Practical Parenting Ideas

Virtue’s building blocks

The cardinal virtues are prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. They are the foundation for all other virtues. Odds are you’re already practicing them.

Prudence is called the charioteer of the virtues or, according to Thomas Aquinas, "right reason in action."

When you don’t allow your good parenting judgment to get clouded by fear of displeasing your kids or a desire to avoid problems, you’re being prudent.

Justice is giving what’s due to God and to our neighbor. In family life, it’s making sure the "system" works for everybody.

When you create an atmosphere of harmony in your home, where everyone in the family at least gets their needs acknowledged if not fully met, you’re practicing justice.

Fortitude is the ability to act in the face of fear. We all know fear. Fortitude enables us to conquer it.

When you take the adult role and do difficult things despite your worries, you’re practicing fortitude.

Temperance is the balancing agent in life. It keeps you from overattachment to material things.

When you can direct your family’s attention to goods other than just material goods, you have enacted temperance.

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