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Being an actively engaged dad with your kids through sport

Kids and Sport

Kids play sport for lots of reasons - fun, mateship, socialisation, challenge, competition and achievement. So, it is important to encourage your child to play sports for the fun, not just winning. Be positive at competitions. If you are, your children mostly likely will too.
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Look for the successes your child makes in the game and focus on them more than on the final score. It is important to help your child learn how to win and lose, as they don't need to be champions.

So here are a few tips to help you support and teach your child how to learn to win OR lose well and be an actively engaged father on weekends regardless of what sport they choose to play.

1. Encourage your child to congratulate their opponent when they lose, and not boast when they win.

2. Talk about the game afterwards and help your child to see where they did well and areas where perhaps they could have done better.

3. Encourage your child to do their best at all times.

4. Recognise good sportsmanship in your child and others.

Most importantly, don't be the ugly parent at your child's events - cheer good play by both sides and don't abuse players or referees.

We really encourage dads to learn to keep their emotions in check and be good mentors - nothing like being the ugly loud voice!

Through sport you can make lifelong friends, at junior and senior school, through to your adult life like I did. I was not a brilliant player, just average, but it was the mateship we developed that has served us through the years.

Mondays with Fathering Project founder Dr Bruce Robinson
We want to foster connection, sharing, and collaborating in this time of isolation and need. The Fathering Channel is an online community hub and a source of research-based advice, support and information. Tune in every Monday for Bruce's weekly video - packed with fathering advice and tips.
Subscribe for Updates

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Being an actively engaged dad with your kids through sport

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Back Search All Kids play sport for lots of reasons - fun, mateship, socialisation, challenge, competition and achievement. So, it is important to encourage your child to play sports for the fun, not just winning. Be positive at competitions. If you are, your children mostly likely will too.

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 Great explanation of the Good Shepherd for Toddlers

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 Great explanation of the Good Shepherd for Toddlers

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He runs! He hides! He climbs! He's stuck! Will Cecil ever get home? Will any of his friends miss him? To find out read 'Cecil the Lost Sheep.'

This Story is based on: Luke 15:1-7.
Related Bible passages include:
Matthew 18:10-14, John 10:11-18, Ephesians 3:18-19, 1 Peter 2:24-25, Psalm 23, Psalm 119:176, Isaiah 40:10-11, Isaiah 53:7, Ezekiel 34:11-16

Main Theme: home.
Other themes:
God's love, God's joy, salvation, concern for the lost, Jesus welcomes sinners, joy, party party, celebration, hospitality, rock climbing

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Some great tips for talking to your son.

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Dr Bruce Robinson shares advice on communicating with boys

Advice on communicating with boys

No matter what the circumstance, it is very important to keep the line of communication open with your son, so you can have a good idea of how they are traveling emotionally and mentally, who their friends are, how they are going at school, and when they need help.

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Tips on communicating with your son:

Build a comfort zone. Create a safe space for chats, this could be around the breakfast or dinner table, watching sport together, driving to and from a sports game, drop off or pick up to school, playing cards, walking the dog, cooking a BBQ, or taking a hike or surf together.

Make the first move. Don't wait for your son, find a story to share with them that you want their opinion on - ask them a conformable question, one they will be interested in participating in.

Listen, without judgment, be open. Don't share your view first, as it sets a position for them to adhere to and then you lose their real voice or their real feelings on a certain issue. If you are a particularly gregarious father, they may find it hard to compete, so be sure to give them space, time, and listen - let them speak first!

Ask curious open questions, don't load the question with your expectations, and really seek their opinion on something - could be a new shirt, a tie, getting tickets to a sports game, a book to read, a movie to see, something in the headlines, or around their subject of interest.

Don't always give advice. Help your son come up with his own solution first before adding in some words of wisdom.

Show you are listening and empathise. Say something like 'I understand how you feel, or I remember when that happened to me, or that must have been pretty tough'...then you can expand to ask them if they need some guidance or help around the discussion.

Let him know you take him seriously and help him to trust his own feelings.

Stay calm, express your emotions respectfully, don't get angry or cut them off, or speak over them, they need to know they can share their voice with you and you will not judge them.

Send them a text message after the discussion - share an emoji, or send them a funny picture, with a short message of support. The family cat or dog is often the best conversation starters!

Mondays with Fathering Project founder Dr Bruce Robinson
We want to foster connection, sharing, and collaborating in this time of isolation and need. The Fathering Channel is an online community hub and a source of research-based advice, support and information. Tune in every Monday for Bruce's weekly video - packed with fathering advice and tips.
Subscribe for Updates

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Dr Bruce Robinson shares advice on communicating with boys

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Back Search All No matter what the circumstance, it is very important to keep the line of communication open with your son, so you can have a good idea of how they are traveling emotionally and mentally, who their friends are, how they are going at school, and when they need help.

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Sydney Catholic Schools Parent Information Page

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Sydney Catholic Schools Parent Information Page

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We highly value family involvement in the school community, as we understand that children are more engaged in their learning and have better social and emotional skills, when they feel supported and secure.

We use a variety of mediums to stay connected to parents and carers including newsletters, the Compass student information system, social media and, of course, phone calls and emails.

We also invite parents and carers to be involved in school events, such as assemblies, morning teas and parent-teacher interviews.

Should you wish to communicate further, please feel free to contact your school.

For parenting and counselling services, visit the Our Partners page, and for direction and clarity on regulations, processes and procedures at our schools, read the Sydney Catholic School policies.

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We highly value family involvement in the school community, as we understand that children are more engaged in their learning and have better social and emotional skills, when they feel supported and secure. We use a variety of mediums to stay connected to parents and carers including newsletters, the Compass student information system, social media and, of course, phone calls and emails.

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An excellent website about Ignatian spirituality with everyday tips for prayer.

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Remote Learning Tips for the Toddlers as well!

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Remote Learning Tips for the Toddlers as well!

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When I first started homeschooling, I could not imagine what I would do with the other children while I focused on a child's lessons.

Now, I realize that the best thing to do with those littles is to have them learning right beside their older siblings.

Of course, having an abundance of ideas (or a closet full of educational toys) available to keep the young children busy is always helpful.

Planning for homeschooling with young children

My mother taught me a valuable lesson early in my parenthood: Keep excess toys in the closet and rotate. Each time you pull something from the closet, the child will act like they have a new toy.

So, I keep everything under lock & key. Not really, but I do have a child-safe spinner on the closet door.

When it is time to settle around the table for school time, I start the younger children with a stack of worksheets that I have printed. One day, they will use . The next day, washable markers. Dry erase on page protectors. Crayons. Water and paint brushes. Chalk. ROTATE.

Next, I pull two or three educational toys from the closet. We never get rid of an educational toy and after nine years, we have a nice collection. ROTATE.

(Note: If you are thinking about the expense, just keep a running wish list and when someone inquires about what to buy your child for a birthday or Christmas, mention a few from your list.)

Finally, I have one or two skilled activities available.

Sometimes, when I need to spend time specifically with one child, I can have the other older sibling work with the youngers to accomplish these projects.

I am willing to bet that you have enough stuff in your home already that you could put enough projects together for a week. ROTATE.

Busy activities with items you (probably) have already

NOTE: As you well know, tiny objects should be kept away from young children. Small + small = BIG trouble. Not all of these activities will apply to all ages. Please use your own discretion when selected games for your child and keep a watchful eye.
Balls (various sizes)

Place balls in an egg carton

Roll balls through cardboard tubes

Hide a ball under disposable cups

Balance balls on golf tees hammered into styrofoam

Roll balls across the floor to ring a basket on its side

Float in water

Transfer by spoon to a small-mouth bottle

Roll across a wall using continuous contact with hands

Laundry Basket

Make a train

Lace ribbon or string through the slats

Pretend its a boat and use large spoons for oars

Toss a big ball into the basket

Give stuffed animals a ride

Shove pompom balls through the slats

Jumbo Buttons

String buttons on chenille stems

Move buttons from bowl to bowl

Sort the colors and shapes

Make simple patterns

Lace string through the buttons

Sew to felt and have felt squares with slits for practice

Drop in a clear, plastic vase filled with water

Paint

Use Q-tips with washable watercolor paints

Press with do-a-dot markers on fill-in-the-blank pictures

Squish together two colors of liquid tempera paint or finger paint in a gallon freezer bag zipped and sealed with packaging tape

Let colored water drip from a medicine dropper on a coffee filter

Paint... with pudding

Hairbands/Ponytail Holders

Stretch over a doorknob

Hook around buttons on a button-board

Group around a cardboard tube

Sort by color

Loop to create a chain

Play a gentle game of tug-o-war

Cookie Cutters

Use with playdough

Sort by color or shape

Toss onto a dowel

Lace together with string

Cut sandwich bread

Dry Beans

Pour from one container to another

Make a noise maker in a cardboard tube

Sort the different types into an egg carton

Sift with a slotted spoon

Glue to paper

Use with sandbox tools (buckets, sifter, shovel)

Stir with kitchen utensils

Pick up with tweezers or tongs

Straws

String through pasta

Sort by color

Blow through to push paper across the floor

Stand in playdough

Push through a Parmesan cheese container lid

Practice cutting

Clothespins

Drop into a narrow-mouth bowl or jar

Hang cards or baby clothes on a suspended string

Write a letter or number on each and place in order

Clip to the side of a bowl

Attach felt squares to a cooling rack

Pompoms Chenille Stems

Twist into shapes

Lace through a colander

Push through holes punched in a plastic lid

Sort by color or length

Thread large beads

Poke into an egg tray or styrofoam

Beanbags

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Planning Busy Activities for Toddlers During Homeschool - Meet Penny

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Share & Help Me GrowWhen I first started homeschooling, I could not imagine what I would do with the other children while I focused on a child's lessons. Now, I realize that the best thing to do with those littles is to have them learning right beside their older siblings.

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Vinnies Sleepout@Home Photos . We raised over $1500 for Vinnies this year for their Winter Appeal!! Thank you to all those who donated and participated by actually doing the Sleepout at home. Read this beautiful reflection from one parent that sums up why we do what we do at St Joan of Arc!

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Vinnies Sleepout@Home Photos . We raised over $1500 for Vinnies this year for their Winter Appeal!! Thank you to all those who donated and participated by actually doing the Sleepout at home. Read this beautiful reflection from one parent that sums up why we do what we do at St Joan of Arc!

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"Hi Anne

I was just thinking of those who are sadly left in a situation where they don’t have a place to call home tonight, and my marketing brain thought of it as the 3M’s...

Misfortune

Mismanagement

Mental Illness

These 3M’s transcend race, gender and education... it can happen to any of us.

I’m proud to be part of a community that supports and engages in such a worthy cause.

Thank you for organising this again in 2020 and still making it fun in COVID Friendly way."

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The Fathering Project :- What is healthy risk taking for your children?

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The Fathering Project :- What is healthy risk taking for your children?

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Healthy risks and confronting challenges

This month on the Fathering Channel we are exploring the importance of resilience in our lives, how we can help our children build resilience through their different ups and downs, and why resilience is so important in difficult times - and we all have our fair share of these!

With all the events of this year, it is understandable that many parents are feeling highly protective of their children.

However, it is still important to allow children to take healthy risks and confront challenges in order for them to develop important skills for problem solving and resilience.

We want our children to know they can take on challenges, solve problems and adapt to new or difficult situations.

A healthy risk pushes a child to have a go at something outside of their comfort zone that results in little harm if they are unsuccessful.

A healthy risk might be trying a new sport, joining in the school play or making a speech at assembly. These risks help children to learn that they are capable of learning new things and pushing through difficult or uncomfortable situations.

Some tips for encouraging healthy risk-taking

1. Encourage your children to 'have a go' and try new things. Support them to try different activities and sports.

2. Teach your children that it's okay to fail sometimes. Help them see mistakes as part of learning. If we all feared mistakes, we would never challenge ourselves.

3. Encourage perseverance and not giving up. When there are setbacks, help them to stay positive and not give up; ask your children to think of something they want to do and help them accomplish it.

4. Make a bucket list for you and your kids to do together. Include new things that you could do with your child that would be new to you both.

Dr Bruce Robinson is the founder of The Fathering Project - see more from Bruce

If you or your children are struggling
Kids can call Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 or Youth Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or you can contact your child's GP. If you are struggling, call Lifeline on 131 114, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

Mondays with Fathering Project founder Dr Bruce Robinson
We want to foster connection, sharing and collaborating in this time of isolation and need. The Fathering Channel is an online community hub and a source of research-based advice, support and information. Tune in every Monday for Bruce's weekly video - packed with fathering advice and tips.
Subscribe for Updates

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Healthy risk-taking and why it's important for your child

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This month on the Fathering Channel we are exploring the importance of resilience in our lives, how we can help our children build resilience through their different ups and downs, and why resilience is so important in difficult times - and we all have our fair share of these!

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A poem to help us accompany others during social distancing.

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Retreats for you to  connect with  your faith. and reduce anxiety.

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Food plays such a metaphoric role in the Bible from the manna from heaven to today's fruit on the vine. It's not just a coincidence. Food is something everyone can understand. We all need to eat. Food and faith are closely bound. And so are we. Sharing a meal is perhaps the most God-present thing people can do together as a way to celebrate our humanity, our sameness despite our differences, and our hunger for community.

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3-Minute Retreats Daily Online Prayer | Loyola Press

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Loyola Press is a Catholic publisher offering 3-Minute Retreat, books, ministry resources, articles, and educational program support.

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"Be Still and Know" by Scripture Lullabies

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"Be Still and Know" by Scripture Lullabies

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Uplifting song to enjoy.

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"Be Still and Know" from Scripture Lullabies

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Join us with your toddler (aged 3 - 5) every Tuesday morning from 9 - 10 am at school for a tender tale, craft and morning tea. A great way to get your toddler familiar with the school before starting kindergarten and perfect way to meet other parents in your situation.

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Join us with your toddler (aged 3 - 5) every Tuesday morning from 9 - 10 am at school for a tender tale, craft and morning tea. A great way to get your toddler familiar with the school before starting kindergarten and perfect way to meet other parents in your situation.

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Please email Mrs Gray on anne.gray@syd.catholic.edu.au if interested

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The importance of creative play.

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What are your childhood memories? I immediately think of happy times playing in the garden, building cubbies out of cardboard boxes, climbing trees, inventing adventure games and baking cakes in the sandpit. Research shows that simply playing is key to a child's cognitive, emotional and social development. According to Professor

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Bedtime story for Toddlers

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GOD BLESS YOU AND GOODNIGHT Bedtime Story | Preschool Books for Kids | Children's Books Read Aloud

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Read along - one of my favourite books set in our beautiful city of Sydney!

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Simple connections for family.

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Simple is sacred. In an over-performance culture, the greatest gift a parent can give is a sense of belonging and acceptance. Susanne North explores how the simple life supports this sacred mission.

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Pray the Rosary during May

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Pope Francis's words of wisdom on Christian hope compiled in the book, , speak almost prophetically to our times:

Christian hope...is very important, because hope never disappoints. Optimism disappoints, but hope does not. We have such need in these times that can appear dark, in which we sometimes feel disoriented by the evil and violence that surround us, by the distress of so many of our brothers and sisters. We need hope. We feel disoriented and even rather discouraged, because we are powerless and it seems this darkness will never end. We must not let hope abandon us, because God, with his love, walks with us.

We do need hope! We need hope as we witness the distress of our brothers and sisters who are suffering with the virus. We need hope as we are barraged by stories about the pandemic and its economic toll. We need the hope that these days of social distancing-these days that seem to blend one into the other-will not last forever. We need hope that we will be able to return to our routines and some semblance of life as we knew it.

I have noticed that as I encounter the endless onslaught of sad and distressing stories, I hold my breath. Perhaps it is the uncertainly of it all, or maybe I'm holding my breath and waiting to hear something good. Or perhaps, as one friend put it, "I'm holding my breath and waiting for the other shoe to drop." As I talk with friends, I hear the widespread feeling that despite our best efforts to social distance, cover our faces, and sanitize, we don't have a lot of control. Facing an invisible threat on a global scale causes anxiety. And so, we hold our breath.

As long as we are well, though, there is one thing that we do have control over: our breath. Well, the ancient Hebrews would argue that we don't even have control over that, because our breath is breathed into us by God. Their word for breath, ruah, also means "spirit" as well as, "air in motion: sometimes the wind; at other times breath or vitality and life-giving power" (Boadt, Reading the Old Testament). Jesuit Anthony de Mello, in his book, Sadhana: A Way to God, speaks further of the ruah: "If a man lived, it was because God kept putting his breath, his 'spirit' into this man. It was the presence of this Spirit of God that kept the man alive." The ruah, then, was God's continuous breath within the individual, God's continuous gift of life.

So, while we may not control the breath that God breathes into us, we at least can control our awareness of our breath, and this will affect our spirit as well. De Mello offers an exercise that I have found particularly helpful in these stressful times when I observe myself holding my breath.

A bit of preparation will help us get the most out of this exercise. Go to a quiet place in your house or outside in nature. Sit upright, and plant your feet firmly on the ground. Feel the ground beneath your feet. Imagine that your feet are rooted to the ground. You are stable and grounded.

While still remaining in an upright posture, relax your body, slowly, from head to toe. Now, very slowly, breathe in deeply through your nose, and then breathe slowly out through your mouth.

Now begin de Mello's contemplation:

While you breathe in, be conscious of God's Spirit coming into you...Fill your lungs with the divine energy he brings with him...

While you breathe out, imagine you are breathing out all your impurities...your fears...your negative feelings...

Imagine you see your whole body becoming radiant and alive through this process of breathing in God's life-giving Spirit and breathing out all your impurities... ( Sadhana: A Way to God)

For these days, I add:

Breathe in compassion for yourself-and others.
Breathe out any anxieties you have about your health and your loved ones' health.
Breathe in God's peace.
Breathe out any concerns you have right now over your finances.
Breathe in God's assurance that these times will pass.
Breathe out whatever is causing you fear or anxiety right now.
Breathe in God's promise of new life; breathe in hope.

Rebecca Ruiz holds a B.A. from the College of the Holy Cross and an M.A. from Tufts University. She has worked as an ethnomusicologist, composer, and writer, in academia, and, for the past 14 years, in domestic refugee resettlement in the Diocese of Arlington, VA. She and her husband have two children and live in the Washington, DC metro area. She strives, as St. Ignatius taught, to see God in all things and do "all things for the greater glory of God."

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Pope Francis's words of wisdom on Christian hope compiled in the book, , speak almost prophetically to our times: Christian hope...is very important, because hope never disappoints. Optimism disappoints, but hope does not.

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Ways to reconnect with your family at home.

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Catholic family life is an opportunity to recognize the grace of God in daily living.

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July is the month to pray for Families.
Download the following App or go online to follow Pope Francis for daily prayers.

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Organize your prayer schedule on the Click To Pray App

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With your donation, you collaborate with the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, Vatican Foundation and its projects

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Click To Pray connects you with thousands of people who find purpose in praying every day for the challenges of humanity and for the mission of the Church as the Pope proposes in his monthly prayer intentions.

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Tips dealing with tension between siblings at home.

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The term "sibling" refers to children who are related and living in the same family. Sibling rivalry has occurred as long as families have existed. Think back to biblical times and Joseph's problems with his brothers or of Disney's "Cinderella" and the dreadful experience she had with her step-sisters!

It seems strange that whenever the word "sibling" comes up, "rivalry" seems sure to follow, despite the fact that there are many solid sibling relationships in families (brothers and sisters who genuinely like and enjoy one another). However, it's typically rivalry that gets the most attention.

What causes sibling rivalry? Think about it. Siblings don't choose the family they are born into, nor do they choose each other. They may be of different genders, probably of different ages and temperaments, and worst of all, they have to share the one or two people they want most for themselves: their parents. Other factors which may cause sibling rivalry include:

Position in the family. For example, the oldest child may be burdened with responsibilities for the younger children or the younger child spends his life trying to catch up with an older sibling.

Gender. For instance, a son may resent his sister because his father seems more gentle with her. On the other hand, a daughter may wish she could go on the fishing trip with her father and brother.

Age. A five and an eight-year-old can play some games together but when they become ten and thirteen, they will likely have very different interests.

The most important factor, however, is a parent's attitude. Parents have been taught that they must be impartial with their kids, but this can be extremely difficult. It's inevitable that parents will feel differently about children who have their own personalities with varying needs, dispositions, and places in the family. Picture the age-old conflict of the young child whining: "It's not fair. Why can't I stay up until nine-thirty like Johnny?" Fairness has nothing to do with it. Susie is younger and needs more sleep. It's as simple as that, and parents are advised never to give in to the old "it's not fair" strategy. Besides, when Susie is finally allowed to stay up until nine-thirty, it will feel like a privilege to her.

Many parents feel that in order to be fair, they must treat their children equally. It's simply not possible, and can be dehumanizing if a mother feels that when she hugs one child, she must stop and hug all of her children. Hugs will eventually become somewhat meaningless in that family. When Susie has a birthday or is ill, she is the one who merits the special attention and presents. You can be sure that no matter what they may say, the other children in the family recognize the inherent "fairness" of the situation.

Ever since we decided that sibling rivalry is a normal occurrence in a family system, we've had a terrible time figuring out what to do about it. Here are some do's and don'ts that may be helpful in reducing conflicts as well as the negative effects of sibling rivalry:

Don't make comparisons (e.g., "I don't understand it. When Johnny was his age, he could already tie his shoes."). Each child feels he is unique and rightly so; he is his own person and resents being evaluated only in relation to someone else. Instead of comparison, each child in the family should be given his own goals and levels of expectation that relate only to him.

Don't dismiss or suppress your children's resentment or angry feelings. Contrary to what many people think, anger is not something we should try to avoid at all costs. It's an entirely normal part of being human, and it's certainly normal for siblings to get angry with each other and have the impulse to physically fight. They need the adults in their lives to assure them that mothers and fathers get angry too, but have learned self-control and that angry feelings do not give license to behave in cruel and dangerous ways. This is the time to sit down, acknowledge the anger (e.g., "I know you hate David right now but you cannot hit him with a stick."), and talk it through.

Try to avoid situations that promote guilt in siblings. First, we must teach children that feelings and actions are not synonymous. It may be normal to want to hit the baby on the head, but parents must stop a child from doing it. The guilt that follows doing something mean is a lot worse than the guilt of merely feeling mean. In situations like this, parental intervention must be quick and decisive.

Whenever possible, let brothers and sisters settle their own differences. While it may sound good, it can be terribly unfair in practice. Parents have to judge when it's time to step in and mediate, especially in a contest of unequals in terms of strength and eloquence (no hitting below the belt, literally or figuratively). Some long-lasting grudges among grown siblings have resulted when their minority rights were not protected.

For additional help see Helping Your Child With Socialization.

When One Sibling is Disabled

Quite different considerations must come into play when there is a disabled child in the family, especially if it's a child who requires a lot of extra support both in and out of the home. In this case, non-disabled siblings can be resentful of the time spent on their brother or sister; they sense the parent's preoccupation. They often feel they are receiving only "surface attention," and that the parent is not really alert to their needs.

There is one critical point that should be made and emphasized in all such cases. Whatever time and effort are spent with the disabled child, it's done with the goal of improvement: making the child better able to function independently over time. As he improves his skills, the demands on his parents will decrease commensurately, freeing them to devote more time to other members of the family. It actually boils down to, "Come on, let's everyone help, and ultimately everyone will benefit."

There are other measures to be taken to lessen sibling rivalry and tension in families with a disabled child. Every child deserves a certain amount of quality time with a parent. It needn't be long but it should be undivided. Maybe a short quiet chat before bedtime, or lunch at a special restaurant. Additionally, when one of the non-disabled siblings is involved in a school or community function, the parents should make every effort to be there, no matter how much advance planning is required. Should the disabled child go, too? Take your cue from the child who is involved in the function - it's his night. Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.

When One Sibling Is Gifted

Different people, including gifted children, have abilities and talents in different areas. Talk openly about this reality with your children so they can begin to develop appropriate expectations for themselves. You can do this by comparing your own strengths with those of your husband/wife or other family members or friends. There are two important points to be emphasized:

1. Don't expect to be great in everything.

2. Recognize and develop those areas of strength you do have. Help your children make similar comparisons among themselves in the hope that they will have a greater understanding and respect for each other (e.g., "My brother gets all A's in school but he can't hit a baseball.").

It's also okay to mention your weaknesses. This can be especially effective if there is something you don't do as well as your non-gifted child (e.g.,"I wish I could make brownies as well as yours.").

Above all, honesty and acceptance are the greatest consideration you can give your children when the ways in which they are like and unlike one another come up in discussion.

Some Useful Sibling Conflict Resolution Strategies
Common Mistakes Parents Make in Managing Sibling Rivalry

Taking sides, such as attempting to punish the child who is at fault, (usually the one seen pounding on the other child). How long has this child put up with the taunting of the other child before taking drastic measures?

Ignoring appropriate behavior. Parents often ignore their children when they are playing nicely. They only pay attention when a problem arises. Behavior Mod 101 teaches that behaviors that are ignored (go unrewarded) decrease while behaviors that receive attention (are rewarded) increase.

Simple Parenting Techniques That Work

1. When the sibling rivalry progresses to excessive physical or verbal violence OR when the number of incidents of rivalry becomes excessive, take action. (Action does speak louder than words). Talk with your children about what is going on. Provide suggestions on how they can handle the situation when it occurs, such as:

Ignoring the teasing.

Simply agreeing (in a kidding way) that whatever the teaser is saying is true.

Telling the teaser that enough is enough.

When these measures aren't working, ask the person in charge (parent, babysitter) for help.

2. When the above does not work, introduce a family plan to help with the situation that provides negative and positive consequences for all concerned, such as:

When there is any fighting or shouting, all involved will have a consequence such as a timeout or the temporary removal of screentime.

However, when we can go the whole day or afternoon or evening (whatever makes sense for your situation) without fighting, everyone will earn a privilege such as (1) you can have a snack, (2) I will read you a story, (3) we will all play a game together, (4) I will play outside with you (catch, etc.) or (5) you can stay up later. (Note that several of these provide parental attention for appropriate behavior).

3. Develop a system for evenly distributing coveted privileges. In other words, a system for taking turns for such things as:

Who gets to ride "shotgun" in the car. (It's amazing how many teenagers and young adult siblings still make this an important issue).

Who gets to push the button in the elevator.

Who gets to choose where to go to eat lunch or dinner.

Who gets to chose the television show.

Who does the dishes or takes out the trash (rotate on a weekly or monthly basis).

For more parenting techniques visit Parenting 101. For help in improving your ability to cope with the rigors of parenting, we suggest Stress Management For Parents.

Yes, siblings can create certain stresses, but if they are overcome successfully, they will give your children resources that will serve them well later in life. Siblings learn how to share, how to come face to face with jealousy, and how to accept their individual strengths and weaknesses.

Best of all, as they watch you handle sibling rivalry with equanimity and fairness, they will be gaining knowledge that will be valuable when they, too, become parents.

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Sibling Rivalry: Parent Tips on How to Deal With Sibling Rivalry

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The term "sibling" refers to children who are related and living in the same family. Sibling rivalry has occurred as long as families have existed. Think back to biblical times and Joseph's problems with his brothers or of Disney's "Cinderella" and the dreadful experience she had with her step-sisters!

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How to build strong families. Checkout raisingchildren.net.au- fantastic resource.

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Strong families: what they need

Strong families generally have a few things in common:

emotional and physical security

lots of warmth, care and positive attention

firm, fair rules and routines

good communication

connections to others outside the family.

Emotional and physical security in strong families

Strong families give everyone in the family a sense of emotional and physical security.

This means that when you're with your family, you can relax and be yourself. It's OK to be scared, angry, excited, anxious or anything else when you're with your family. Those feelings will be accepted and understood.

If your child has a safe and secure family base, he's likely to be more confident about himself and his ability to explore the world outside your family. That's because he knows he can come to you for comfort, support and protection if things gets scary in the big, wide world - even if that's just the local playground.

Tips for creating safety and security
Here are some ways you can create a sense of safety and security in your family:

Talk with your partner, if you have one, about the rituals that you'd like to create for your child and family - for example, bedtime stories. Rituals add to your child's sense of security and belonging.

Talk with your child about feelings. You might even make a regular time to share feelings. For example, each family member could share their 'highs and lows' for the day at your evening meal.

Plan what you'll do to manage 'big' feelings in a calm way. If you or your child is feeling stressed or upset, you might like to take a walk, listen to music or phone a friend to help you cope.

If you find yourself feeling critical and angry a lot of the time, it might be good to focus on looking after yourself or to get help with managing these feelings.

Show respect for each other by listening, waiting until people have finished speaking and avoiding criticism. If you need strategies, you could look at ways to improve your negotiation, problem-solving and conflict management skills.

As a parent, the way you feel and behave can have a big effect on other family members, especially your child. For example, if you're feeling angry or stressed, your child might feel stressed too. This is why it's so important for you to look after yourself, make healthy lifestyle choices and get support if you need it.

Warmth, care and positive attention in strong families

Being warm, caring and affectionate with your child and partner, if you have one, helps to build good family relationships.

Children from warm, caring and affectionate families get along better with other children and teachers, and are less likely to bully others. Also, lots of affection makes your child feel special, which can help her deal with life's ups and downs.

Positive attention is also important. This is the way you show delight in your child and warmth in your relationship with him - for example, getting down to his level and showing interest in what he's doing. Positive attention builds connection and shows your child that you're available if he needs you.

Even if your children have different temperaments, needs and talents, they all need your interest, encouragement and praise to help them feel good about themselves. This boosts their self-esteem and confidence.

Tips for creating warmth, care and positive attention
Here are some suggestions for creating warmth, care and positive attention in your family:

Tell your child how much you love her, and look for opportunities to tell her you're proud of her.

Smile and look into your child's eyes when you talk to him.

Show physical affection when you can.

Praise and encourage the people in your family when they do something well or something kind for others. For example, 'Harriet, thank you for unpacking the dishwasher this morning - it was a big help'.

Show your care through creating fun shared times together.

Create opportunities for special one-on-one time, doing something you both enjoy.

Firm, fair rules and routines in strong families

Firm and fair family rules let everyone in the family know what's expected and how to behave. Rules can help your family members get along better, and make family life more peaceful.

Effective rules are clear statements about how your family wants to look after and treat its members. Choose the most important things to make rules about - for example, a rule about not physically hurting each other would be a must for most families. You might also develop rules about safety, politeness, daily routines and respect for each other.

When children are raised in families with appropriate rules, they do better in school and are less likely to get involved in risky activities when they're teenagers. Fair rules and reasonable consequences help children learn boundaries they can use in other areas of their lives - for example, boundaries at home can help children with following rules at school.

Routines are the regular planned activities that you do most days - for example, making meals, getting dressed, going to bed and so on. These activities help your home run smoothly.

Routines also let your child know what's important to your family. They can help strengthen your shared beliefs and values, and build a sense of belonging and togetherness in your family. They build a sense of predictability and stability when there are other stresses in your family's life.

Tips for creating family rules and routines
Here are some suggestions for creating family rules and routines:

Involve your child in tasks and chores and let him help work out who does what in your family. This gives him a sense of contributing to family life.

Have regular family meetings to get your child involved in making family rules and planning for family events.

Adapt routines and rules as your child gets older. This might be as simple as letting your child have a later bedtime or curfew, or letting her make dinner one night a week.

As your child reaches adolescence, you can explain that extra independence goes along with extra responsibility.

Good communication in strong families

Families that support each other communicate well about good and bad things. This allows them to celebrate together when times are good and to talk about problems when times are tough.

Good communication in your family is about:

encouraging family members to talk to each other - and listening so everyone gets a chance to express how they feel

helping children learn words that express their thoughts and wishes, so they know how to ask for what they need or want

really listening and responding in a sensitive way to all kinds of things - not just nice things or good news, but also anger, embarrassment, sadness or fear

listening to a family member's problem and empathising, without feeling like you have to solve the problem or give advice

learning how to negotiate and compromise when there's a problem, so everyone gets part of what they want

focusing on body language and actions as well as words.

Tips for creating good communication
Here are some suggestions for creating good communication in your family:

Try to stop what you're doing and give your full attention when your child or partner wants to talk to you. If you can't give your full attention, let the other person know when you can.

Leave a note in your child's lunch box so that he knows you're thinking of him.

Have family meals together as often as possible, at the table with the TV off. This is a time when you can share what's happening in your lives.

When emotions run high, talk to your child about what she's feeling and ask her what she needs.

Connection to others and strong families

Being connected to other people who care about them is important for children. Valuable connections include your extended family, friends, neighbourhood and community.

Connections help develop children's self-esteem. They give them a stronger sense of their place in the family, as grandchildren, cousins or nieces and nephews. And being connected to extended family, friends and people in the community helps children learn how to relate to different people.

Other important adults can be a support for the family when times are tough - for example, if there's a death in the family - or good fun when you go on holiday together or celebrate important occasions.

Being connected to others might also give you options when you need help or advice, want a night out or need someone to look after your child in the school holidays.

Being involved with structured activities in the local community, and helping others, can help your child develop his sense of identity. An example could be helping out with a local conservation group.

Tips for connecting your family to others
Here are some suggestions for connecting your family to others:

Encourage your children to see their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. If they live far away, talk to them on the phone, write letters or emails, or make video calls.

Invite grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins or family friends to school or sporting events that are important to your child - for example, an awards ceremony or performance.

Get yourself and your child involved in a local community group or sports club. This gives your child the chance to get to know new people and to see community members working together.

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Strong families: what they are, how they work

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Strong families generally have a few things in common: emotional and physical security lots of warmth, care and positive attention firm, fair rules and routines good communication connections to others outside the family. Strong families give everyone in the family a sense of emotional and physical security.

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Helping children cope during CoVID

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The Brave Program provides online support for families dealing with anxiety.

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Going through tough times? Stress, anxiety and feeling down can affect anyone, and happens to a lot of us at some point in our lives.

We all have good days and bad days. However, if you're feeling sad, down or anxious and these feelings have started to affect your everyday life, then it's important to find out what's going on and how you can manage it.

Over 75% of mental health issues occur before the age of 25, while suicide continues to cause the largest loss of life of young people in Australia. It's never too early to start looking after your mental health and wellbeing so you can be the best version of yourself.

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how does mental health affect young people

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Going through tough times? Stress, anxiety and feeling down can affect anyone, and happens to a lot of us at some point in our lives. We all have good days and bad days. However, if you're feeling sad, down or anxious and these feelings have started to affect your everyday life, then it's important to find out what's going on and how you can manage it.

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A beautiful prayer to help you through your day!

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A beautiful prayer to help you through your day!

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Being grateful for our day.

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"A Good Day" With Brother David Steindl-Rast

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3min meditation to help you deal with challenges.

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Before you begin, pause for a moment. Take several deep breaths and allow yourself to grow still. Be aware of God's loving presence within you.

Acts of the Apostles 2:38

Peter [said] to them, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit."

Peter addressed these words to a crowd that had gathered on Pentecost. Some who gathered were distressed because they realized that Jesus was in fact the Messiah. But now that Jesus was gone, it seemed too late for them to do anything. Peter and the disciples stood before the crowd and proclaimed that Jesus was not gone-he had risen and poured forth his Holy Spirit. Peter's words were very encouraging to the people. It was as if he was saying, "Not to worry, all is not lost. There's still time to change your mind and turn around your life. God always longs to reconcile you to himself."

In what areas of my life do I feel as though all is lost?

What must I do to turn things around? How is God calling me to reconciliation?

(Speak to God, using this prayer or a prayer of your own.)

Loving God, you are always there, reaching out to me and calling me to yourself. Draw me into your loving embrace and fill me with your spirit.

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Before you begin, pause for a moment. Take several deep breaths and allow yourself to grow still. Be aware of God's loving presence within you. Acts of the Apostles 2:38 Peter [said] to them, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit."

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How to meditate with young children.

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Children as young as five can learn to meditate silently for a minute or two at a time. It may help them to have a picture or a candle to look at, or to close their eyes as they use a short mantra such as "Come Lord Jesus" or "I love you Jesus."

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Download and follow for daily prayers and meditation.

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Daily prayer whenever you need it. Ignatian inspiration, Jesuit Prayer on the go

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An interesting Jesuit site.

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Our Mother provides us with strength and inner peace.

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Magnificat  (All That I Am) by David Haas

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Strategies to assist children.

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Talking to kids about scary stuff in the news

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Song by Guy Sebastian and Paulini.

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Receive the Power - Guy Sebastian and Paulini

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Resources to help families until
we can celebrate the Eucharist and attend Children's Liturgy.

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Family Faith Support

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With the suspension of Mass and so many of us isolated due to the current coronavirus pandemic, how do we pray at home as we head towards Holy Week and beyond?

Every family is unique and their family prayer life will be too, so what works for one family would be impossible for another.

However, whether it's highly structured like the Rosary or Divine Office or less formal like meditation or spontaneous prayer, there is a style to suit every family.

Whether your kids are five days, five years or 15 years old, it's never too early or too late to start family prayer.

CathKids, a weekly interactive experience with a short animated video on the Sunday reading, questions to stimulate discussion, a simple activity and prayer, is also a great resource for families and is currently free until June 30. Details here: https://cathfamily.org/cathkids-faith-unlimited/

Getting Started

1. Keep it Simple
Don't go shoot yourself in the foot by attempting a prayer routine to challenge a Carmelite Monastery! When it comes to family prayer, simplicity is what makes it child-friendly, teen-tolerable and parent-manageable.

2. A Daily Anchor
Think about your worst, most busy, tiring and trying day. Then find the simplest prayer you and your family could manage in that situation and make that your daily anchor. On the good days you can do more, but bad days will happen so a little forethought makes a family prayer life sustainable.

3. Augment the Ordinary
We all eat family meals together; we all tuck the kids in at bedtime and make trips in the car. These very ordinary moments are also prime moments for nourishing our souls too. A simple prayer at these 'family gathering points' makes life easier for you and also shows your kids that spirituality is for every day, not just once a week on Sunday.

Creating a Space

You can make any space in your home a place of prayer; the dining table, kid's bedrooms, the living room ... wherever it is most comfortable or makes the most logical sense can be a sacred space.

Whether you pray in the living room or on one of the kid's beds or around the kitchen table, having a dedicated space keeps everyone focused and creates a visual reminder that we are a Family of God.

Essential Items

1. A crucifix or cross

2. One or more candles

3. A Bible or Missal

4. Prayer cards with your favourite prayers

5. Rosary beads

Optional Extras:

Icons/pictures of Mary, Jesus or the Holy Family

Images of your favourite saints

Children's Bible

Divine Mercy Chaplet beads

Decorative cloths in seasonal colours

Book of Meditations

CD player or speakers to play music

Your family altar or sacred space doesn't have to be large; even the smallest of apartments has room for a shelf to keep a candle, crucifix and Bible.
Timing is everything
Creating an awesome family prayer routine means starting small and picking the right time where both you and your kids will first, remember to do it and second, make it easier to form a habit. The 'right time' will look different for every family and will change over time too. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

1. Morning
Traditionally a hectic time for many parents with school-aged children and teenagers however with families now in isolation and not rushing to get out the door it could be a great time for quiet devotion. Reading aloud the Gospel of the day as your kids eat breakfast is a great time just keep prayers short and simple.

2. Day Time
While so many of us are home schooling, having your family prayer time during the day allows for more flexibility to work around weekend activities and the active social lives of teenagers. Try the Angelus at noon, or take some time for an afternoon meditation with Taize chants or a family Divine Mercy Chaplet at three o'clock. If you're really brave, you could give an entire family Rosary a try!

3. Evening
When the family gathers for dinner, for bedtime, story time or movie time, a simple prayer can be incorporated into the routine. Whether it's Grace before dinner, bedtime prayers or a designated family Rosary or meditation after dinner, evening time is often the most practical and natural gathering point.

Prayers in time of a pandemic

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Keeping the Faith in a Covid19 world | The Catholic Weekly

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With the suspension of Mass and so many of us isolated due to the current coronavirus pandemic, how do we pray at home as we head towards Holy Week and beyond? Every family is unique and their family prayer life will be too, so what works for one family would be impossible for another.