Your job as a parent is not to get your kid into Harvard. It is to get them into Heaven.
But the world is fighting you for their souls. TikTok teaches them morality. Netflix teaches them relationships. How do you compete?
You don't compete. You offer something better.
1. Make Sunday Mass Non-Negotiable
If you skip Mass for soccer games, you are teaching your child that soccer is god. If you skip Mass for sleeping in, you are teaching them that comfort is god. Go every Sunday. Even on vacation. Even when they scream. Consistency builds identity.
2. Normalize Prayer (Not Just at Bedtime)
If the only time you pray is before bed, God becomes a "sleep aid."
- Pray in the car when an ambulance passes.
- Pray grace at restaurants (yes, in public).
- Bless them with holy water before they leave for school.
- pray the Morning Offering together.
3. Be the "Tech Gatekeeper"
Steve Jobs didn't let his kids use iPads. Why? He knew.
- No phones in bedrooms. Ever. That is where sin happens in the dark.
- Delay smartphones until high school (use dumb phones/watches).
- Filter everything. Covenant Eyes or similar software is mandatory.
4. Celebrate the Liturgical Year
Kids love parties. The Church loves parties.
- St. Nicholas Day (Dec 6): Put shoes out for candy.
- Epiphany (Jan 6): Mark the door with chalk.
- Keep Advent purple: Don't put up the tree until late. Make Christmas last 12 days.
- Name Days: Celebrate the feast of their [patron saint](/guides/who-is-my-patron-saint) with a special dessert.
5. Apologize to Them
You will yell. You will mess up. When you do, say: "I am sorry. I lost my temper. Will you forgive me?" This teaches them two things:
- Parents aren't perfect; only God is.
- Forgiveness is real and necessary.
You are the primary educator of your children. Equip yourself. Find family-friendly saint stories and prayers on the MyPrayerTower app.