Lindsey Riesen, Author at Teaching Catholic Kids

Banning sporting events on Sundays is something to cheer for

During the fall our 10-year-old plays football for our parish school. Games are scheduled for 10:30 and 11:30 a.m on Sunday mornings — right in the heart of Mass times. Occasionally he and a smattering of teammates could be found kneeling in the pew at 9 a.m. Mass in cleats and football pants — their helmets and shoulder pads waiting patiently in the car. Yes, there are plenty of Mass options in our area, but it never made sense that a Catholic organization would put something in the way of families attending their preferred church at their preferred time. It seems counterintuitive to the mission of the Church. Apparently I’m not the only one who feels this way.

Sabbath, sports, sunday

Why you should take little kids to Mass

If you’re like me, going to Mass with your kids isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Prying the children away from their Sunday morning play is often a 30-minute affair, one where the race to put shoes on children’s feet functions as a replacement for any planned weekend cardio. Even devout parents occasionally wonder to themselves, “What am I doing? Why do I endure this circus from week to week?” In the midst of the current scandals of the Church, I’m sure many parents have thought to themselves at least once or twice, “Will I really be missed?”

Eucharist, kids, Mass , +1 sunday 3 Comments

Helping kids through challenges and struggles

We live in an age and culture that emphasizes comfort, convenience and expediency. Yet, our faith is full of admonitions to “wait upon the Lord” and persevere in the face of struggle. How can we instill the virtues of determination and patience in our children?

challenges, help, Parenting , +1 struggle

Building domestic church this summer

Summertime is finally upon us. My kindergartner is done next Friday. My teacher husband is done on the 28th. We are ALL looking forward to more family time during the […]

family, Five for Friday, Summer

Finishing the school year strong

As we slouch toward the end of the school year, I send my kids out the door each morning with the same refrain: “Finish strong!” I call to them as they head to the bus stop. They placate me with an insincere thumbs-up or grumble something I can’t quite make out, but at least I know they heard me. Here are four ways to help kids push themselves across their finish lines.

end, school, Summer