Jim Daly

Life is busy. There’s work, responsibilities around the house, church, and schedules overflowing with school and sporting events. What little free time remains is often consumed by technology – television, smart phones, and gaming systems.

All of which means we are, by and large, experiencing life near our children, but less and less with our children.

Unfortunately, one of the activities getting squeezed out is reading. Studies show that less and less parents are reading to their children – an indication that many moms and dads don’t realize the role this activity plays in creating a bond between children and their parents.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family

When was the last time you were afraid?

According to world famous rock climber Alex Honnold, you need to experience something actually worthy of fear. He says if you don’t challenge yourself to face real danger and real fear from time to time, your mind will create it out of nothing.

Alex understands genuine fear. He’s a free solo rock climber, one of the most dangerous sports in the world. When he climbed El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, he did so without ropes or other protective equipment.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family

Personal growth doesn’t only benefit us, it ripples outward into all of our relationships, especially our marriage.

Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott got a unique window into that perspective while on vacation in Italy. One day, they went to visit Michelangelo’s famous statue of King David. So did thousands of other people. To escape the crowds, the Parrotts explored a nearby wing of the building called the “Hall of the Prisoners.” It featured unfinished statues that Michelangelo considered emblematic of mankind’s struggle to feel integrated with God, with ourselves, and with the people around us.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family

Happy Memorial Day!

On Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, we’re airing a recorded message by US Army Colonel Allen West, a retired military officer who received honors for valor, including a bronze star. He also served as a US Congressman and now works as a conservative media commentator.

Colonel West shares how to teach your children and grandchildren what it means to be an American. Instead of backyard barbecues, pool parties, or picnics in the park, take them to a National Cemetery or a celebration honoring the military.

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One of the most popular questions we get here at Focus on the Family is, “How do I pass my values on to my children?”

First and foremost is you, mom and dad. Your presence is the most important influence in your kids’ lives. They’re watching you. Everything you say and do makes a profound impression on what your children say and do. Model the values you hope your children will adopt as their own. If you want them to be loving, then be loving.

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Technology continues to make incredible, often unimaginable, strides. Much of it is well-intended. Communication technology and social media have transformed life, connecting us with people anywhere in the world. And, yet, according to the U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness is an epidemic. Half of all adults feel significantly isolated.

How can the most connected generation in history suffer from isolation? Because God has wired us for face to face, heart to heart connection that nothing digital can replicate.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family