It's a common sentiment in our modern world: "Let them decide when they're old enough." This often surfaces when it comes to significant life choices, and increasingly, we hear it regarding the Catholic sacraments for children. We see parents who, for various reasons, postpone their children receiving First Reconciliation (Penance), First Holy Communion, and Confirmation, sometimes until the children are "old enough to truly understand" or "can decide for themselves." While the intention behind this might stem from a desire for genuine belief, it inadvertently creates a significant gap in a child's spiritual formation and can, in fact, undermine the very faith parents hope their children might one day embrace. The Problem with "Letting Them Decide Later" Missing the Foundation Imagine building a house without a foundation. First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are foundational sacraments. Reconciliation offers the profound ...
In today's digital age, video games are an undeniable part of childhood. From vibrant adventures to creative building simulations, the world of gaming offers much to explore. However, beneath the surface of seemingly innocent fun, a darker trend is emerging that demands our attention as parents: the desensitization of our children to violence through prolonged exposure to certain game content. We're not talking about every game, of course. Many titles offer fantastic educational or problem-solving opportunities. But a growing number of games, even those popular among younger audiences, are normalizing concepts that should give us pause – particularly violence and even murder. The Alarming Trend: When "Murder" Becomes Commonplace Let's take a platform like Roblox as an example. While Roblox offers incredible creative potential and a wide variety of user-generated experiences, it also highlights this alarming trend. Despite content maturity settings designed to filt...