Author Jeff Manion once decided to de-clutter his life. His goal was to throw out or give away five items every day. Over a period of six weeks, he got rid of outdated video tapes and DVDs, old sneakers, and more than a few things from the garage. At the end of that short period, Jeff succeeded in tossing out a total of 210 items.

He thought he’d feel relief. Instead, he felt disappointment – not because he missed the things he’d gotten rid of but because his life was no different in their absence.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, parenting March 19, 2025 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Most toddlers share one thing in common – they want their own way. We’ve all seen the “throw yourself on the floor” tantrums that often shows up as a result.  But what’s a parent to do when the kicking and screaming starts? We’d like to share a few helpful suggestions.

Most importantly, when your child demands his own way, don’t give in. If you do, he’ll learn that tantrums work and is more likely to throw a fit the next time he wants something.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, parenting March 12, 2025 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Here’s an eye-opening stat for you: research shows that children spend an average of seven hours and 22 minutes on their phones every day!

That’s even more troubling when you consider studies that show a connection between pervasive technology use and rising levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts in children and teens.

How much technology is too much? Maybe a better question is, “How can parents help their children navigate technology well, especially since it’s become integral to how we manage our lives?”

On Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, I’m talking with author Molly DeFrank about how parents can reset technological boundaries and behaviors for their children.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, parenting March 6, 2025 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

David Jones is living proof that you should never underestimate a father’s love.

For months, David looked forward to walking his daughter down the aisle. But then Hurricane Helene came along, causing catastrophic damage, knocking out power for millions, and shutting down hundreds of roads, including the ones David needed to get to his daughter’s wedding.

Under normal conditions, his drive from South Carolina to Tennessee takes two hours. After the hurricane, he spent seven hours in traffic that ended at a road block almost 20 miles from his destination.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, parenting February 4, 2025 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Has parenting been a bumpy ride for you? Some days may be so stressful you’re left wondering, “Is all of this worth it?”

I believe the answer is a resounding yes, but you may not fully appreciate why until after your children are grown. The turbulence can blind you to the reward. On summer vacation one year, my boys and I signed up for a helicopter ride over Bryce Canyon in Utah. The day of our flight the helicopter was under repair, so the pilot took us up in a small Cessna he owned instead.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, parenting January 24, 2025 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Some parents believe you develop a child’s self-confidence by protecting them from adversity. That strategy seems reasonable, but it’s actually counter-productive. Children need love and support, but they also need challenges. Effective parenting isn’t about making children comfortable right where they are. It’s about encouraging them toward something even greater.

Let me give you a personal example: My father figures were difficult to respect. My biological father died from alcohol. My step dad abandoned me and my siblings the day of my mother’s funeral.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, parenting January 8, 2025 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura