Resources for Parents

PARENT NETWORK MISSION

Parent Network is dedicated to helping parents with the challenges of raising Catholic teens in today’s world.

We have a common goal – the effective Christian parenting of our children. We share Roman Catholic values. We strive to keep ourselves informed. We have confidence in our ability, with God’s grace, to make a difference.

BONDING IS THE KEY

The most important prevention principle is probably the easiest one to follow. We need to maximize the “bonding” within our families. Children need to feel a positive attachment to their families in order for them to share the family’s beliefs and values. There are four “common sense” keys to bonding:

• Involve children - Children need to be actively involved in the family and play a vital, important role in the family’s functioning. Having children help with chores, and having family “rituals” and “traditions” can help.
• Teach Skills - Take the time to show your children how to be successful in their family roles. Teens also need certain skills to be drug-free. They need to know how to say “no” in spite of negative peer pressure.
• Praise, Encourage, Affirm! – Most importantly, give plenty of recognition for a “job well done.”
• Pray! – Actively pray and worship with your child to teach him/her that God’s grace working in us will accomplish more than we can alone.

Explore additional resources below.