Nurturing the Mind and Heart: Salesian Wisdom for Raising Teen Girls

This week, Kati & Caroline talk about the importance of navigating conversations in a divided culture through a Salesian lens. They explore the value of understanding different perspectives, the impact of perfectionism on communication, the role of values in dialogue, and the significance of fostering curiosity and openness in relationships, They delve into the need for respectful communication am...

In this episode, Kati and Caroline discuss the importance of cultivating simplicity in a fast-paced world. They explore the challenges of managing expectations, especially for parents during the summer, and the need for intentionality in creating space for what truly matters. Together, they reflect on the internal work required to simplify life and the flexibility needed to navigate different seas...

During a retreat earlier this year, Kati offered a talk about the history of the Sacred Heart in the Visitation Order, the apparitions of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary, and how we can live as beloved by Christ. In this Jubilee Year of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Kati explores the profound themes of the Sacred Heart of Christ, emphasizing the significance of the heartbeat as a metaphor for divine love...

This week, Kati and Caroline chat with Visitation’s Director of Christian Service Sofia Gutierrez about teens and service. They discuss how to encourage students to engage with their communities, develop essential life skills, and foster personal growth through service. Family involvement is key to empowering students to Live Jesus in their communities, which can be a transformative experience.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of personal growth for parents, the shift in family dynamics as children grow, and the significance of intentional family time. We also talk about how to support your daughter’s growing independence while maintaining family connections and finding balance in busy lives.

Nicole, a Visitation parent, shares the story of her daughter finding healing after battling anxiety and depression. Nicole’s daughter struggled with anxiety in middle school, later tipping into depression. By junior year of high school, her daughter’s mental health challenges were beyond Nicole and her husband’s ability to help; they decided to explore residential treatment. After five months of...

In this conversation, Kati and Caroline discuss the importance of empowering teenage girls to embrace their unique identities and gifts. They explore practical strategies for building confidence, including well-timed compliments, fostering independence, engaging in service, navigating academic challenges, and practicing gratitude. The discussion emphasizes the need for intentional parenting to hel...

In this episode, Kati & Caroline invite Visitation’s Director of Academic Support Kerry Kaminsky to discuss how to empower students academically. Kerry shares her philosophy on fostering independence and resilience among students. The three explore: - the balance between academic challenges and personal fulfillment; - the need for joy in students' lives; - teaching students to be resourceful and s...

In today’s episode, Kati explores Dilexit Nos, Pope Francis’s encyclical on the human and divine love of the heart of Jesus Christ. Kati explains the exchange of hearts that takes place between God the Father and the Son and how we are also invited to exchange hearts with Jesus. In the encyclical, Pope Francis invites us to consider how our relationship with Christ should overflow in word and deed...

In this episode, Kati & Caroline talk about the teen brain! Beginning with an overview of adolescent brain development, the conversation explores the importance of healthy risk-taking for teens and how parents can balance freedom and boundaries. The role of social connections, effective communication, sleep patterns, and the significance of celebrating growth and milestones are also highlighted as...

In this conversation, Kati & Caroline discuss how to help your daughter discover her sense of style, feel confident in her body, and dress modestly. We talk about the influence of social media on teens’ clothing choices as well as how to encourage teens to shop and dress sustainably.

In this bonus episode, Kati explores the sacred role of women in the Gospel of John. During this recorded presentation from a retreat held earlier this year, she discusses the intercessory role of Mary at the Wedding at Cana, the sacrificial love of Mary during the crucifixion, and the transformative encounters of women like the Samaritan woman and Mary Magdalene with Christ. Exploring themes of t...

In this conversation, Visitation’s personal counselors join us as we delve deeper into the complexities of teenage friendships and the essential role of parental guidance (but not over-involvement!) in navigating these relationships. The counselors discuss common challenges teens face, the importance of resilience, and how parents can support their children through social struggles. They emphasize...

In this episode, we discuss how parents can help their daughters cultivate an active faith life during high school. Being her role model, helping her build strong relationships, and creating a supportive environment are all important for your daughter’s spiritual growth. We include practical steps for parents to encourage their daughters' faith journeys, the significance of normalizing faith in da...

In this bonus episode, Kati offers an overview of Salesian Spirituality, including the importance of daily offerings to God, the significance of living in God's presence, and the call to holiness for everyone. The discussion also highlights the Visitation as a model for being Christ bearers and the importance of Little Virtues in daily life. The conversation concludes with a reflection on personal...

In this episode, we are honored to welcome Sister Mary Berchmans Hannan, VHM, ‘48 & ‘50, an alumna, Visitation Sister, and Salesian educator and leader with a heart for guiding young people. Sister shares her insights on how Salesian spirituality and Catholic values can deeply influence the way we nurture and support our teen daughters. Together, we explore practical advice for navigating the uniq...

In this episode, we talk about the complexities of friendship, particularly among teenage girls, as well as the concept of “holy friendship” in the Salesian tradition. We explore the challenges posed by digital communication and social media, and talk about initiatives like 'Start with Hello' to foster connections. We also touch upon the nuances of navigating group texts and the role of parents in...

In this episode of 'Nurturing the Mind and Heart,' we explore the intersection of Salesian wisdom and time management for raising teen girls. We discuss the importance of teaching young women how to manage their time effectively while balancing the need for spontaneity and living in the present. We also talk about how to help girls develop the self-awareness and discernment that are essential skil...

Welcome to "Nurturing the Mind and Heart: Salesian Wisdom for Raising Teen Girls," the podcast where Catholic values and Salesian wisdom meet modern insights for guiding your teen daughter through the joys and challenges of adolescence. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, an all-girls college preparatory school rooted in the Roman Catholic faith and...

Jim Towey's talk to parents and alumnae about his friendship with Mother Teresa.