motherhood

Looking Ahead with the Church: The Assumption

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The Assumption Fra Angelico (c. 1430) This Friday, August 15, we will celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary—a feast full of hope for every Catholic mother. The Church teaches in the Catechism that “the Immaculate Virgin… was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, when her earthly life was finished, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things” (CCC 966). This is not only a truth about Mary; it is a promise to us of what God intends for all who love Him. St. John Damascene, a Doctor of the Church, called the Assumption “the … Continue

Why Catholic Homeschooling Mothers Must Be Lifelong Students

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A Mother Cannot Give What She Does Not Have If a mother wants to raise wise and virtuous children, she must first become wise and virtuous herself. This is not an insult to our efforts but a sober reminder of reality: no one can give what they do not have. The Catechism teaches that parents are the “first heralds of the faith” to their children. This means that we must know the faith ourselves—not only the basic truths but their meaning, history, and application. If we have only a shallow grasp of Scripture, the Catechism, or the virtues, how can … Continue

This Week’s Focus: Teaching Toddlers to Be Useful

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Why Toddlers Need Purpose In many homes, toddlers are treated as spectators. They are told to “go play” while the real work happens somewhere else. Yet idleness is rarely a blessing for the very young. A toddler with nothing to do will often find mischief—pulling things from shelves, climbing where they should not, or pestering older siblings. Their little bodies are full of energy. Their minds are eager to explore. When that energy and curiosity go unguided, trouble soon follows. God designed human beings for purposeful work. Even Adam, before the Fall, was given the task of tending the garden. … Continue

Faith for Our Children

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Above, you see Raphael’s great work, The Transfiguration. In the upper half, Christ is revealed in glory on the mountain, His face shining like the sun. Below, the scene is very different—a father kneels before Jesus, begging for the healing of his suffering son. Raphael paints these two moments together to show us a truth: the same Lord who reigns in glory also stoops down to meet us in our deepest need. This lower scene comes from Matthew 17:14-20, this Sunday’s gospel reading. A desperate father kneels before Jesus and pleads, “Lord, have pity on my son… often he falls … Continue

Overcoming Distractedness: Joyfully Returning to the Work God Has Given

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Homeschooling mothers live with constant motion and endless responsibility. Children wake early, meals must be prepared, lessons planned, and the home itself needs care. Yet in the midst of this whirlwind, distractions creep in—often quietly. A quick glance at the phone. A moment scrolling social media for “just a minute.” A longing to step away from the noise. Before we realize it, precious time has slipped away, and the work feels even heavier. This is not a struggle unique to you. Many mothers quietly admit to this same temptation: when the tasks pile up, rather than leaning into them with … Continue

Practical Advice for Managing Toddlers During the Homeschool Day

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This Week’s Focus: Teaching School Readiness Introduction: Why School Readiness Matters for Catholic Mothers Every mother who homeschools with the Classical Liberal Arts Academy knows that the toddler years are both joyful and challenging. These little ones are full of curiosity, energy, and wonder, yet they can also be unpredictable and noisy, often pulling your attention from older children’s studies. Many mothers ask: How can I begin forming my toddler for learning without rushing them into academics? The answer lies in teaching school readiness—habits and skills that prepare the child’s heart, mind, and body for future studies. School readiness is … Continue