The Property Value Principle We've heard it said that real estate is one of our best investments. According to experts there are three factors that contribute to the value of real estate, as well as helping property maintain its worth during difficult times: location, location, location! As we take a moment to reflect on our parenting efforts and consider viewing our kids as our most valued investment, we find that similar principles apply. Much like the real estate principle, ... [Read more]
Parenting
This category contains 20 article(s).
TO LOVE AND TO BE LOVED
Developmental psychologists and adherents to Attachment Theory say that the two greatest needs of an infant are to feel safe and secure. If a child’s development occurs over time in an environ- ment where they experience safety, security, and healthy relational connections, they will mature into a securely attached adult and move on to healthy interdependent relationships. On the other hand, if a child’s developmental years are scared by the experience of some form of relational trauma, such as ... [Read more]
OrthoTalks For Teens: Dealing with Difficult People
OrthoTalks: Dealing With Difficult People For All TEENS and Parents Join Father Gary Kyriacou, Metropolis Pastor of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry team for an in-depth discussion on ZOOM! The gathering will focus on the Orthodox Christian response to bullying, how to deal with someone that is mean, and understanding brokenness. As the new school year begins our children are going to endure difficult ... [Read more]
A Message from Papou
The Prayer To The Holy Spirit Young friends, We start our prayer by inviting the Holy Spirit to come in us, to help us pray the right way. Did you notice how many "adjectives,” names we attach to the name of the Holy Spirit? We call the Holy Spirit: “Heavenly King ” - he is the highest Ruler in the universe, together with God the Father and God the Son. “Comforter” - he comforts and protects us in our suffering and pain. We are not alone to be afraid. He is ... [Read more]
Educational and Activity Sites For Families
During these trying times as families are adjusting to school closures and new routines, we are grateful for technology that not only allows us to stay connected through live stream worship services but also offering families opportunities for educational learning. By now most of us are at home with our children for an undetermined amount of time. This is a PERFECT opportunity to make memories with your children and learn things beyond "normal" math and reading. Below, are dozens of links to ... [Read more]
Through Elizabeth’s Eyes
I have heard that St. Seraphim of Sarov would greet everyone he met with, “Christ is Risen, My Joy.” It did not matter what season of the year it was. He would always use the Paschal greeting, and rather than use a name, he would call each person, “My Joy.” I do not think he just had trouble remembering names. He truly felt joy in the presence of each visitor that came to him. I was considering what that would be like to look at each person we meet with joy like that. We so often see other ... [Read more]
A Father, Son Walk
I’m often reminded of my priest’s words to me after my son entered my life. “All children come with a PhD,” he said, “a Parental Healing Doctorate. Your son will be your teacher.” I was reminded again of this while waiting with my son for my car to be fixed. I misjudged the time, and we had several hours to wait rather than just one. I decided we’d go for a walk and run some errands to fill the time. Walking hand in hand with my five year old son brought me reflections on my walk with my ... [Read more]
GREAT LENT: A time for reflection, responsibility and transformation
Most parents realize that keeping their babies healthy requires taking them to the pediatrician for their “well baby” check-ups. At each visit the doctor weighs and measures their kids to make sure they are growing at a healthy rate, checking eyesight and hearing, and answering any questions about behavior and health issues. As parents, we can’t wait for our children to reach important milestones – the first pounds gained, sitting up straight, rolling over, crawling, walking and eating solid ... [Read more]
A Home Filled with Prayer is as natural as breathing…
“In a home filled with prayer, God is tasted, prayer is as natural as breathing, and Holy Tradition is passed to the next generation less by preaching than by life example.” ~ Sister Magdalen of Essex (21 Century) Imagine, if prayer were as natural as breathing? Praying together as a family takes commitment and effort. Our kiddos can often be squirmy and wiggly, yet once they witness the rhythm of prayer in the home, they too, will join along and experience one of the greatest ... [Read more]
Connecting Through Christ for Healthier Family Relationships
Love is the only thing that matters and the only thing worth living for. Still, despite our best intentions, many of us tend to miss the mark when we communicate with others—especially those we love most—as negative patterns and destructive relational cycles veer us off course. When that happens, it’s important to keep in mind that the way we approach and respond to each other is paramount to deepening our connections. But old habits die hard, so how might we move in a better ... [Read more]
