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ALL YOUR LIFE

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  • Culture

ALL YOUR STORIES

  • Witness stories
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    • Overcoming Addiction
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    • Family Focus
    • Teen Issue
    • Youth and Young Adult
    • Mission Stories
    • Catholic Schools
    • Evangelization stories
    • Helping the sick/poor/dying/hungry
    • Counseling stories
    • Surviving divorce
    • Refugees and Immigrants
    • Migrant workers
    • Foster/adoptive parents
    • Prison ministry
    • Cursillo and Encounter
    • Vocations

All YOUR FAITH

  • In the Know With Fr. Joe
  • Bishop Boyea
  • Bishop Barron
  • From the Editor
  • Pope Watch
  • Catholic 101
    • Welcome to the Church
    • Catechism
    • Living your vocation
    • The Ten Commandments
    • The Beatitudes
    • Evangelization
    • Apologetics
    • Liturgy
    • Sacraments
    • Vatican II
    • Creed
    • Mercy
    • Meaning of marriage
  • Spiritual Fitness
  • Consecrated Life
  • Saint of the Month
  • Theology 101

ALL SPECIAL REPORTS

  • Milestones in the Church
  • Diocese of Lansing Events
  • Responding to Crises
  • Civic Engagement
  • Millennials
  • Social Justice
  • Life Issues
  • Saints and how they are made
  • Natural disasters
  • Liturgical seasons
  • Church teaching on hot-button issues in the news
  • Papal encyclicals and teachings
  • Films
  • Pastoral letters from Bishop Boyea
  • Jubilee years in the Church
  • Papal visits

ALL NEWS

  • Parish/Diocesan
  • National
  • World/Vatican
  • Pope Watch
Helping to forgive the everyday hurts

How to help your child forgive

Parenting Journey
By DR. CATHLEEN MCGREAL | March 2019


Practices for helping your child forgive the everyday hurts
Read More
5 tips for helping your child  learn to share

5 tips for helping your child learn to share

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | January February 2019


Encourage sharing and empathy, even when you aren't looking
Read More
I’m terrified my son is considering harming himself

I’m terrified my son is considering harming himself

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal


We want to give our children our emotional and spiritual support
Read More
Childing Holding Teddybear

How Can I Affirm My Shy Daughter?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | November 2018


Encourage confidence in your child through your own faith.
Read More
Mad child

My stepson won’t obey house rules

Parenting Journey
October 2018


My stepson won't listen to me when I try to enforce house rules – what can I do ...
Read More
Childring praying

Point your kids toward heaven

Parenting Journey
By Sheri Wohlfer | September 2018


My dad always taught us that if we borrowed something, no matter what it was, we...
Read More
Hovering Parents

How can I keep my child safe without being over-protective?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | July August 2018


Worry less, pray more when it comes to letting go of your child at any stage
Read More
Child at the grocery store.

My kids always whine for things at the grocery store

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | June 2018


Planning, treats and patience can help you prevent and manage meltdowns at the grocery store
Read More
The rules at my ex-husband’s house are different from mine

The rules at my ex-husband’s house are different from mine

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | May 2018


Prayer and support can help you negotiate different post-divorce parenting styles
Read More
How do I make my teenager do chores?

How do I make my teenager do chores?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | April 2018


Ways to motivate your teen to do chores, along with a reminder about doing the little things for the love of God.
Read More
How do we make a foster child feel at home?

How do we make a foster child feel at home?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | March 2018


Setting realistic expectations and being aware of your child's feelings can help you and your foster child feel more comfortable
Read More
How can I stop my daughter from bullying someone online?

How can I stop my daughter from bullying someone online?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | January/February 2018


What to do when your child is the bully online
Read More
My kids don’t want to go to their father’s house for Christmas

My kids don’t want to go to their father’s house for Christmas

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | December 2017


My kids’ dad and I are divorced. They don’t want to go to their father’s house f...
Read More
I hear my mother's language when I talk to my kids

I hear my mother's language when I talk to my kids

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | November 2017


I hear my mother’s voice sometimes when I talk. Is there a better way to talk to...
Read More
My daughter is really stressed at her first job

My daughter is really stressed at her first job

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | October 2017


A transition into a new phase of life can be disconcerting.
Read More
My daughter says she no longer believes in God

My daughter says she no longer believes in God

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | September 2017


After graduation from college, my daughter told me she no longer believes in God...
Read More
I can't talk to my mom because she's distracted by her phone

I can't talk to my mom because she's distracted by her phone

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | June 2017


I know you usually answer questions from parents – but I’m a 14-year-old with a ...
Read More
My son is home from college and won't go to mass

My son is home from college and won't go to mass

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | May 2017


My son came home for the summer after his first year at college, and announced t...
Read More
Should we try shaming for our disobedient son?

Should we try shaming for our disobedient son?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | April 2017


Our son is constantly disobeying us. The last straw was this week when he g...
Read More
My daughter, a practicing Catholic, is dating a Muslim man

My daughter, a practicing Catholic, is dating a Muslim man

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | March 2017


My adult daughter, who's always been a practicing Catholic, is dating a Muslim m...
Read More
My 4-year-old is biting kids at preschool

My 4-year-old is biting kids at preschool

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | January/February 2017


My 4-year-old has been getting in trouble at preschool for biting some of the ot...
Read More
Our college graduate needs to leave the nest

Our college graduate needs to leave the nest

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | December 2016


An Irish lullaby that I loved singing to my children includes lyrics that reflec...
Read More
Our son says 'No' to college, he wants to be a construction worker

Our son says 'No' to college, he wants to be a construction worker

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | November 2016


One of my best friends decided to work full- time in an audio library for the mu...
Read More
I want my younger son to step out of his brother’s shadow

I want my younger son to step out of his brother’s shadow

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | October 2016


Our children had diverse interests in high school, but the entire family support...
Read More
How can I invite my kids back to mass?

How can I invite my kids back to mass?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | September 2016


One challenging aspect of parenting is realizing that children grow up and forge...
Read More
How Much Screen Time is Too Much?

How Much Screen Time is Too Much?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | July/August 2016


When I was young, one of my teachers spoke of attending the 1931 White House Con...
Read More
Does our daughter really need tutoring for a ‘B’ in math?

Does our daughter really need tutoring for a ‘B’ in math?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | June 2016


In his Prairie Home Companion radio broadcast, Garrison Keillor would invite lis...
Read More
Is 9 years old too young for summer camp?

Is 9 years old too young for summer camp?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | May 2016


My daughter really wants to go to summer camp, but she's only 9. Is she old enou...
Read More
If we're paying for the wedding, shouldn't we get to plan it?

If we're paying for the wedding, shouldn't we get to plan it?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | April 2016


Our daughter is getting married next year, and we offered to pay for the wedding...
Read More
Can we have Easter fun without the Easter Bunny?

Can we have Easter fun without the Easter Bunny?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | March 2016


I love the tradition of the Easter Bunny, but don’t want to take away from the real meaning of Easter.
Read More
Our new parish isnt diverse at all

Our new parish isn't diverse at all

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | January/February 2016


We just moved to a new community, which has been a big change for all of us.
Read More
Does my kindergartner really need an iPhone?

Does my kindergartner really need an iPhone?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | December 2015


My son is in kindergarten and several of his friends are getting iPhones for Chr...
Read More

My daughter just started college and her grades are bad

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | November 2015


My daughter is in her first semester of college, and her grades have slipped sin...
Read More

My daughter thinks I play favorites

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | October 2015


I love my children equally, but my daughter thinks I play favorites. How can I a...
Read More

My 14-year-old is telling lies

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | September 2015


Q: I have caught my 14-year-old daughter in several lies lately, sometimes about...
Read More
Does summer vacation have to be so structured?

Does summer vacation have to be so structured?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | July/August 2015


Q: It’s summer and my kids are out of school. I remember the lazy days of summer...
Read More
My son

My son has been using prescription drugs and painkillers

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | June 2015


Q: I just found out that my 15-year-old son, who’s always been a great student a...
Read More
Does prom have to be a 24 hour party

Does prom have to be a 24-hour party?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | May 2015


Q: Around here, prom seems to have turned into a 24-hour-plus party. My daughter...
Read More

My son’s friend is left home alone constantly

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | April 2015


Q: My son’s close friend is in a household where the parents are rarely home. He...
Read More
My kids clothes are driving me crazy

My kids’ wardrobes are driving me crazy

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | March 2015


Q: My kids are driving me crazy with their wardrobes. My son wants to wear baggy...
Read More
Im afraid my daughter has an eating disorder

I’m afraid my daughter has an eating disorder

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | January/February 2015


Q: I think my daughter is binge eating and purging. I’ve found empty packages of...
Read More

My kids’ stepfather yells at them too much

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | December 2014


Q: My ex-wife married a man who is a much tougher disciplinarian than I am. He i...
Read More
Should I let my neighbor’s runaway daughter stay with us?

Should I let my neighbor’s runaway daughter stay with us?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | November 2014


A: My mother’s warm heart led her to open our home twice in this way when I was ...
Read More

Grandma is a recovering alcoholic and wants to baby-sit

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | October 2014


Recovery: A long and winding road. An article by Kat MGowan, “The New Quitter” (...
Read More
Do I have to baby-sit my younger brothers and sisters every weekend?

Do I have to baby-sit my younger brothers and sisters every weekend?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | September 2014


I am 17 and the oldest of five children. My parents treat me as their built-in b...
Read More
Should I allow my child to go to this sleepover?

Should I allow my child to go to this sleepover?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | June 2014


Parental monitoring: In order to make decisions about sleepovers, parents need i...
Read More
I want to find the child I gave up for adoption

I want to find the child I gave up for adoption

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | May 2014


Q: I gave up my daughter for adoption shortly after I gave birth. Now that she i...
Read More
Does my 4-year-old have to give up her security blanket?

Does my 4-year-old have to give up her security blanket?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | April 2014


Q: My husband thinks our daughter is too old for her security “blankie” and want...
Read More
My husband is setting a bad example. How do I get him to buckle up?

My husband is setting a bad example. How do I get him to buckle up?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | March 2014


Q: My husband won’t wear a seat belt. The kids are now questioning why they need...
Read More
I don’t want my kids to watch horror movies when visiting my parents!

I don’t want my kids to watch horror movies when visiting my parents!

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | January/February 2014


Q. Despite my objections, my parents let our young kids watch horror films when ...
Read More
I feel cheap when my sister overspends

I feel cheap when my sister overspends

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | December 2013


My sister spends too much on Christmas gifts for my kids – way more than I can a...
Read More
Do grandparents have visitation rights?

Do grandparents have visitation rights?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | November 2013


Our son and daughter-in-law recently got divorced. Our son has no visitation rig...
Read More
Parents and Sports when the cheering goes overboard!

Parents and Sports when the cheering goes overboard!

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | October 2013


My son told me that he would rather I didn’t attend his baseball games because I...
Read More
Argument or agreement? Teens and household chores

Argument or agreement? Teens and household chores

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | September 2013


I am returning to the work force. I have two teens – ages 15 and 13. What is rea...
Read More
Is it time for the talk?

Is it time for the talk?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | July/August 2013


Q. My child recently turned 10 years old. Is that too young to have the talk? ...
Read More
To be confirmed? Who makes the decision?

To be confirmed? Who makes the decision?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | June 2013


Q. My son has decided he doesn’t want to be confirmed. Is there something I can ...
Read More
Who should walk my daughter down the aisle at her wedding?

Who should walk my daughter down the aisle at her wedding?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | May 2013


Q. My daughter does not have a close relationship with my ex-husband, and now th...
Read More
Should we attend a wedding if our children aren't invited?

Should we attend a wedding if our children aren't invited?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | April 2013


Q. We were invited to a friend’s wedding and were told on the invitation that ou...
Read More
Shouldn’t my kids dress up for Mass?

Shouldn’t my kids dress up for Mass?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | March 2013


Q. My kids fight me about getting dressed up for Mass – I think the girls should...
Read More
My daughter likes the baby sitter more than she likes me!

My daughter likes the baby sitter more than she likes me!

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | January/February 2013


Q. My daughter seems to like the day-care provider better than she does me. As a...
Read More
I don’t know how to be a good godparent

I don’t know how to be a good godparent

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | December 2012


Q. We were asked to be godparents by some friends who are expecting a baby. We a...
Read More
Do I have to change my cooking to vegetarian because my kids are vegetarian?

Do I have to change my cooking to vegetarian because my kids are vegetarian?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | November 2012


Q. Our kids have decided to become vegetarians, which we think is ridiculous. Sh...
Read More
Please go vote!

Helping your first-time voter make wise choices

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | October 2012


Q: My son is about to vote for the first time. How can I help him make wise choi...
Read More
She’s 15, he’s 18 – should they date?

She’s 15, he’s 18 – should they date?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | September 2012


Q: Our 15-year-old daughter is interested in an 18-year-old who also likes her. ...
Read More
We have a special needs child and I stay home to take care of him.

We have a special needs child and I stay home to take care of him.

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | July/August 2012


Q. We have a special needs child and I stay home to take care of him. I love him...
Read More
Should our daughter compete in beauty pageants?

Should our daughter compete in beauty pageants?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | June 2012


Sexualization of girls. One of the concerns about beauty pageants is the focus o...
Read More
I am a widower How do I tell my children I am in a new relationship?

I am a widower How do I tell my children I am in a new relationship?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | May 2012


Not a new mother. Clarify that your new wife is not a replacement for their mom....
Read More
I want my children to love their father even if I don’t

I want my children to love their father even if I don’t

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | April 2012


A. Once, when I was a lunchtime helper at my daughter’s grade school, her classm...
Read More
My mother is interfering with my baby-sitting rules

My mother is interfering with my baby-sitting rules

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | March 2012


Wait for a private moment to talk. It may be that your mother was on automatic p...
Read More
What defines immodest clothing for teens?

What defines immodest clothing for teens?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | January/February 2012


Clothing is an expression of identity. The choices that we make in terms of ...
Read More
This bullying has to stop. What do we do?

This bullying has to stop. What do we do?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | December 2011


Get school administrators and teachers on board. A tattle-tale is someone who go...
Read More
The disaster zone  my teen calls home

The disaster zone my teen calls home

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | October 2011


Generate simple room makeover ideas! Why not focus on ways to help her plan some...
Read More
Survivor's guilt after a fatal accident

Survivor's guilt after a fatal accident

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | September 2011


• Share a meal. What did you do together before the accident? If you went out to...
Read More

Am I a bad parent if I don't go to every one of my son's soccer games?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | July/August 2011


Families are systems When children are young, parental work and social activi...
Read More
Is a gift for good behavior Reward or bribery?

Is a gift for good behavior Reward or bribery?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | June 2011


What is the difference between bribery and a reward? In some ways, it’s all ...
Read More
I lost a child, and Mothers’ Day is hard. Can’t they avoid talking about it at church?

I lost a child, and Mothers’ Day is hard. Can’t they avoid talking about it at church?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | May 2011


If you can, stand for your blessing. You will always be a mother. When you pr...
Read More
How can I get my parents to discipline my children my way?

How can I get my parents to discipline my children my way?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | April 2011


Your family issues mirror global concerns. Most European countries have banne...
Read More
We are having a baby, but all of our friends’ kids are grown

We are having a baby, but all of our friends’ kids are grown

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | March 2011


What time is it on your social clock? We hear so much about our biological clock...
Read More
How can I find my birth mother without hurting my real mom?

How can I find my birth mother without hurting my real mom?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | January/February 2011


Reasons behind apprehension. As children reach the end of the teen years and ent...
Read More

TV or not TV? That is the question

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | December 2010


No TV is an extreme choice. Parents want to make choices to keep their children ...
Read More
Sibling jealousy: What is a parent to do?

Sibling jealousy: What is a parent to do?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | November 2010


Get down to the specifics. Talk to your younger daughter one-on-one during a neu...
Read More
How do I get my toddler to stay in bed?

How do I get my toddler to stay in bed?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | October 2010


Look at other parts of the day. It sounds counter-intuitive, but to see why your...
Read More

Are high-pressure sports good for my child?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | July/August 2010


I think sports are a wonderful team-builder. But I’ve noticed that some of the p...
Read More
My grandchildren are annoying!

My grandchildren are annoying!

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | June 2010


Keep boredom at bay! An R. I. Fitzhenry quote gives a clue on how to change t...
Read More
I can’t get my 3-year-old to use the potty

I can’t get my 3-year-old to use the potty

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | May 2010


Mature in every way but one? A mature preschooler is able to communicate his ...
Read More
My kid is on drugs! What do I do now?

My kid is on drugs! What do I do now?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | April 2010


Call on your own support system. A first reaction might include the desire to st...
Read More

I can’t stand my son-in-law – three tips to make it work

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | March 2010


The die is cast. As parents, we picture rosy scenarios for our children’s future...
Read More
My grandchildren have terrible manners!

My grandchildren have terrible manners!

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | January/February 2010


The essence of etiquette is to make other people comfortable. Even as adults, we...
Read More

How do I help my children understand chronic illness and death?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | December 2009


First, network with parents of other chronically ill children in your community....
Read More

We had a baby, but lost our friends! What do we do?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | November 2009


Blue Heaven was released in 1927, but great artists like Frank Sinatra and Fats ...
Read More
Big changes are coming

Big changes are coming

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | October 2009


Q: How do I prepare my daughter for a new baby brother? A: Your daughter will...
Read More
Protecting your child - driver’s tips

Protecting your child - driver’s tips

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | July/August 2009


A: If she will be driving to school, have her leave home early so that she is pa...
Read More

Too little play? Not enough? How do I make sure my child is getting it right?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | June 2009


Try to match your suggestions to her interests. The novelty of an old-fashio...
Read More

What is the right age to talk to your children about sex?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | May 2009


I was appalled to find out that my sister had already talked to her 9-year-old d...
Read More
I hate my son’s lip ring! How can I get him to take it out?

I hate my son’s lip ring! How can I get him to take it out?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | April 2009


• Your son honored your wishes until he was out of your home. Perhaps he will ag...
Read More
“I do it myself!” Can you reason with a pre-schooler?

“I do it myself!” Can you reason with a pre-schooler?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | March 2009


It is certainly true that the logic of a pre-schooler doesn’t match our logic. I...
Read More
Our son is gay - what do we do?

Our son is gay - what do we do?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | January/February 2009


Bortner men tended to die in their 40s of heart attacks, and so Ray was ready to...
Read More

“The valley of death"

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | December 2008


Rows of Boys Scouts sitting in high-school bleachers call up images of award cer...
Read More
Hey baby, come a little closer

Hey baby, come a little closer

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | November 2008


Each generation questions the taste of those that follow, whether it be in hairs...
Read More

Not a child anymore

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | October 2008


A decade ago, a national poll investigated the attitudes of 13- to 17-year-olds....
Read More

How do I raise my child to be a good Catholic?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | September 2008


A few years ago, a PBS show, Mixed Blessings, followed the closing of Sacred Hea...
Read More
I do it myself!

I do it myself!

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | July/August 2008


During the collection at Mass young children come down the aisles to drop off th...
Read More
I do it myself!

Boomerang baby!

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | May 2008


My daughter, Kaiti, attended a college that was an “intimate distance” from our ...
Read More

Preserve your family history

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | March 2008


In the 1930s, teens would turn the radio dial to NBC and make up steps when Let=...
Read More

Is Christmas making you crazy?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | December 2007


As we pray for international peace during the Advent season, parents often have ...
Read More
Should I let my teen get a job?

Should I let my teen get a job?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | November 2007


A small café near our home comes to life early on Friday mornings during footbal...
Read More
“Can you hear me now?”

“Can you hear me now?”

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | October 2007


When I was growing up, it was easy for Mole Hole Club members to stay in touch. ...
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What if you find out your teenager is having sex?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | September 2007


The wooden privacy fence surrounding my friend’s back yard sometimes corrals a d...
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A role we don’t control

A role we don’t control

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | July/August 2007


I was sitting on a poolside chair, enjoying the busy antics of a toddler splashi...
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Grandparents as Mom and Dad

Grandparents as Mom and Dad

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | June 2007


A stroller was positioned next to the minivan’s sliding door. I watched as a sil...
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“I don’t want to go to Mass”

“I don’t want to go to Mass”

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | May 2007


When I was 11, Msgr. Galvin spotted me wandering around the church courtyard – a...
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You decided what?!

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | April 2007


We pour our hearts into our children, hoping that our parenting decisions are fo...
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Parenting our parents

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | March 2007


The brick ranch house across the street has a “For Sale” sign in the yard. My mo...
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I say, “Just do it.”

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | January/February 2007


Every parent has experienced moments of exasperation when a child seems determin...
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Grieving parenthood

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | November 2006


The twilight glow of light in the hospital room was dim, but I could see the ink...
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“I want that!”

“I want that!”

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | October 2006


As parents of young children in 1913, you and your spouse are wondering just wha...
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My child is NOT my best friend

My child is NOT my best friend

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | September 2006


I enjoyed watching Jessica Fletcher of Murder She Wrote solve crimes, and now I ...
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Why am I sick?

Why am I sick?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | July/August 2006


Talitha koum! Little girl, I say to you arise! The Gospel of Mark that greets us...
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Why don’t you trust me?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | June 2006


During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, all the lords in Ireland were required to...
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My kids are embarrassed when I show up at school

My kids are embarrassed when I show up at school

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | May 2006


The Acts of the Apostles on the sixth Sunday of Easter describes Cornelius falli...
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Who makes the decisions for a child's time

What's a kid to do?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | April 2006


In 1974, it looked like the career of Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Tommy John was ...
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3 ways to build a parenting consensus when you disagree

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | March 2006


The happiness of the two couples in the pew ahead of us was contagious. The men ...
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How can I make my children care?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | January/February 2006


On New Year’s Day, we welcome the new year and review the old. Once again, we wa...
Read More
Mom loves me better!

Mom loves me better!

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | November 2005


When Billy Carter was just 6, his brother Jimmy joined the Navy. Billy and his f...
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Does forgiving mean forgetting?

Does forgiving mean forgetting?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | October 2005


In his 1605 novel, Don Quixote de la Mancha, Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra writ...
Read More

“Because I said so!”

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | September 2005


My daughter Shannon taught me some funny new lyrics to a popular teen song. I wa...
Read More

When a child grieves

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | July/August 2005


The family life of a third grader nicknamed “Lolek” Wojtyla changed forever when...
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What to do when your kids say 'no' to Mass

What to do when your kids say 'no' to Mass

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | June 2005


Sunday mornings have become a battleground. The kids don’t want to go to church ...
Read More
When your child is a vegetarian

My teen is a vegetarian

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | April 2005


The atmosphere in the community education building was warm and friendly as we w...
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It's a baby! Now what?

Congratulations - it's a baby!

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | January/February 2005


As new parents, we have plenty of information about raising children, but we see...
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How to teach your child about ownership

Parenting: how to teach your kids about ownership

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | October 2004


"It’s mine!” “But I was playing with it first!” Parents often find themselves ne...
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3 ways to beat teen stress how your faith can help

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | September 2004


In Mean Girls, Lindsay Lohan plays the role of Cadie, who was home-schooled in A...
Read More

How can parents deal with sex in the media?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | July/August 2004


As parents, can we compete with our kids’ friends and the media to positively in...
Read More

How to teach your kids to respect life

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | June 2004


Children do get exposed to violence. How many murders do you think children will...
Read More

Do I really have to honor my mother-in-law?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | May 2004


This question might arise if your spouse’s parents have different ideas about ra...
Read More

Ways to re-establish family time

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | April 2004


It may feel like your family is going a million different directions, seven days...
Read More
3 ways to help your child pray in a healthy way

3 ways to help your child pray in a healthy way

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | March 2004


Not long ago, my son, Ryan, came home from school saying, “This is my lucky day!...
Read More
Bringing children back to the church

Parenting: Ways to bring your kids back to the Church

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | January/February 2004


It is not uncommon to find parents worrying about a child who has strayed from t...
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4 top stressors

4 top stressors

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | November 2003


Students attending Central Michigan University are given a Code of Student Right...
Read More

Depression: how do you know?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | September 2003


A lot of us remember Roy G. Biv from grade school. He wasn’t a classmate – the n...
Read More

4 ways to deal with someone you just don't like

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | July/August 2003


As friends come back from summer vacations, we hear stories of the places they’v...
Read More

What would you do if you were falsely accused of a crime?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | June 2003


In 1984, Jennifer Thompson’s world turned upside down when a man broke into her ...
Read More

What to do when your kids scream 'it's not fair!'

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | May 2003


George Eliot wrote, “Justice is like the kingdom of God: it is not without us as...
Read More

3 ways to be humble yet strong with those you love

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | April 2003


Blessed are the meek? What words spring to mind when you think about a “meek” pe...
Read More

Where does comfort from grief come from?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | March 2003


Looking into a March dawn, I search for evidence of new life. Beneath the earth,...
Read More

6 steps to help your family stop fighting over money

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | January/February 2003


Jose Canseco earned $75,000 as a baseball player with the Oakland A’s in 1986. T...
Read More

3 tips for a spiritual Advent

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | December 2002


St. Francis de Sales compared love to a spiritual fire, a fire that bursts into ...
Read More

Do you avoid sick or dying people because of how you feel?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | November 2002


Looking down on Kalaupapa, one sees the turquoise waters and bright whitecaps of...
Read More

The reality of 'happily ever after'

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | October 2002


Our wedding guests followed a winding road past a cemetery before reaching the c...
Read More

3 ways to encourage family and friends to seek God's will

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | July/August 2002


Several years ago my daughter begged to watch a videotape over and over. It wasn...
Read More

3 Ways to see the gifts of those you may have trouble with

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | May/June 2002


Visits from my East Coast relatives were eagerly anticipated when I was a child....
Read More

5 ways to bring the positive impact of Mass back home

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | April 2002


Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” “Thanks be to God.” With the rite of di...
Read More

Ever say 'You're forgiven' without meaning it?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | March 2002


In March of 1901, Amy Carmichael sheltered a distraught runaway, the first of ma...
Read More

There are friends and then there are soul friends

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | October 2001


Jesus poured love into our hearts when He said, “I call you friends,” inviting u...
Read More

Are guys really from Mars and girls from Venus?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | September 2001


Are guys from Mars and girls from Venus? Are gender differences really a matter ...
Read More

Leftovers Are OK

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | July/August 2001


Erin dipped her brush into the bucket of soapy water and scrubbed the kitchen fl...
Read More

5 stages of grief

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | May/June 2001


The loveseat was one of my favorite spots when I was a kindergartner. But as we ...
Read More

There are moments in our lives we remember forever

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | April 2001


It is human to react with strong emotions when our lives feel threatened, whethe...
Read More

How deeply rooted are our differences

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | March 2001


The yellow pages of the phone book include several pages of Christian church lis...
Read More

Dwelling on God's holy mountain

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | February 2001


A psalm of David describes the characteristics of those individuals who are wort...
Read More

Will Our Kids Ever Outgrow that

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | January 2001


Life Begins with Questions that Have No Answers. The dynamic beginning to eac...
Read More

3 Ways to Navigate Through Christmas

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | December 2000


As Christmas approaches and we begin to think of holiday journeys to see family ...
Read More

6 fair fighting rules

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | November 2000


The intrasquad “Green and White” game has been a tradition of the Michigan State...
Read More

A Mother and Daughter Exchange Do's and Don'ts

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | September 2000


A mothers ... Three Do’s 1. Do remember the old saying, “The more things c...
Read More

What is in Our Best Self-Interest? The Answer is a Paradox

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | July/August 2000


One section of my son’s reconciliation workbook asked him to identify the many g...
Read More

How do you forgive when you can't forget?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | April 2000


When I read Lydia’s story of the power of forgiveness, a sentence that jumped ou...
Read More

I love you with all my heart

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal | February 2000


Ok, but how about: I love you with all my BRAIN? Frank Sinatra sang “I left m...
Read More
Does prom have to be a 24 hour party

¿La fiesta de Promoción (Prom) tiene que durar veinticuatro horas?

Parenting Journey
By Dra. Cathleen McGreal


P: Por aquí, La Prom parece haberse convertido en una fiesta de más de veinticua...
Read More

Mi hija de 14 años de edad está mintiendo

Parenting Journey
By Dra. Cathleen McGreal


P: Últimamente he descubierto que mi hija de 14 años de edad está mintiendo, a v...
Read More
I can't talk to my mom because she's distracted by her phone

No puedo hablar con mi mamá porque está distraída con su teléfono

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal


Sé que generalmente respondes las preguntas de los padres, pero tengo 14 años y ...
Read More
Mother and son

Mi hijo está en casa por las vacaciones de la universidad y no quiere ir a misa

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal


P: Mi hijo llegó a casa durante el verano después de su primer año en la univers...
Read More
Children in prayer

Ayuda a tus hijos a ser santos

Parenting Journey
By Sheri Wohlfert


Mi padre siempre nos enseñó que si tomábamos algo prestado, sin importar lo que ...
Read More
My son

Mi hijo ha estado usando medicamentos recetados y analgésicos

Parenting Journey
By Dra. Cathleen McGreal


P: Acabo de descubrir que mi hijo de 15 años, quien siempre ha sido un gran estu...
Read More

Mi hija piensa que tengo favoritismo

Parenting Journey
By Dra. Cathleen McGreal


P: Quiero a mis hijos por igual, pero mi hija piensa que tengo favoritismo. ¿Cóm...
Read More

Mi hija adolescente podría estar usando Snapchat para sextear

Parenting Journey


P: Sospecho que mi hija de 16 años podría estar usando Snapchat para sextear, pe...
Read More
Does my kindergartner really need an iPhone?

¿Realmente necesita un iPhone mi niña de kindergarten?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal


P: Mi hija está en kindergarten y varios de sus amigos están recibiendo iPhones ...
Read More
Does summer vacation have to be so structured?

¿Tienen que ser tan estructuradas las vacaciones de verano?

Parenting Journey
By Dra. Cathleen McGreal


P: Es verano y mis hijos terminaron la escuela. Recuerdo los días de descanso de...
Read More

Mi hija acaba de comenzar la universidad y sus calificaciones son malas

Parenting Journey
By Dra. Cathleen McGreal


P: Mi hija está en su primer semestre en la Universidad, y sus calificaciones ha...
Read More
Should we try shaming for our disobedient son?

¿Deberíamos tratar de avergonzar a nuestro hijo desobediente?

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal


P: Nuestro hijo nos desobedece constantemente. El colmo fue esta semana cuando l...
Read More
My daughter says she no longer believes in God

Mi hija dice que ya no cree en Dios

Parenting Journey
By Dr. Cathleen McGreal


P: Después de graduarse de la universidad, mi hija me dijo que ya no cree en Dio...
Read More

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