In homes across the country, parents are reminded of Pope Francis in The Joy of Love “three words need to be used, Please, Thank you and Sorry.” Which creates the foundation for building trust, respect, and deeper connections between parents and children of all ages. At a parent accompaniment online session facilitated by Alicia Hoyte, AFLC’s Lead, Mental Health Response Team, on April 2, 2025 as part of the Children are Gift parenting initiative offered by the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC).
“Knowing that I am not alone” was a recurring sentiment shared by parents who recently participated in the “Children Are a Gift” program. This community of parents found strength in sharing their challenges and solutions while learning techniques to enhance their parenting skills.
One parent reflected, “Opening up about family life and parenting, sharing that we are not alone” was the most valuable takeaway from their experience.
These three phrases play a crucial role in establishing healthy boundaries—something many parents identified as essential.
“Structure, boundaries, consequences,” summarized one parent when asked about their most important learning. Another added that they were committed to “give children choices but allow them to understand their mistakes.”
The phrases “May I?” and “Thank you” naturally create opportunities for children to recognize boundaries while feeling respected, while “I’m sorry” teaches accountability within those boundaries.
Many parents found that their ability to use these phrases effectively improved when they first took care of their own emotional well-being.
“I really want to commit to the breathing exercises. I am easily stressed and not very consistent in my efforts, so I believe the breathing exercises will help me,” shared one parent.
Another simply stated that they learned to “breathe and set boundaries”—a powerful combination for responding rather than reacting to parenting challenges.
The three trust-building phrases open doors to deeper conversations. As one parent noted, their goal was to “try to speak and reach out a lot more—encouraging and sharing God’s love/word.”
Another committed to “listen to our children,” recognizing that these simple phrases create space for children to share their thoughts and feelings.
Parents recognized that these phrases take on different meanings as children grow, particularly during the crucial tween and teen years.
“I was just awakened by how much support we need to give our children at the age of 11-14 years,” one parent shared. Another valued “the increased knowledge I have gained about what 11 to 14-year-olds experience.”
As families integrate “May I?”, “Thank you,” and “I’m sorry” into their daily interactions, parents are seeing positive changes. One committed to “talk in a more calm and mindful manner,” while another planned to “try different strategies…keeping in mind that my child needs to be loved and feel appreciated.”
Join the movement! Share how these three phrases are transforming your family relationships using #ThreePhrasesTrust. Together, we can build stronger homes—one at a time.
“God will give the strength, wisdom and guidance to those who purposefully seek him.” – Program Participant
For more information on hosting or upcoming Children are Gift Parenting Accompaniment sessions, please contact us at familylife@catholictt.org; WhatsApp: 299 1047; Phone: 235 5329; Website: aflcrc.org.