Episodes
We have discussed some of the key philosophical ideas and cultural changes that led to the development of gender theory and subsequently “gender-affirming treatment”. “Gender-affirming treatment” basically refers to therapy that affirms individuals in their gender dysphoria. This could consist of any single or combination of a number of social, psychological, behavioural, medical or even surgical interventions, in the hope that this would help the individuals feel better about themselves and...
Published 10/30/24
Published 10/30/24
How did Gender Theory originate? What were the philosophical ideas that have caused the cultural confusion we are witnessing today in some societies? Who was Dr John Money, and how did he contribute to this idea that gender is a mere social construct rather than something that is innate to a person? Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at www.catholicparents.online #gendertheory #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline
Published 10/03/24
In recent times, we have often been asked about “gender theory” by Catholic parents, and how we are to approach it. As such, we have embarked on this series on “Gender Theory” in an endeavour to shed some light on this seemingly complicated topic through the lens of reason and faith. We hope and pray that this will provide parents with a better grasp of this topic as we continue to navigate the ever-changing challenges facing us in our vocation. This episode is the first in the series, and...
Published 09/17/24
In recent times, there appear to have been more conversations and articles written about "toxic masculinity", whether in print or social media. Based on this reading, which in turn is based on rather rigid stereotypical ideas about masculinity, it is used to dominate and use, even abuse, our female counterparts for the man’s gratification. Yet, what is masculinity in the first place? Is authentic masculinity really toxic? Or is it a disordered version of it the cause of much of the woes that...
Published 08/20/24
A recent report, that should concern any parent, noted that more youth aged 19 and below committed sexual crimes in 2023, 470 to be exact, about 30 per cent more than in 2022. One of the main reasons cited was their exposure to pornography. According to experts, research has shown that teens who view pornography are likely to experience greater emotional and behavioural problems, earlier sexual experimentation, greater sexual permissiveness, greater objectification of women, and higher risk...
Published 06/11/24
The Ministry of Health released new screen time guidelines for children in 2023. In this interview, Ms Natalie Lim, Principal Psychologist, shares with us how these guidelines can be implemented for our children. In addition, she shares with us how she and her husband help their teens manage screen time as well. Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online #screentime #digitalmedia #catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline
Published 04/18/24
It is always heartening to hear from teens as to how we can use social media safely and responsibly. Here is some advice from some teens to others as to how they can do just that. Resources Best advice from teen girls on the use of social media: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/best-advice-from-teen-girls-on-the-use-of-social-media  Episode 37 — Helping Our Children Manage the Digital World:...
Published 02/27/24
One of the best ways we can be gift to our children is by living a sacramental marriage founded on the love of Christ and His Church. And many of us have entered marriage thinking that it would be a case of "living happily ever after". However, experience tells us it is anything but. The fact is, ups and downs abound in any marriage. Yet through the challenges and vicissitudes of married life, we have the choice to become bitter or better for it. Which do we choose? Through this interview,...
Published 02/12/24
A recent article in our local newspaper reported that about 800 students were referred to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for #vaping offences in 2022, a 16-fold increase from 2019. What is more, this seems to be an underestimate. Another report suggested that up to 40 percent of residents in our universities' halls are using vaporisers, or vapes for short. Why are our young drawn to this practice which we know is hazardous to health? What can we parents do to help them avoid...
Published 11/02/23
Many of our children (and us parents) experience examination stress at some time or another. While we want to help our children perform well in school, we are also aware that, if such stress is not handled well, our children may be driven to rebellion, anxiety, depression, despair, or in the worst-case scenario, even suicide. How can we help our children (and ourselves) manage examination stress? What should our attitude be towards examinations, and education in general? In this interview, Dr...
Published 08/17/23
The Catholic Church has often been accused of being anti-science, and the saga involving Galileo Galilei is commonly used to illustrate this point. In this interview, Mr Nick Chui shares with us insights into what actually happened in the Church’s interaction with Galileo, as well as some interesting facts about the Inquisition. Finally, we discuss whether faith is indeed opposed to science. Mr Nick Chui holds a Masters in Theology from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Marriage and...
Published 08/10/23
Sexual desire is powerful. And throughout human history, it seems to have gotten many people into trouble.  Why do we have sexual desire? What is it for? What should we do with it? Suppress it? Indulge in it? Or is there another way?  We discuss God's plan for sexual desire, and how we can direct it in a way that helps us find true love and happiness. Resources: "Chastity — Same as Celibacy?" by Catholic Parents Online https://youtu.be/9kcxlxSb4WE "What to Do with Your 'Sexual Needs' as a...
Published 08/03/23
What if our child tells us that he or she is "gay" or "lesbian"? How should we respond? Amidst the turmoil of emotions many of us might feel, Mr Nicholas Gabriel Lim shares with us some useful tips to help us respond in a way that will not only preserve the precious parent-child relationship, but also enable us to embark on the journey with them in a Christ-like way. Resources: 1. "Homosexuality, Gay Marriage, and Holiness" https://youtu.be/bLrRfwpvERU 2. “Ministering to the Catholic LGBTQ...
Published 07/27/23
When it comes to the topic of same-sex attraction, the Church has, unfortunately, often been seen as unforgiving, even harsh, in its teachings and attitude towards persons with this condition. On the contrary, the Catechism tells us: "They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.” (CCC 2358) Let us consider how we, as Catholic parents, can share with our children what the Church actually teaches on this...
Published 07/20/23
As Catholic parents, one of the biggest hopes we have is for our children to become a priest/religious, or if God calls otherwise, to find the right spouse in life. Yet, at the same time, we also know how factors such as emotions and misplaced compassion may lead our children to make the wrong choice. In this interview, Dr Christopher Cheok shares with us insights into what these common pitfalls are. With this, we will be better equipped to share with our children tips to help them in making...
Published 07/13/23
More marriages are breaking down, and many of these have been attributed to extra-marital affairs. Why do some people cheat on their spouses? What can spouses do to prevent this from happening in their own marriages? Drawing from his experience in his work as a psychiatrist, Dr Christopher Cheok shares with us insights into this issue. Learn more about Catholic Parents Online at catholicparents.online #catholicparents #catholicparenting #catholicparentsonline #marriage #whatismarriage
Published 07/06/23
What is God’s plan for marriage between a man and a woman? Did St Paul really justify male domination by saying, “Wives, submit to your husbands?” (Ephesians 5:22) If not, what did he really mean in Ephesians chapter 5? This episode discusses God’s plan, from the very beginning, for the institution of marriage between a man and a woman. Resources: Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2331 to 2336 http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a6.htm "Making a Total Gift of Self in Marriage”...
Published 06/29/23
One of the biggest questions from our children nowadays, and perhaps one of the most challenging, is this: "Why should marriage be only between man and woman?" With all the influence from social media and contemporary culture, it is not difficult to see why many can be so befuddled by this question. We will look at this issue from the perspective of reason. It will help us understand what marriage is in essence, and the important role it plays for the good of spouses, children and...
Published 06/22/23
Fathering has never been easy since time immemorial. More so in modern times with higher expectations for fathers to perform both at home and in the workplace. How can Catholic fathers exercise our role in bringing up our children well? How can they deal with the need to balance pressures at work and at home? How can wives support their husbands in this vocation? Dr Christopher Cheok shares with us some tips on how fathers can handle these challenges and become even better fathers in the...
Published 06/13/23
Managing rebellious teens has never been an easy task for many of us parents. What causes them to be rebellious? What can we do when they are? How should we respond? Mr Nicholas Gabriel Lim, a psychologist/counsellor who has worked with many youths, shares with us some insights into this issue. Resources: https://nicholasgabriellim.com/ "Parenting Your Teens and Tweens with Grace", Gregory and Lisa Popcak, 2021. "Parenting with Grace: The Catholic Parents’ Guide to Raising Almost Perfect...
Published 06/01/23
"Why should I be Catholic?" This is not an uncommon question that Catholic parents might face as our children grow up and grapple with the concept of faith and God. How do we know if what we know about Jesus from the Gospels is true? And how can we be sure the Catholic Church is indeed the one true Church that God has willed to continue His saving mission on earth? We explore these questions and discuss why the Catholic Church provides the surest way of helping us find true happiness, and...
Published 05/25/23
It is quite certain that many of us try to raise our children to love God. Yet, many of our youth seem to have lost sight of who God is, or more basically even, whether God exists. In the post-modern world of today, many doubt God’s existence because they do not find evidence for Him in our world. However, is this true? How can we convince our children that God does indeed exist? We share two ways (out of the many available) to help us prove God’s existence. Resources: Five Ways to Prove God...
Published 05/18/23
Has the development of science disproven the need for #God, and thus the need for faith? Is faith just an irrational belief in a system of thought that is contrary to the #logic provided us by science? Unfortunately many people, including many of our children, believe this to be the case. We need to correct this misperception that is so prevalent today. We discuss the relationship between #faith and #science, and show why they do not contradict each other, but rather complement each other in...
Published 05/11/23
As Catholic parents, we want our children to grow up well in the faith and to practise the virtues, defined in the Catechism as a "habitual and firm disposition to do the good" (#1803). This necessarily involves discipline. How can we discipline our young children in a way that will instil in them the love for a virtuous life? Ms Melissa Huang, a qualified early childhood educator and Catholic mother, shares with us some tips in this area. Resources: Parents.Catholic.Sg, an initiative by the...
Published 05/04/23