Episodes

Aug. 3, 2023

Don't Be So Serious!

Regardless of your personality, it's good to have fun with you kids. Gary Thomas talks with Jim Daly about a time he learned to be grateful for the present moment as a father. Plus, John Fuller and Danny Huerta discuss how serious parents can learn to have fun. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Sacred Parenting" for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Contact our Counseling Department F...
Aug. 1, 2023

When You Are Inconvenienced

When things don't go as planned, it can be easy to get upset as a mom or dad. Jim Daly and Gary Thomas talk about good and bad ways to handle your frustrations as a parent. John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta will also remind us how choosing to enjoy the moment can make a difference in your parenting. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Sacred Parenting" for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting...
July 26, 2023

Four Explanatory Styles

A big key to helping your kids succeed in life is teaching them to stop making excuses. Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Kathy Koch about four types of excuses kids can make. You'll also hear John and Danny share how you can practically help your kids eliminate excuses from their vocabularies. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Resilient Kids" for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Raising Resil...
July 25, 2023

Being a Model for Resiliency

One of the best ways to teach your kids resiliency is to model it yourself. John and Danny share about a parent they admire for this quality. Plus, Jim Daly and Dr. Kathy Koch address why your innermost beliefs impact your ability to be resilient. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Resilient Kids" for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Raising Resilient Kids 5 Emotional and Relational I...
July 20, 2023

Encouragement for Parents Raising a Child with Autism

Raising a child with special needs is not easy. If you or someone you know is in that situation, John and Danny will offer some encouragement. Plus, Jim Daly and Julie Hornok speak about her experience of raising a daughter with autism. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "United in Autism" for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Hope and Help for Parents with a Child with Autism Encouragi...
July 18, 2023

Lessons from Doubting Thomas

Characters in the Bible are revered for their faithfulness, and yet, many of them had serious flaws too. The key for your parenting is in learning from their examples. John and Danny discuss their favorite Bible characters. Also, Jim Daly will chat with Lisa-Jo Baker on things we can learn from Jesus' disciple named Thomas. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "The Middle Matters" for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 T...
July 13, 2023

Internal Battles Moms and Dads Deal With

Parenting is a demanding job, and it's easy to feel exhausted sometimes. Danny tells John aobut some of the emotions he struggled with as a father. You'll also hear Jim Daly speak with Courtney Ellis about some of the things she wrestled with when her kids were little. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Almost Holy Mama" for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Learning from the Prayer Lif...
July 11, 2023

Healthy Expectations for the Toddler Years

The demands of raising toddlers are unlike any other season of parenting. Danny and John discuss what it was likely for them to raise young toddlers. Plus, Jim Daly speaks with Courtney Ellis about some of the ups and downs she faced when her kids were little. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Almost Holy Mama" for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Learning from the Prayer Life of Jesu...
July 6, 2023

When a Frustrating Moment Becomes Fun

Have you ever had a really frustrating moment as a parent that later became a fun memory? John and Danny share some examples from their own parenting journeys. You'll also hear from Jim Daly who speaks with Gary Thomas about learning to embrace the moment you're in as a mom or dad. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Sacred Parenting" for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Does Performanc...
July 4, 2023

What If I’ve Messed Up?

Many empty nest parents are battling feelings of regret over missed opportunities with their kids. One of the best ways to solve that is to make the most of every moment. John and Danny discuss how to enjoy the present times with your kids, and Jim Daly and Gary Thomas encourage parents who are struggling with regret. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Sacred Parenting" for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of...
June 29, 2023

Traits of Resilience

It's inspiring to see someone who doesn't give up, even when things get tough. As a parent, you want to instill that kind of toughness in your son or daughter. John and Danny talk about encouraging your kids to not give up; plus, Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Kathy Koch about the benefits of resiliency. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Resilient Kids: Raising Them to Embrace Life with Confidence" for your donation of any amount! Lea...
June 27, 2023

Don't Be Overly Protective

Being overly protective of your kids is very dangerous for their overall well-being. John and Danny share how they've seen this play out with parents, and ways to encourage your kids to be resilient. Jim Daly also talks to Dr. Kathy Koch on how to not be too protective as a mom or dad. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Resilient Kids: Raising Them to Embrace Life with Confidence" for your donation of any amount! Learn About the ...
June 22, 2023

Showing Hospitality as a Parent

Showing hospitality can be one of the best ways to give back to kids in your community. Lisa-Jo Baker shares with Jim and Jean Daly about how she invited company over when her kids got older. Plus, John and Danny address why it's good to open up your home to others. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "The Middle Matters" for your donation of any amount...
June 20, 2023

Keeping Friendships with Other Parents

Friendships are one of the richest parts of life. But how do you maintain them amidst the demands of parenting? Lisa-Jo Baker speaks with Jim and Jean Daly about some of her best friends, plus John and Danny share a few practical ideas for dads on how to keep friendships strong. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "The Middle Matters" for your donation of any amount! Parenting Resource Page Abounding Midlife Living Developing Fri...
June 13, 2023

Praying for Your Child's Decisions

It's rewarding as a parent when your son or daughter makes a good choice. While we cannot control our children's decisions, John and Danny explain how praying for them can make a significant difference. Also, Focus President Jim Daly talks with Becky Harling about how she's learned to pray for her kids. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "How to Listen So Your Kids Will Talk" for your donation of any amount! An Essential Guide to ...
June 13, 2023

Tips for Managing the Junior High Years

Navigating the junior high years can be one of the most complex times of parenting. To help alleviate your concerns, Jim Daly talks with Becky Harling about some of the challenges she overcame during this stage of raising kids. Plus, John and Danny offer some tips for if your pre-teen is developing poor habits. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "How to Listen So Your Kids Will Talk" for your donation of any amount! Parenting Reso...
June 8, 2023

Showing Curiosity in Your Child's Interests

Has one of your kids ever been interested in something you didn't enjoy? Jim Daly speaks with Gary Thomas about learning to appreciate things our kids like. Plus, John and Danny discuss why it's good to sacrifice some of our own interests for our kids' sake. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Sacred Parenting" for your donation of any amount! Parenti...
June 6, 2023

When You Feel Guilt as a Parent

Trying to be the perfect mom or dad is a sure way to set yourself up for disappointment. Jim Daly and Gary Thomas talk about letting go of perfectionism. Also, John and Danny discuss how apologizing when you get something wrong can help your relationship overall. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Sacred Parenting" for your donation of any amount! Parenting Resource Page Counseling Department How to Handle Working Mom Guilt Li...
May 31, 2023

What if My Kids Become Like Me?

It's a convicting question to ask, "What if my kids become like me?" John and Danny share how their kids have sometimes tried to imitate them, and Jim Daly and Dr. Gary Chapman discuss how to ask God to help us change for the better. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Things I Wish I’d Known Before My Child Became a Teenager" for your donation of any amount! Parenting Resource Page Counseling Department Listen Anytime If you'v...
May 30, 2023

How Love and Service Are Connected

Giving your teen an opportunity to serve can help him or her grow as a person. John and Danny discuss why it's important for teens to practice helping other people, and Jim Daly talks with Dr. Gary Chapman about a time he taught his kids to serve some neighbors. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Things I Wish I’d Known Before My Child Became a Teenager" for your donation of any amount! Parenting Resource Page Launch Into the Te...
May 25, 2023

Heroes Your Kids Can Admire

As your kids are growing up, it's good to introduce them to real-life heroes. Jim Daly talks with Lisa-Jo Baker about who some of her heroes are, and John and Danny discuss some places you can take your kids to meet admirable people. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "The Middle Matters" for your donation of any amount! Parenting Resource Page The Super Power of Real Heroes Fearlessly Facing the Final Unknown Listen Anytime I...
May 23, 2023

Parenting Isn't Like the Movies

Movies can be fun, but raising kids in real life isn't the same as the films portray. John and Danny share how to stop comparing your parenting with movies, and Jim Daly speaks with Lisa-Jo Baker about how she's wrestled with comparison as a parent. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "The Middle Matters" for your donation of any amount! Parenting Resource Page Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800...
May 18, 2023

Finding the Words in a Tough Time

When your child is blindsided by difficult news, it can be hard for them to find the words to say. John and Danny offer some advice for how to share bad news with your kids in an age-appropriate way. Plus, Jim Daly talks with Becky Harling about when she announced to her kids she'd been diagnosed with cancer. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "How to Listen So Your Kids Will Talk" for your donation of any amount! Parenting Resour...
May 16, 2023

God Leans In

Have you ever been correcting a child, only to have him or her be intimidated by your discipline? Many of us have experienced that. John and Danny share about paying attention to our non-verbal cues as parents. Also, Jim Daly speaks with Becky Harling about ways she's relied on God for improving the communication with her kids. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "How to Listen So Your Kids Will Talk" for your donation of any amount...