On Friday, August 30, as parents of San Fernando Boys’ RC gathered to drop off their little ones for infant orientation, Donna Solomon, Principal, seized a prime opportunity to engage and minister to First Year parents by inviting the  Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC). Through the Children Are Gift (CAG) programme, facilitated by Jennifer Manwaring, former principal of St Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando, the session offered invaluable lessons on parenting, self-care, and family values.

The day began with a deceptively simple yet impactful exercise. Parents were divided into groups of 15 and given a ball of yarn. The challenge? They all had to hold onto the yarn simultaneously while creating something together. As they got their creative juices flowing, the parents crafted geometric shapes, large belts, headpieces, bracelets, and more.

This exercise was not just fun—it highlighted a crucial lesson: parenting is a collective effort. Just as the parents had to work together to shape the yarn, they recognised the importance of supporting each other in raising their children. The experience underscored the need for parents to form a cohesive unit, not only for themselves but for their children’s educational journey.

Manwaring guided parents through the ‘Total Person Windmill’, emphasising the need for holistic development—spiritual, social, physical, intellectual, and values-based growth. Her words inspired reflection on nurturing not just academic success, but the well-rounded, full-person development of their children.

The session also delved into the critical role fathers play in family life. Through simple videos, the group explored how children view their fathers and the irreplaceable value of spending quality time together. This theme was reinforced by a moving testimony from Taye Coryatt, the Programme Officer at the AFLC. He shared his journey, highlighting the profound impact the absence of a father can have on a child’s life—a sentiment that resonated deeply with the parents.

Three major takeaways stood out from the session:

• The importance of fathers – Fathers are pivotal in the upbringing of children, especially sons, and their presence is essential for emotional, social, and intellectual development.
• Self-care for parents – Parents were reminded that caring for themselves is foundational to providing the best care for their children.
• Family values – Instilling strong, cooperative family values has a lasting impact on children’s development, setting them on a path to become well-rounded, compassionate individuals.

The heartfelt feedback from parents highlighted their desire for more sessions like this, where practical tools and emotional support are offered. The event was a testament to the power of community, education, and spiritual guidance in parenting.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that there is a great need for continued engagement with parents, offering more opportunities for them to grow, learn, and thrive together with their children. The AFLC remains committed to supporting parents in this sacred journey of nurturing the next generation, ensuring they are never alone on this path.

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Contact the AFLC if you are interested in offering this and other programmes at your parish, school, or organisation. Email: familylife@catholictt.org; Phone:
299-1047 or 235-5329.