family Archives

National Adoption Month

Few experiences are as comforting and connecting as a family gathered around the Thanksgiving table. Fellowship with family and giving thanks to God for His many blessings is something we look forward to in the Daly household every year.

But the holidays weren’t like that for me growing up. My mother died when I was young, and my stepfather abandoned me and my siblings, so Thanksgiving was anything but a peaceful family holiday. Mostly I remember feeling disconnected from everything that was happening around me.

Topics: Uncategorized Tags: family, parenting November 2, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Your Marriage Can Win the Battle Against Pornography

Did you know:

55% of married Christian men look at porn monthly.

1 in 10 view porn daily.

71% of those who view 7+ hours of porn weekly report some kind of sexual dysfunction.

More than half (56%) of divorce cases involve a spouse having an obsession with pornographic websites.

Mark and Rosie Makinney’s family was nearly destroyed by the poison of pornography. They now help other couples discover the good news that God can heal, restore, and redeem anyone who turns to Him for help.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, marriage November 1, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Are You a Good Listener?

Author and pastor Ted Cunningham says, “Social media is a place where people share their opinions without sticking around for the conversation.”

He’s right. A lot of people like to share what they think, but not many will listen to what you think. Watch closely to how people interact with you, and you’ll see what I mean. Do they ask questions to better understand your point of view? And when you answer, do they really listen?

Topics: Current Events Tags: family, pop culture October 31, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

How to Talk to Your Teenager Without Losing Your Mind

Raising teenagers can be both exciting and stressful. There’s a lot going on in their lives. They’re learning how to manage their own thoughts, feelings. and identities apart from mom and dad.

Developmentally, that’s a good thing. But in many families, a teenager’s struggle for independence becomes a tug-of-war with parents who take their authority seriously.

Effective communication with a teenager can be challenging, especially if you’re trying to navigate conflict, emotional triggers, disrespect, and even a few slammed doors.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, parenting October 30, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Modeling Generosity for Your Children

Do you practice “everyday generosity”?

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Modeling Generosity for Your Children,” father-and-son team Brad and Drew Formsma explain how to use your time, talent, and influence to infuse your children with a spirit of generosity that they’ll carry into their adult years.

They’ll share how to be generous with:

In a “me-focused” culture, our children can develop an other-centered attitude that expresses Christ’s love through simple acts of kindness.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, parenting October 27, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Seven Opportunities

Would you like a happier marriage? If so, then you have a choice to make.

In fact, you have seven choices to make.

According to studies, couples disagree almost 2,500 times per year, which averages out to seven times a day. That’s seven opportunities every day to drive your relationship further apart. Or to draw it closer together. Which one depends on you. Literally. You get to choose.

You see, a lot of couples fall prey to the myth that their conflict is the result of their differences.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, marriage October 26, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Green-Colored Glasses

My guess is you consider yourself an open minded person. You’re mostly right. I say mostly because we’re all biased. Each of us has filters through which we see the world.

We’re a lot like the people of Oz – as in The Wizard of Oz. In the original story, written by Frank Baum, the Emerald City is said to be made of green glass, emeralds, and other jewels. And yet, when Dorothy and her companions enter the city, the Wizard expects them to wear green-tinted spectacles.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family October 24, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

See Past the Prison

Life can be beautiful. It can also be really ugly. The difference often lies in your perspective.

Most people consider San Francisco Bay one of the most stunning views in California. The Golden Gate Bridge. Mountains. Bike trails. The sparkling bay waters. Everywhere you look, you’re surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Unless you’re a prisoner on Alcatraz Island just a mile off shore.

For three decades, Alcatraz was home to one of the most notorious penitentiaries in American history, housing infamous gangsters like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family October 19, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

My Search for a Father’s Love

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “My Search for a Father’s Love,” we’re sharing my conversation with Lynsi Snyder, the owner and president of the In-N-Out Burger chain of restaurants located in the western part of the United States.

Although her family’s wealth made life appear like a fairy tale to outsiders, Lynsi has had a difficult and, at times, heart breaking journey. Her father died when she was 17 years old, which led her into a downward spiral of drug and alcohol abuse and promiscuous relationships in search of love.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family October 18, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Navigating the Middle School Years

The middle school years can be tough. And not just for the kids. They can be challenging for parents as well.

As your child enters adolescence, your parenting approach will likely have to shift gears. There’s a lot going on, after all. Not only is a whirlwind of puberty at your child’s doorstep, but his or her priorities are changing. Family often becomes an afterthought, while friends and independence become most important.

What’s a parent to do?

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, kids October 17, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura