How this Catholic Mum of 6 is Doing Parenting Different

Modern society has a few lies floating around.

"Two kids are more than enough."

"Having kids will be the end of your career forever."

"If I send my kids to Catholic school, then my job is done."

 

These couldn't be further from the truth. With so much confusion about parenthood today - we've excited to share a special Q&A with a very special woman. 

Norma Isshak is a mum of five (soon to be six) and founder of Little Saints by Norma. Over the years, she's learnt a lot about what it takes to raise Catholic children and be a good mum.

She is one of the very few people who not only cares about their children's faith, but has gone above and beyond every single time to nurture it in a meaningful way.

We hope that this Q&A will give valuable insights to help strengthen you and your family. This is Norma's story and advice;

 

"What inspired you to begin Little Saints—and how did your journey as a mother shape the way you brought it to life? "

 

The story of Little Saints began in 2021 with the launch of the Little Saint Box—a heartfelt initiative designed to introduce children to the lives of Catholic saints through fun, engaging, and faith-filled experiences. At the time, I had spent around six years working in the gifts and bombonieres industry, which gave me firsthand experience in crafting meaningful keepsakes. During this period, I discovered Little Drops of Water, a remarkable business producing a large collection of saint figurines for children. The opportunity to offer their figurines sparked an idea—to create a unique faith-based gift pack for children, one that would nurture their spiritual journey and strengthen their relationship with Jesus. 

But the true heart of Little Saints was shaped by my journey as a mother of five, with one more on the way. When my family would face challenges and battles, we always found strength through faith. When storms arose, we turned to the intercession of the saints, we learnt to find t comfort in God’s Word, and remained devoted to daily prayer, Godly activities, and teaching our children to rely on these spiritual weapons in times of suffering. I have witnessed firsthand the transformation, healing, and fruits that flow into our home when we place our trust in God and draw strength from our Catholic faith. 

These experiences became the driving force behind Little Saints by Norma. I wanted to share the same faith-filled foundation that has blessed our family with other homes. I wanted children and families to discover the power of prayer, the wisdom of the saints, and the healing found in God’s Word. By 2024, my passion had evolved into something greater, I made the decision to transition from simply selling faith-based products to creating a Catholic children's store with a mission. My idea was to have an artist draw Jesus, Mother Mary, and the saints for me and each illustration would offer exclusive products and toys that will nurture children's faith through fun and play. Every product you see has been designed and created by me.

 

Image: Little Saints toys underneath the Christmas tree, Norma Isshak

For me, Little Saints by Norma became more than just a shop; it became a ministry, a mission to help families build domestic churches in their homes. 

Today, my business Little Saints by Norma, offers a range of toys and educational products designed to ignite the love of Jesus in the hearts of children and families. Every product is created with the intention of glorifying God, and my heart is entirely devoted to this mission. I spend my time designing and developing projects that bring the joy of Christ into every home, ensuring that children grow up knowing the beauty of their faith. 

 

How have the lives of the saints personally deepened your own motherhood and family life? 

As a mother and wife, I believe there is no greater path to holiness than looking to the lives of the saints for inspiration, guidance, and strength. The saints are living examples of how ordinary people, facing their own struggles and challenges, chose to follow Christ with unwavering faith. In our home, we strive to teach our children about the saints, showing them that they, too, can follow the path of sainthood and cultivate the virtues of Christ in their own lives. 

The Catholic saints hold a special place in my heart and within our family life. From a young age, I have always turned to the saints for guidance, believing wholeheartedly in their powerful intercession and heavenly support. In times of joy and in moments of trial, I have sought the prayers of these holy men and women, asking them to intercede for us before God. This devotion is something I have carried into my role as a mother and wife, and it is a tradition my husband and I have passed on to our children. 

We teach our children that whenever they are faced with challenges, struggles, or feelings of weakness, they can turn to the saints in prayer. Whether it’s asking St. Joseph for strength, seeking the comfort of Our Lady, or calling upon the powerful intercession of St. Charbel, our children learn that they are never alone. The saints are their heavenly friends, ready to guide them, inspire them, and pray for them. 

In our home, the lives of the saints are not just stories from the past, they are living examples that help us build a faith-filled, Christ-centered family life. 

 

What role do you think storytelling plays in forming children’s faith today—especially when so much competes for their attention? 

I believe storytelling is a powerful tool for forming children’s faith because it captures their imagination, touches their hearts, and makes complex spiritual truths relatable. In a world overflowing with distractions—social media, video games, and endless digital content - storytelling provides a gentle and captivating way to draw children back to the timeless truths of faith. 

Stories allow children to witness the lives of saints who faced real struggles yet chose to follow Jesus. They see how faith, courage, and love can transform even the most difficult situations. When children hear stories of Saint Rafqa’s unwavering faith in the midst of suffering or Saint Joseph’s quiet strength and obedience to God’s will, they don’t just learn about faith, they experience it. 

I believe that storytelling is a way of planting seeds of faith in young hearts. It allows children to see themselves as part of a greater story: God’s story. By bringing faith to life through the stories of saints, Bible activities, and fun and play, we help children understand that they, too, are called to a life of virtue, courage, and love. 

In a noisy world, storytelling is a way of whispering the truth of God’s love directly to a child’s heart. It’s a way of helping them recognise that they are they are beloved children of God, called to be saints. 

 

With 5 children and a business, it can be easy for life to get chaotic. How do you pass on your love and joy for God in the midst of the busyness? 

You’re expecting your sixth child on the way! How do you spiritually prepare yourself to welcome a new child into the world? 

There is something profoundly powerful in God’s commandment: “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). I have always felt a deep, unshakable desire to obey this commandment, not as a mere duty but as a joyful calling. With each child that has entered our family, I have witnessed a divine grace that fills our home—an unmistakable sense of God’s presence that deepens my relationship with Jesus and transforms our lives. 

For me, welcoming a new child is not just a physical experience—it is a spiritual journey. Each child is a reflection of God’s love, a reminder of His faithfulness, and a source of indescribable joy. Our home becomes a place where God’s love is made visible, even amidst the challenges and battles that naturally come with raising a big family. These moments have not only brought us closer together as a family but have also drawn me closer to Christ. 

But this journey has not been without its trials. My second pregnancy was a time of immense suffering, both physically and spiritually. I experienced a period of darkness that tested my faith, yet it was in that darkness that I encountered Jesus most profoundly. In the midst of my despair, a single Bible verse became a source of miraculous healing for me, and from that moment, I experienced a true conversion—a new life in Christ. That suffering, which once seemed unbearable, became the greatest blessing of my life. It was through that pain that I learned the power of prayer and developed an unshakable trust in Jesus. 

Since that moment, every pregnancy has become a journey of deepened prayer. I turn to God with greater intensity, entrusting each child to His care even before they are born. I rely on the intercession of the saints, especially Our Lady and Saint Joseph, who understood the beauty and challenges of family life. I have found that every child brings not just the joy of new life but a new chapter in my relationship with Christ—an invitation to trust Him more fully, love Him more deeply, and draw my family ever closer to Him. 

My heart is open to however many children God has planned for me because I have experienced the grace, strength, and joy that come from embracing His will. I know that with each child, we are not just growing in number—we are growing in faith. 

 

Is there any approach that has been particularly useful in helping you raise your children? 

For me, the most transformative approach to raising my children has been making daily Mass a priority. Each time I enter the church, I surrender my day to God, asking Him to help me approach everything with love and to allow His sacraments to transform me. I have come to understand that I cannot fulfill my vocation as a wife and mother without turning to God’s divine power. Everything I do is by His grace, and it is through the sacraments that I receive the strength, patience, and wisdom I need. 

I believe with all my heart that the sacraments have a divine power to shape me—to transform me into the mother and wife that God has destined me to be. The Eucharist is my source of strength, Confession is my place of healing, and daily prayer is my lifeline. Without these, I would be lost. 

But beyond the sacraments, I also place great importance on deepening my knowledge of the faith. As I go about my daily duties, whether I am driving, working, or taking care of my home, I continuously feed my soul by listening to faith-based teachings, scripture, and the wisdom of the saints. This constant pursuit of learning helps me understand what God desires from me, guiding me in my role as a wife and mother. 

My ultimate desire as a mother is for my children to become saints, to know and love Jesus with all their hearts. To achieve this, I must first become a model of faith for them. This means living a life of prayer, embracing the virtues of Christ, and relying on God’s grace every step of the way. 

Raising children is a sacred responsibility, and I have come to realise that my strength as a mother does not come from my own abilities, it comes from God. And so, I continue to turn to Him every day, trusting that He will lead me, shape me, and help me guide my children on the path to holiness. 

 

What’s something you’ve learned that you wish every Catholic woman could know? 

I have learned that it is impossible to raise a family and be a wife without God. Trying to navigate the beautiful yet challenging vocation of marriage and motherhood on our own strength is a path filled with frustration, anxiety, and emptiness. Many families today rely solely on their own ways to raise their children, believing that their efforts alone are enough. But without God at the center, even the strongest foundations can crumble. 

As a Catholic woman, I have come to understand that God is not just a part of our family life—He is the heart of it. He is the source of wisdom when we are confused, the strength when we are weary, and the comfort when we are overwhelmed. To build a strong, joyful, and faith-filled family, we must turn to Him constantly. 

This means making prayer a daily habit, embracing the sacraments, teaching our children about the saints, and filling our home with the light of Christ. It means surrendering our fears, our worries, and our desires to God, trusting that He has a beautiful plan for our family. 

But it also means recognizing that we cannot do this alone. We need the support of our parish community, the wisdom of the Church, and the prayers of the saints who have walked this path before us. We must build a home that is not just a place of comfort, but a domestic church—a place where faith is lived, love is shown, and Christ is the center. 

Above all, I have learned that when we allow God to be the foundation of our family, we are not just surviving—we are thriving. Our marriages are strengthened, our children grow up knowing they are loved, and our hearts are filled with a peace that only Christ can give. 

 

What’s your favorite Catholic book—and how has it formed your heart or shaped your faith? 

I am genuinely excited to answer this question because there is one book that I hold incredibly close to my heart, and I believe every soul should have it in their hands and hearts—My Daily Bread by Father Anthony J. Paone, S.J. 

This little book has been a constant companion in my spiritual journey, and it has played a deep role in my never-ending conversion and deepening relationship with Jesus.  

My Daily Bread does not just offer knowledge, it offers transformation. It has taught me how to live a life rooted in faith, how to embrace humility, how to surrender my fears to God, and how to recognise His presence in the ordinary moments of my day. Whenever I am struggling, feeling lost, or simply seeking a moment of peace, I turn to this book, and it never fails to draw me closer to Christ. 

This book hasn't just helped me personally, it has also shaped how I raise my children and how I run Little Saints by Norma. It reminds me that a real relationship with Jesus is the most important thing, and it inspires me to create products that help families grow in faith. 

If I could give just one book to someone who wants to grow closer to God, it would be My Daily Bread. It’s a little book with a big impact. 

 

Listening and learning from people like Norma, is one of the best ways to grow as a mother and person. If you want to find more about Little Saints by Norma, you can checkout their website and Instagram here.

 

Happy Mother's Day and God Bless,

Virtue Books and Gifts