Thanks to Paulette Kostick, mother of 8, who was able to speak to Monday’s parents for a little while about how her family’s Family Formation experience has evolved over the past 13 years.  They’ve been through the cycles several times now and she gives the following tips:

• It’s fun and interesting to go through all the materials the first time with your oldest kids, and it’s easy to assume that your younger ones are just “picking up the Faith” as you live it out.  That’s true to a certain degree, but you have to remember that while you may be tired of doing an activity over again, it’s probably new to your younger child who is doing it for the first time.  Don’t shortchange your younger kid just because it’s not as fun for you!
• Don’t get discouraged if you miss a lesson or two.  You can always catch up if you have time, and each month is a fresh start!
• If you need a boost, try shaking things up a little.  This year, her husband has taken over teaching the lessons and she acts as support staff.  Their kids are learning from someone with a different teaching style and are having fun hearing things from Dad’s perspective.  (You can also try teaching on a different day or adding a fun element like a special snack or dessert to each lesson.)
• She also recommends saving some of the special projects you’ve completed over the years.   Her oldest daughter is about to graduate this year and Paulette is grateful to have some of those wonderful memories tucked away into an envelope.  (You can also take photos and/or scrapbook some of those great family memories of learning your faith together.)
• All the time they’ve spent teaching Family Formation over the years is worth it!  Paulette is so impressed with her older kids’ grasp of the faith and ability to live it out on their own.  It’s been tested as they move out into the world and they credit their foundations with Family Formation and learning the Faith with their parents with helping them make decisions that are guided by an informed faith!