In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of freedom and its importance in shaping our lives, our children's lives, and their faith journeys. Freedom is often portrayed as the ability to do whatever we want, but true freedom is about making the best choices, using our freedom for good, and navigating the limits and responsibilities that come with it. As children grow into teenagers, they begin to make their own choices, and as parents, we must guide them toward understanding the true essence of freedom. Our guest helps us explore how freedom is tied to compassion, respect for others, and living our faith authentically.

· Freedom isn't just the ability to choose anything—it’s about choosing what’s right and good. How do we teach our children to navigate between good and bad choices, and how can they use their freedom for positive impact?

· How can parents allow their children to make their own choices while providing enough space for them to take risks? Why is it important to show confidence and trust in their abilities, especially for teenagers?

· What role does freedom play in living out our faith? How can parents create an environment where faith is joyful and freely chosen, rather than forced, allowing children to make their own decisions in regards to cultivating their faith?

Link Recommendations:

Freedom: Raising your children to make meaningful choices

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In this episode, Clare Horsfall shares how stories and books can be powerful tools in helping children develop virtues, values, and an understanding of the world beyond themselves. We explore how books help children process emotions, build imagination, and introduce them to beauty, truth, and goodness. This episode is packed with actionable tips for instilling a love of reading and nurturing character through stories.

• How books help children process emotions and relate to characters' challenges.
• Why stories are essential for building imagination and fostering a sense of wonder.
• Practical tips for selecting the right books for different ages and interests.
• Balancing religious texts with other genres to promote holistic development.
• How family reading habits can shape a child's values, hope, and sense of compassion.

Recommendations:

- Year 3-5 Reading List

- The Little House Series

- Children's bible Golden Books

- Catholic book store: Cardinal Newman Bookshop

You can:

Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast

Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website

Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday

Remember to hit FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes.

In this episode, we dive deep into the core of personal identity and how faith can be the bedrock of self-worth, purpose, and authenticity. Join us as Caitlin West shares insights on building an identity rooted in being daughters and sons of God. We explore how parents can model unconditional love and support their children in cultivating a strong personal identity, especially during pivotal life transitions, like leaving school and entering adulthood.

Find Caitlin's Podcast and Youtube Channel here!

• The foundational elements of a strong personal identity rooted in faith.
• How parents can model unconditional love and create a safe space for their children to grow.
• The importance of a personal relationship with God for a secure identity.
• Navigating transitions like finishing school while remaining true to who you are in faith.

You can:

• Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast
• Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website
• Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday

Remember to hit FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes.

In this episode, we delve into the heart of the Catholic faith—the Eucharist. For Catholics, the Eucharist is a profound and central mystery, yet it can be challenging to understand its depth and significance. We'll start with the basics, using real-life stories and questions to explore the beauty and miracle of the Eucharist. Join us as we uncover why the Eucharist holds such an essential place in a Catholic’s daily life.

• The Golden Box (Tabernacle): Exploring why Catholics kneel before the tabernacle and what it signifies.
• The Real Presence of Jesus: Understanding how and why Jesus chose to remain with us in the form of the Eucharist.
• How the Eucharist Nourishes Our Lives: Examining the spiritual nourishment the Eucharist provides.
• Helping Children Understand Eucharistic Reverence: How parents can teach their children the importance of reverence toward the Eucharist.
• Practical Tips for Fostering a Love for the Eucharist in Your Children: Strategies to increase and sustain your children's love and devotion to the Eucharist.

You can:

• Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast

• Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website

• Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday

Remember to hit FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

This episode discusses how families can maintain a positive outlook and see life as an adventure, even in the face of challenges and suffering in the world:

• The Chaplains explore how the Catholic faith can help families navigate these issues, drawing on biblical stories and the example of Jesus Christ.

• They discuss the importance of trusting in God, embracing the adventure of freedom, and recognizing both the beauty and the suffering in the world.

• Suggestions for parents to help their children see life positively, such as reading stories or cultural activities, that instill hope and goodness.

You can:

• Follow us on Instagram @thegrowingheartspodcast
• Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website
• Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday

Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes!