“Deconstruction” has been a part of the public lexicon for years. For many, it’s a season of honest questioning that leads to a deeper, more personal faith. Others detach themselves from church or abandon their belief in God altogether.

If your adult children are questioning their Christian faith or have already walked away entirely, you may feel upset and are asking yourself, “What do I do?”

On Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, I’m talking with author Jim Burns about how to trust God in the midst of your confusion and to respond to children who say, “I don’t believe anymore” with wisdom and humility.

Topics: Family and Home August 26, 2026 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Every one of us is wired for connection. From our earliest relationships with our parents and siblings, we learn that we need emotional nourishment as much as we need food and water.

It’s also in our formative years that we learn how we connect with others. Patterns begin to emerge that determine how we offer and receive love. Understanding those “love styles” is important because we carry them into our relationship with our spouse.

God’s desire is for us to develop a secure style of attachment; that is, to learn to offer and receive love that is present, unconditional, and sacrificial.

Topics: Family and Home August 24, 2026 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

At the 2008 Summer Olympics, both the U.S. men’s and women’s 4 x 100 relay teams were expected to compete for the gold medal – but shockingly, neither team even made it to the finals.

Neither American team exited the competition early because other countries were faster but because they dropped the baton during an exchange. Runners almost never drop the baton during the middle of their relay leg. They drop it in the hand-off.

The exchange is where things often go wrong for parents as well.

Topics: Family and Home August 21, 2026 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

One of the hardest parts of parenting during the teen years is understanding how to have conversations that really matter about tough issues like broken trust, difficult friendships, or dating. We want to help our kids become who God created them to be, but tough conversations can quickly turn emotional or tense and leave us wondering if we helped the situation or made it worse.

You may find it helpful to reframe those moments. Think of your child as a dump truck filled with diamonds.

Topics: Family and Home August 17, 2026 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

If you’re married, you and your spouse probably recited vows to each other at your wedding. You probably also discovered that once you stepped down from the altar, words weren’t enough. You had to live it out.

Marriage can be a struggle. You’re not living a fairytale where everything is “happily ever after.” Conflict happens. You’ll face unmet expectations, differing viewpoints, and unexpected storms – like a job loss, trouble with your kids, or heart-breaking news that threatens to pull your marriage apart.

Topics: Family and Home August 6, 2026 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Middle school can be a confusing time for your children.

They’re experiencing physical changes. Their bodies flood with hormones, which leads to physical growth (some kids grow several inches during this time), hair development in private places, and skin changes: pimples, body odor, etc.

On top of all of that, school can be socially exhausting. They’re surrounded by peers they didn’t choose, and everyone is changing as quickly as they are. It’s a confusing environment within which your child is struggling to discover his or her identity.

Topics: Family and Home August 4, 2026 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

There are two reactions to change:

1. Excitement.

2. Struggle.

Most of us understand that change can be good for us, but we still experience mixed feelings. We want to improve ourselves, but we struggle to let go of what used to be. Even positive changes, like a new job or upgrading to a larger home can stir up sadness over what we’re leaving behind.

Change is a complicated and unavoidable part of life for adults.

Topics: Family and Home July 31, 2026 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Lisa and Theo made an appointment with counselor Debra Fileta to discuss their marriage because Lisa didn’t understand why Theo wouldn’t emotionally open up to her. She interpreted his behavior as evidence that he didn’t really love her.

Debra saw something different. She recognized Theo’s behavior as a deficit of skill, not love. He loved Lisa but lacked the tools he needed to express it.

Debra sees similar trouble in a lot of relationships. Couples lack a practical understanding of how to allow God’s love to flow through them toward the people closest to them.

Topics: Family and Home July 22, 2026 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Maybe you’re like many Christian parents who want their kids to have a strong faith in God but don’t know how to help them develop one. Taking your kids to church and youth group is a great start, but the most significant spiritual influence in your child’s life is you.

One of the most meaningful ways parents can pass on their faith is through simple family devotions. While that idea may stir up even more uncertainty, let me assure you that there’s no one “right way” to do it.

Topics: Family and Home July 22, 2026 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

We’re all running as fast as we can. Mostly by choice. It’s hard to slow down when society rewards us for being on the go all day, every day. It’s also hard to work full time, build a strong marriage, and raise a family. Some days it’s all we can do to keep up with life’s demands.

The problem isn’t just busy schedules, it’s busy hearts and minds as well. We’re so anxious and stressed out that we’re less likely to notice the fragrance of a flower, the joy of a child’s laughter, or the soul of our spouse.

Topics: Family and Home July 15, 2026 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura