Growing Hearts Podcast

In this episode of Growing Hearts, Claire and John Wall join us to share their experiences, favorite traditions, and insights on keeping Christ at the center of Christmas while managing the busyness of family life with young children. They offer practical tips for blending Catholic traditions with family celebrations, emphasizing ways to encourage generosity, kindness, and a spirit of gratitude throughout the holiday season.  We’d love to hear your Christmas traditions! How do you keep your celebrations Christ-centered? Do you have unique ways of helping your family focus on the true meaning of the season? Share with us on social media with #GrowingHeartsPodcast or send us a message!  Recommended book: God has Made a Bethlehem   You can:   Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast   Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

In today’s episode, we dive into Advent—a season of hope, preparation, and anticipation as we await Christmas. We’ll uncover the deeper meaning behind Advent traditions, explore ways to bring them into family life, and discuss how Advent serves as a reminder of the joy and peace that Christ brings. Our guests, Fr. Felix and Fr. Anthony, provide insights on how this season can transform our hearts and help us focus on what truly matters during the holidays.  We’d love to hear how your family celebrates Advent! Do you have any special traditions or ways of preparing your hearts for Christmas? Share your stories, ideas, or questions with us on social media or in the comments. Let’s inspire one another with creative ways to keep the focus on the true meaning of this season!    You can:   Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast   Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

In today’s episode, we dive into the powerful theme of service and generosity, exploring what it truly means to go beyond ourselves and why this selflessness is crucial for young people. Joined by Bernie James, a dedicated teacher, community service leader, husband, and father, and Seb Burfitt, a tax advisor, father, and husband, we discuss how encouraging kids to step out of their comfort zones to serve others fosters gratitude, empathy, and a stronger sense of community. It’s all about leading by example—starting with us!    The importance of service in today’s self-oriented world  Teaching kids the value of stepping out of their comfort zones  Cultivating gratitude and a sense of community through giving  Practical ideas for parents to engage kids in acts of service    You can:   Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast   Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   Remember to hit FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

In this episode, we address a question many parents face: how to explain the death of a loved one to their children in a way that reflects our Catholic faith. We'll explore the meaning of death, the hope of eternal life, and how parents can offer comforting, faith-filled answers to difficult questions. Join us as we discuss how to turn this sensitive topic into a teaching moment about the love of God, the promise of heaven, and the connection we still share with those who have passed away.    Exploring heaven as a place of no pain, only love, and how children can look forward to being reunited with family. The reality of purgatory, heaven, and the communion of saints, and how we remain connected with those who have passed.  Practical ways families can honor their loved ones on the Feast of All Souls.  Encouraging children to pray for their deceased family members and understand that they are still spiritually connected.  You can:   Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast   Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of freedom and its importance in shaping our lives, our children's lives, and their faith journeys. Freedom is often portrayed as the ability to do whatever we want, but true freedom is about making the best choices, using our freedom for good, and navigating the limits and responsibilities that come with it. As children grow into teenagers, they begin to make their own choices, and as parents, we must guide them toward understanding the true essence of freedom. Our guest helps us explore how freedom is tied to compassion, respect for others, and living our faith authentically.   ·     Freedom isn't just the ability to choose anything—it’s about choosing what’s right and good. How do we teach our children to navigate between good and bad choices, and how can they use their freedom for positive impact? ·      How can parents allow their children to make their own choices while providing enough space for them to take risks? Why is it important to show confidence and trust in their abilities, especially for teenagers? ·    What role does freedom play in living out our faith? How can parents create an environment where faith is joyful and freely chosen, rather than forced, allowing children to make their own decisions in regards to cultivating their faith?   Link Recommendations: Freedom: Raising your children to make meaningful choices   You can:  Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website  Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday Remember to hit FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

In this episode, Clare Horsfall shares how stories and books can be powerful tools in helping children develop virtues, values, and an understanding of the world beyond themselves. We explore how books help children process emotions, build imagination, and introduce them to beauty, truth, and goodness. This episode is packed with actionable tips for instilling a love of reading and nurturing character through stories. How books help children process emotions and relate to characters' challenges. Why stories are essential for building imagination and fostering a sense of wonder. Practical tips for selecting the right books for different ages and interests. Balancing religious texts with other genres to promote holistic development. How family reading habits can shape a child's values, hope, and sense of compassion.   Recommendations: -  Year 3-5 Reading List - The Little House Series - Children's bible Golden Books - Catholic book store: Cardinal Newman Bookshop   You can:  Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast  Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website  Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   Remember to hit FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes.

In this episode, we dive deep into the core of personal identity and how faith can be the bedrock of self-worth, purpose, and authenticity. Join us as Caitlin West shares insights on building an identity rooted in being daughters and sons of God. We explore how parents can model unconditional love and support their children in cultivating a strong personal identity, especially during pivotal life transitions, like leaving school and entering adulthood. Find Caitlin's Podcast and Youtube Channel here! The foundational elements of a strong personal identity rooted in faith. How parents can model unconditional love and create a safe space for their children to grow. The importance of a personal relationship with God for a secure identity. Navigating transitions like finishing school while remaining true to who you are in faith. You can: Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website  Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday  Remember to hit FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes.

In this episode, we delve into the heart of the Catholic faith—the Eucharist. For Catholics, the Eucharist is a profound and central mystery, yet it can be challenging to understand its depth and significance. We'll start with the basics, using real-life stories and questions to explore the beauty and miracle of the Eucharist. Join us as we uncover why the Eucharist holds such an essential place in a Catholic’s daily life.   The Golden Box (Tabernacle): Exploring why Catholics kneel before the tabernacle and what it signifies.The Real Presence of Jesus: Understanding how and why Jesus chose to remain with us in the form of the Eucharist.How the Eucharist Nourishes Our Lives: Examining the spiritual nourishment the Eucharist provides.Helping Children Understand Eucharistic Reverence: How parents can teach their children the importance of reverence toward the Eucharist.Practical Tips for Fostering a Love for the Eucharist in Your Children: Strategies to increase and sustain your children's love and devotion to the Eucharist.   You can:  Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast  Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website  Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday  Remember to hit FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

In this episode, we explore practical ways for parents to integrate faith into their family's daily life. We discuss leading by example, creating a joyful and authentic faith environment, and allowing children the freedom to explore their relationship with God. Our guests share insights from their own journeys and how they’ve managed to weave faith into the fabric of their family life, highlighting the role of affection, storytelling, and meaningful routines in nurturing a child’s faith.  Practical ways to instill faith to your children, such as teaching prayers, sharing faith stories, and encouraging a personal connection with God. Balancing Freedom and Responsibility: Encouraging children to make faith-related choices on their own, helping them develop a personal and responsible relationship with God.  The importance of living out faith authentically, using affection and love to mirror God’s love, and incorporating faith into daily family routines.   The guest emphasizes the value of creating faith-based routines like family prayer, meals together, and discussing daily experiences in the light of faith. You can: Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast   Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   Remember to hit FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes!

In this episode, we are joined by Chehade Richa, a father, mentor, and teacher. Together, we delve into how parental reactions influence children's emotional development and worldview. We discuss the significance of consistency and authenticity in parenting to prevent fostering a 'two-faced' nature in kids. Discover how building trust and open communication, along with virtues like charity and patience, can create a nurturing environment for your children.   Parental Reactions as a crucial factor in shaping children's emotional development and worldview.  The importance of being truly present, investing time, and sharing personal stories to build trust.  Integrating virtues, such as charity, patience, and forgiveness into parenting practices to nurture character and resilience in children, balancing love and expectations.     You can:   Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast   Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   Remember to hit FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes!

This episode discusses how families can maintain a positive outlook and see life as an adventure, even in the face of challenges and suffering in the world:  The Chaplains explore how the Catholic faith can help families navigate these issues, drawing on biblical stories and the example of Jesus Christ.  They discuss the importance of trusting in God, embracing the adventure of freedom, and recognizing both the beauty and the suffering in the world.  Suggestions for parents to help their children see life positively, such as reading stories or cultural activities, that instill hope and goodness.  You can:  Follow us on Instagram @thegrowingheartspodcastFind out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our websiteDiscover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday  Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes!

In this episode, Fr Paul & Fr Phil discuss how we can relate to God as a loving Father and find ways to talk to Him and develop a personal friendship. You can hear examples and anecdotes about: humans' innate desire for a Father,how to begin a relationship with God, starting with knowing ourselvesthe importance of self-acceptance within our relationship with God,using everyday moments to teach children how to talk to God,the importance of persevering with learning the language of prayer.   You can: Follow us on Instagram @thegrowingheartspodcastFind out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our websiteDiscover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday  Remember to click SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes!

In this episode, we dive deep into what kids need most from their parents, emphasizing the importance of understanding reality and the imperfect love we receive. We discuss how parents can instil faith, beauty, and hope in their children, and how to be a living example of joy and faith. Learn practical tips on teaching young kids to pray, create family traditions, and broaden your teenagers' horizons. Discover the profound impact of showing children that life can be awesome.   Fr Phil and Fr Paul will explore with us:  The importance of giving children experiences of beauty to open their perspectives.  How to promote a Living Faith: with naturalness and freedom.  How to help children understand that God is alive, and we can talk to Him through simple prayers.   The importance of knowing that suffering is a reality that can exist alongside hope.  The importance of expanding teenagers' horizons and the meaning of self-giving.  You can:   Follow us on Instagram @thegrowingheartspodcast   Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

Fr Phil and Fr Paul are school Chaplains for Tangara School for Girls and Redfield College.  In this first episode of the Growing Hearts Podcast, Fr Phil and Fr Paul join us to discuss what lies in store for families starting out on their family's faith adventure. Whether they're primary-school age or teenagers, our guests explore:  Natural and enriching ways to nurture and pass on the Catholic faith within your familyThe importance of integrating family prayers into your daily routines and how these rituals can strengthen your family's spiritual bondHow to respect your children's freedom so that faith can grow freely and authentically  You can:  Follow us on Instagram @thegrowingheartspodcastFind out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our websiteDiscover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday  Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes!