ICP Blog
parenting tips and faith ideas; commentary on parenting science; perspectives on faith and culture
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NOTE: As my children are launching from the nest, I am spending less time on my parenting ministry and more time in my law practice. I will maintain this website and I hope you find some of the resources here helpful! But I will not be adding new content, and I have removed subscription forms. I am no longer podcasting or producing “The Anchor and Maze” newsletter.
The Beatitudes (Summer Family Faith)
Families today are buffeted on all sides by the gale forces of modern culture. We face innumerable distractions — some benign, some far from it. If we don’t guard our hearths, our homes can be consumed by relatively frivolous activities and...
Building a Strong Marriage: The Basics
One of the 7 Building Blocks in my parenting model is “a strong marriage.” It goes without saying that protecting and strengthening our marriage is important for the well-being of our children. No matter how much parents love their children,...
Understanding the Root of Misbehavior
When kids behave badly, it’s easy to focus solely on the behavior we don’t like. We want the behavior to stop as quickly as possible. However, the wisest parents I know try to understand why their child did what he did; they consider their child’s...
Unique (and Affordable) First Communion Gift Ideas
My youngest, Lydia, is receiving her First Communion next month, so I've been looking for a special gift for her. Here are my TOP 10 favorite First Communion gift ideas, chosen for their affordability and uniqueness: 1. Water Color First...
Self-Care: Tips for Catholic Parents
"Parents have a unique responsibility to care for themselves so that they’re better equipped to care for the children and others placed in their care." My children and I sometimes take a lazy morning drive down a country road up in the hills...
Confessions of a Grumble: One Mom’s Battle with Complaining
“Hell begins with a grumbling mood, always complaining, always blaming others… but you are still distinct from it. You may even criticize it in yourself and wish you could stop it. But there may come a day when you can no longer. Then there will be...