136 You’re the Parent: Dr. Ray Guarendi on Discipline, Faith & Homeschooling

EPISODE SUMMARY  Dr. Ray Guarendi has 45 years  helping parents stop second-guessing themselves—and in this conversation, he brings his trademark humor, straight talk, Catholic faith, and experience as the father of ten homeschooled children. Maeve and Dr. Ray talk about his journey back to the Catholic Church, the heartbreak parents can feel when an adult child walks away from the faith, and why even doing “everything right” can never override a child's free will. They dig into discipline and authority in the homeschool, sibling fighting, why some parents feel they “could never homeschool,” and the surprising psychological advantages homeschooling can offer. They also tackle one of the biggest parenting challenges of our time: smartphones, gaming, pornography, and the level of vigilance required to protect childhood without trying to protect children forever.  And perhaps most importantly, Dr. Ray reminds good parents to stop catastrophizing every mistake. You don't have to parent perfectly. You need faith, common sense, consistency—and enough humor to survive the whole thing. Because as Dr. Ray puts it, “The experts have really taken the fun out of parenting.” SHOW NOTES Published September 13, 2026: Links & Resources Mentioned Dr. Ray Guarendi GRN (Gaudalupe Radio Network) Academy — Dr. Ray’s Seven-Week Parenting Course Dr. Ray Guarendi’s Website & Bookstore https://www.drray.com/ Living Right with Dr. Ray on EWTN The Doctor Is In on EWTN Radio Books by Dr. Ray Thinking Like Jesus: The Psychology of a Faithful Disciple Living Calm: Mastering Anger and Frustration Mentioned in the Episode The Logic of Being Catholic by Dr. Ray Guarendi — Lighthouse Catholic Media The Logic of Being Catholic — Watch/Listen on FORMED Grab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here. Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1