JYF & MYF Parent Resources

There is plenty of evidence that practicing gratitude dramatically increases our sense of well-being. On Gratitude, a lovely new book by Todd Aaron Jensen, reels us back from our dystopian mental habits by reminding us of the blessings big and small, from pajamas to parents to perfect timing, that make life worth living.

Gratitude: Entering Sacred Relationship, with Tara Brach

Gratitude arises when we are in sacred relationship with life—present, open and receptive. Tara Brach explores the centrality of gratitude to our physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, and then looks at the ways we can directly gladden our minds with gratitude.

We all know that perfect parenting does not exist, yet we still struggle with expectations and end up spending precious time and energy managing perception of the families we show to the world. On The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting, Dr. Brené Brown presents ten guideposts to creating what she describes as "wholehearted" families where each of us can continually learn and grow.

In Bless This Mess, parents will gain practical tools as they learn how to talk to their children about money, God, ethics, bullying, disabilities, sexuality, and their bodies. Parents will also glean insights on how to actually stress less, as well as practices for the whole family, like serving others and living a life of generosity and gratitude.