Happy New Year! That must mean it is resolution time again. Yes indeed, once again I will join what must be 98% of Americans who will vow to improve health and fitness this year. However, one of my other resolutions this year is to define more time to devote to my family (especially with the newest member coming soon).

As the parent of a toddler with a baby on the way, I often wish there was an owner’s manual for kids. Well, to be honest I have never read the owner’s manual for anything I own, so more than likely I wouldn’t read the Toddler Manual either. I guess I sometimes fall into that traditional male stereotype of never asking directions, and reading instruction only as a last resort. It turns out there is quite an industry around parenting books; who knew?

Luckily I have always benefited from the diligent work of my wife, Jessica. She has always been on top of reading everything there is to know about every stage of development. This has worked out well for me, since I always benefit from the Cliff Notes version that filters through in our discussions about parenting. Jessica is always informed while I seem to apply the same make-a-stupid face strategy. That seems to work for now, but some day that toddler of mine will be, dare I say it aloud, a teenager.

For those of you with older children, I was recently directed to a great and brief source of information for those of you facing the difficulties of raising teens. The state of Rhode Island has put together a simple and concise website to direct parents to classes and assistance in dealing with the various issues of adolescents. A simple-to-use form directs visitors to local resources available to parents such as help dealing with drugs & alcohol, sex, abuse and it even directs visitors to activities and recreational activities for youth.

So if you are the parent of a teen and are joining me in making a resolution to devote additional time to your family this year, perhaps www.parentlinkri.org will be a help, especially if you are facing a few challenges.

I hope you will also consider finding this community a place to share the joy and struggles your family might face in the next year. Your clergy and fellow parishioners are best able to represent Christ when we are able to help each other sharing Christ’s love. And don’t forget that parish events and outings are a great way to spend time together as a family. Many of our youth events are open to the whole family.

I hope 2007 is a wonderful year for your family.

Faithfully,      Alan Gates +