On Monday, March 23rd, Roy Petifils kindly offered some tips on Accompanying Families with Teens During this Time of Social Distancing through the NFCYM. Below are just a few notes that I jotted.... however, you can register to watch a recording by visiting: https://www.gotostage.com/channel/3137548062961020934 Also, if you are reading this prior to 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, you can participate in another webinar opportunity on the same topic. Visit: https://nfcym.org/resources/webinars/ ========================= All the changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic equate to a TRAUMA for us, and many people are in shock.... perhaps the adults are having the harder time dealing with the shock. We need to be real about the situation - and acknowledge that they are/can be resilient Offer encouragement and hope Parents: Enjoy time with your kids! Pray as a family Have a routine for each day, but mix in some variety as well Exercise - move - go for a walk For graduating seniors: Validate the disappointment, but then add perspective Focus on next steps Recognize that this will be "processed" over time - perhaps a year or two Find ways your can commemorate Do not make false promises For young people dealing with abuse, reading "You Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins may help (be aware of adult language, but he shares his persona story of abuse and healing) Help teens articulate their feelings/experiences as Dr. Bob McCarty often states (based on Dr. Christian Smith's Study on Youth and Religion), teens are often experience rich but language poor. For parents who are Essential services personnel: Be upfront about your job with your child, sharing only what is appropriate to the level of the child Highlight how you are being helpful/social hero Give as much reality as necessary but make sure the child latches on to hope ASK FOR HELP as needed, many family/friends/neighbors would love to feel like they can contribute, so ask! When stressed, remember: 1. Breath 2. Exercise 3. Pray Roy has a number of free podcasts posted on his website for your reference: https://roypetitfils.com/ ===================== I invite others who were on the call, or who listen to the recording, to add more notes in the comments below.... Stay safe and remain faith-filled!
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The Synod Questionaire asks: How are families and communities involved in the vocational discernment of young people? Parents/family and staff of parishes and schools overwhelmingly responded with the importance of communication in fostering vocation discernment of young people, including:
The importance of family and parents in the process was often cited (27). Similarly, the importance of leading by example (14), positive role models (6), and mentors (5) were listed as necessary support for youth. Other responses included:
Only seven people mentioned discernment, indicating that a better jobs need to be done to educate parents and families about the importance of discerning in everyday life. When asked, "Has your family discussed religious vocations to the priesthood or religious life?" The Teens Said: The young adults said: Parents/family members said: > What implications might these findings have for your ministry efforts?
> What resources are already provided to parents in the area of vocational discernment and discussion? > What encouragement does your parish provide to parents in this regard? resource by Kirk Bloir, Program Director, Family and Consumer Sciences posted at: http://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-5321 ------- Whether for a few minutes or a few hours, all parents will face this dilemma: Is my child old enough to stay home alone? If you look to Ohio's state or local laws, you won't find a minimum age specified. Instead, the Ohio Revised Code says that parents are responsible for providing adequate and proper supervision and care for their children. So, the real question isn't so much one of age, but one of your child's maturity, readiness, and your ability to plan for safety, emergencies, and activities. Parents need to look at their child's maturity and readiness in three broad areas. Physical Can your child lock and unlock the doors and windows; use the telephone; and operate appliances safely (such as a can opener, microwave, toaster oven, stove top)? Intellectual Your child must be able to read and take a written message; follow and give directions; and understand and describe house rules and safety/emergency procedures. Social/Emotional Your child needs to feel good about being left home alone; feel confident In his/her ability to take care of him/herself; and be comfortable with limited social interaction. Take cues from your child. If he/she says he/she is afraid, lonely, or unsure of his/her ability to stay home alone, he/she is not ready. Once you believe your child is ready, create a plan. Begin by talking with your child about the possibility of staying home alone. Ask if he/she would like to stay home alone. If not, don't force the issue. If yes, then do the following.
There is no magic age at which children can stay home alone. What matters most is (1) whether they are mature enough, (2) they know how to respond in emergency situations, and (3) they are willing to follow directions and rules. If your children are not comfortably self-sufficient in your absence, they are not ready to stay home alone. References
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*** Note: The Office Blog is now inactive, but posted for continued reference as needed (6/30/21) ***Cindee Case, MPSFormer Director of the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (2/2002 - 6/2021) Archives
July 2021
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