Falcon News, October 21, 2024

Dear St. Joseph Families,

We’re 3 weeks into the month of October. Our students have had a number of experiences throughout the school year. We’ve had the fun times like book fair this week and Falcon Fest. We’ve also had prayerful times like a school rosary and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Students have just finished a 9 weeks with many academic challenges. No doubt, it has been busy for the students.

If life is busy for someone who is 8-9 years old, it’s probably infinitely more busy for someone who is getting close to 40 (maybe 40 is in the rearview mirror). On of the most important things you can do as a parent is take time to talk with your children. I do not mean to discuss academics (but do discuss academics). This is not my plea for you to read page 2 of the newsletter (I’m sure you’ve done that multiple times already). This is more about taking time to get to know what’s simply happening in your child’s life.

Sure, life does not end at 3:30 for most of us. The afternoon is sometimes busier than the school day with practices, homework (not too much, I’m sure), or just getting supper on the table. As busy as life is, spending quality time by listening to our children is critical to their development. Children need to hear that we are proud of them. They need to know they are supported. They need to know there is someone who loves them and wants to listen to them. Maybe, they’re just dying to tell you the same silly joke they told you last month.

The larger the family is, the more difficult it is to give large quantities of time. An acquaintance of mine commits to at least 10 minutes with each of his 4 children each day. This ensures that they know they are valued, and their time with you is important. If you don’t have that much time everyday, give to them what you can. Be an ear for them so you can know them and support them. St. Joseph, pray for us.