What Your Kid Thinks About Your Catholic Parenting

In this inspiring episode of Modern Catholic Family, Jim and Meghan are joined by 18-year-old Michael Boster, a recent homeschool graduate, Eagle Scout, and Life Teen leader, who offers a rare glimpse into Catholic parenting from a teen's perspective. Michael shares what worked (and what didn’t), what he treasures about his upbringing, and how his parents formed a deeply rooted yet approachable faith at home. From Saint stories to sibling dynamics and 200+ board games, Michael proves that faith and family life don’t have to be boring—they can be joyfully radical.

What’s in this episode:

• Michael shares what it’s like growing up in a large Catholic family of seven kids
• How saint-focused homeschooling helped form his faith from a young age
• Why Life Teen gave him purpose and built his confidence as a leader
• The surprising role of board games in deepening family connection
• Favorite Book: The Life of St. John Bosco — a saint who made faith fun and accessible, even as a child
• One resource every Catholic family should know: Saint of the Day — perfect for learning about and celebrating feast days as a family
• Book he’s currently reading: Redemptoris Mater by Pope St. John Paul II and The Fulfillment of All Desire by Dr. Ralph Martin
• Advice to his younger self: “The world doesn’t fulfill you as much as God does.”
• Final advice for listeners: Go to Mass as a family, pray together, and be okay doing nothing together sometimes

Resources Mentioned:

The Life of St. John Bosco – An inspiring biography of a saint who combined fun and faith to reach young hearts

The Fulfillment of All Desire by Dr. Ralph Martin – A spiritual roadmap drawing on the wisdom of the Doctors of the Church

Redemptoris Mater by Pope St. John Paul II – A rich reflection on the role of Mary in the mystery of Christ and the Church

Forbidden Island – A cooperative board game great for families of all ages

Patchwork – A two-player strategy game focused on quilt-building and spatial planning