Jim Daly

Understanding the Root of Your Child’s Misbehavior

Why do kids misbehave?

According to Dr. Kevin Leman, all misbehavior is a call for attention. If your children don’t get attention from you through positive actions, they’ll get it through negative actions.

He says the four goals of misbehavior are:

Once you understand the reasons behind your child’s misbehavior, the most important question still remains: what do you do about it?

Dr. Leman is our guest on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Understanding the Root of Your Child’s Misbehavior” to share how to uncover the root cause of whining, backtalking, and tantrums, and how to offer your children more love and acceptance without coddling them.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: parenting

Foster Care: How Everyone Can Help

What is the goal of foster care?

That’s a big question with a multi-faceted answer. We’re not all called to do the same thing, but we’re all capable of doing something. The ultimate goal is for every believer to feel empowered with a sense of calling and direction about their role.

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Cor.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: adoption, church, foster care

Finding New Strength as a Mom

Mom, are you suffering an identity crisis? When you introduce yourself, do you say, “I’m just a mom”? Do you see your own shortcomings and minimize the role you play in your kids’ lives?

I understand the temptation to think that way. On the surface, there’s nothing glamorous about chasing kids around the house, fixing meal after meal, and stepping on toys scattered down the hallway.

But motherhood is a unique calling. You’re not simply changing diapers; you’re molding character.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: mothers, parenting

WATCH: Ronald Reagan: A Man of Faith – A New Documentary from Focus on the Family

Ronald Reagan was the first president I voted for, though my decision came after some thoughtful soul-searching.

Although I shared most, if not all, of his ideological perspectives, Governor Reagan campaigned on a promise to reduce the Social Security Beneficiary Benefit. Having been orphaned, I was receiving this assistance and depended on it to help make ends meet.

For me, a vote for Reagan was a vote that would come at a price – as in dollars and cents.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: movie, ronald reagan, the daily citizen

Bringing Purpose and Power to Your Prayer Life

Today is the National Day of Prayer.

If you’re not familiar with it, this annual observance is held on the first Thursday of May and invites people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.

In honor of today, I hope you’ll tune in for a special edition of our Focus on the Family Broadcast we’re calling “Bringing Purpose and Power to Your Prayer Life.”

Our guest is Kathi Lipp, who will help listeners learn how to pray diligently for themselves and others.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, prayer

President Biden’s “American Families Plan” Risks Hurting the Very People it’s Supposed to Help

President Joe Biden’s “American Families Plan” is being touted by the administration as “an investment in our kids, our families, and our economic future.”

In reality, it’s a very bad bet – and for numerous reasons.

Of particular interest to me in the bill is the president’s proposal to spend an extra $225 billion on childcare and another $200 billion on “free” preschool. The premise and rationale for such a massive expenditure is that more federal dollars equate to healthier kids and families.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: politics

The Joys and Challenges of Marrying Your Opposite

When Jean and I first entered premarital counseling, we knew that we were meant for each other. We enjoyed most of the same things and were alike in almost every way.When we finished our last session a week later, that had all changed. We were both thinking, “Wow, we are nothing alike!” And we were wondering, “Are we going to be okay?”

At some point, every couple recognizes their differences, and something strange happens when they do: The whole idea of “two becoming one” gets turned into, “My spouse should become more like me.”

When author and blogger Melanie Shankle realized how different she and her husband were, she had a revelation.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: marriage

What to Do When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

Bodysurfing a huge wave is exhilarating. But you learn one thing really quick: Being on top of the wave is exciting. It’s not so fun when that wall of water crashes over you, and you’re sent tumbling out of control.

Feeling overwhelmed is a lot like that. Some days … well, you’re tumbling through an emotional ocean that’s crashing around you.

Many families feel overwhelmed. A phone call comes with bad news. You receive a text from someone with whom you have a strained relationship.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home

Tragic Death of Teen Represents a Collapsing Culture Not Police Brutality

Last week’s fatal shooting of a Columbus, Ohio teenager by a police officer set off another fierce debate about the competence and racial motivations of law enforcement.

As you will recall, Columbus police were called out to a violent knife attack. Body camera footage later revealed one of the teen girls attempting to stab the other just prior to the gunfire.

To be sure, the police officer, who was white, was faced with a horrific dilemma that required an almost instantaneous decision.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: culture

Saved Life of Future NFL Linebacker Reminds us all of Human Potential & Abortion’s Cost

How much human potential has been aborted?

The toll is inconceivable.

Since the United States Supreme Court legalized abortion in all fifty states back in 1973, over 62 million children have been lost – children who would have grown up to be scientists making discoveries, scholars and innovators solving problems – and athletes accomplishing incredible feats on the gridiron.

Like Micah Parsons.

At twenty-one years of age, the Penn State sophomore linebacker is expected to be drafted in the NFL draft’s first round on Thursday night.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: abortion, pro-life