “you matter” are important words in every married relationship. The words however, are never enough. Ask yourself how you can show these two expressions in both words and deeds, since words alone are not enough. Ask your spouse to tell you what things you do that express these two small phrases to them – if they can’t think of any, you have some work to do! Ask them how you could express your love and their importance to you and you will both find joy!
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

February 2018 - Parenting and Marriage Tips

Courtesy of the Diocese of Hamilton

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH

Parents often ask their children what they would like to be when they grow up, but the better question to reflect on is ‘who’ you want to be when you grow up. Lessons learned in childhood, along with the modelling from significant adults in their lives set a foundation for the adults our children become. Do you expect respect, the use of manners, that your children treat others with caring and compassion? Are you modelling the traits of a good parent and spouse? Do you help them to see how God can and does support them as they grow to develop the gifts they have been given to use in our world? Good people are happier and healthier people, so help your child develop the ‘who’ part of themselves and what they will be will take care of itself!
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

MARRIAGE TIP OF THE MONTH

In February we celebrate love on Valentine’s Day, but love is an action word, needed every day of every month. This year try something different for Valentine’s Day – make a commitment to tell each other on the 14th of every month what it is you love about each other. An attitude of gratitude, recognizing the good in the other and making a point of telling each other why you are in love is a great way to put love into action and it helps you to never take your love for granted.
(From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

December 2016 - Parenting and Marriage Tip

Courtesy of The Diocese of Hamilton

Parenting Tip
At Christmas it is easy for children to get so wrapped up in what they want that they forget the reason for the season: the birth of Christ. Jesus came to offer a great sacrifice – his life so our sins could be forgiven. He taught us to look toward others; to feed the hungry, care for the sick and so much more. The greatest gift we can give our children is the ability to look outward towards what others need, as opposed to looking inward to what “I” want. When we teach our children what Christmas really represents and why we celebrate, it helps them know God loves them and to spread his love to others. (From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)

Marriage Tip
Pope Francis, in Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love), challenges married couples to understand that their love is a call to sacrificial love. He invites each spouse to see their married love as love that must be first and fore-most self-giving. When a person in relationship understands this, it helps them to reach beyond themselves and indeed grow. When we take the time to discern our vision of married life and then reach into ourselves to make it happen, both spouses benefit. The Pope is reminding us that love may not be perfect, but it is love and when we nurture it from within, we strengthen and build a deep bond between us. (From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250)