parenting Archives

Surviving Divorce and Single Parenthood

The permanence of marriage is one of our foundational principles here at Focus on the Family. We believe that marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God that benefits not only husbands and wives, but society as a whole.

That’s biblical. Matthew 19:5-6 says, “A man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh … what God has joined together, let no man separate.”

That said, we acknowledge that we live in a world that’s broken by sin, where the potential always exists for marriages to self-destruct because one or both spouses walk away from their commitment and aren’t willing to restore the relationship.

Topics: Uncategorized Tags: marriage, parenting March 15, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Practical Advice for Raising Responsible Children

Kay Wyma is a popular author, blogger, and mother to five children. One of her friends is a human resources director who told her about a phone interview she had with a young man who had just graduated from college. Their conversation was going well until she heard the voice of the boy’s father. He was listening in and advising his son how to answer questions. Kay’s friend immediately rescinded her offer and informed the father that his twenty-something-year-old son ought to be capable of interviewing for jobs on his own.

Topics: Uncategorized Tags: family, kids, parenting March 11, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Helping Kids Navigate Worry in Healthy Ways

The war in Ukraine.

Starting a new school.

Staying home alone.

Fear of the dark.

Every child worries. It’s normal for children to feel anxious when navigating new experiences or processing difficult news. In fact, fear is a healthy response in some circumstances.

The goal is to teach children discernment and balance. A healthy fear of busy intersections or growling dogs is good. But feeling hindered, even crippled, by worry in everyday life is not.

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Helping Kids Navigate Worry in Healthy Ways,” we’re sharing practical advice for equipping your child to manage his or her fears.

Topics: Uncategorized Tags: kids, parenting March 8, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

How to Talk with Children About the War in Ukraine

Russia’s reckless and bloody invasion of the sovereign nation of Ukraine has captured the world’s attention, and for good reason. Not since World War II has one European nation attacked another. Vladimir Putin’s violent campaign has put the globe on edge, and now there are fears he may even use nuclear weapons.

Given the depth and breadth of these historic events, parents are inevitably facing questions from children. How should moms and dads respond?

First, it’s important for parents to limit children’s exposure to the round-the-clock coverage of the escalating crisis.

Topics: Uncategorized Tags: parenting February 28, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Establishing Healthy Boundaries with Adult Children

Here at Focus on the Family, we regularly hear from parents with adult children whose lives have hit a snag because of irresponsibility or for reasons beyond their control – they don’t get accepted into college or there’s a slump in the job market. Tragically, some families endure even more serious issues. The young adult becomes a prodigal, suffers from an addiction, or chooses a lifestyle that’s contrary to the way he or she was raised.

Topics: Uncategorized Tags: family, kids, parenting February 28, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Recognizing Your Son’s Need for Respect

Mom, God has wired you to love your son. Your soft, nurturing spirit is critical to his development. But as your son grows into a young man, his primary emotional need from you will become something else: respect.

Respect is what attracts guys to coaches and mentors. A growing boy needs someone who will put an arm around his shoulder and challenge his performance. Someone who will say, “I expect more out of you, and you should expect more out of yourself.” A boy needs to be challenged to rise up and win the game, to conquer the chess tournament, or to master the musical piece.

Topics: Uncategorized Tags: family, kids, parenting February 24, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Helping Teen Girls Love Their Family Well

Jessie Minassian knows the struggles teenage girls face. She’s an author, a speaker, and a blogger who is passionate about mentoring young women. And she lived through some challenging teen years herself.

At one point, Jessie went through such a difficult time that she plotted to run away from home. Her plan fell apart before she even stepped outside of her house, but it was a turning point in her life. She decided that if she was going to stay, she ought to “stay well” and make the most of her time with her family.

Topics: Uncategorized Tags: family, kids, parenting February 15, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Biblical Truths Your Kids Need to Know

What should be the main focus of parenting?

Scripture provides a clear job description for parents in Deuteronomy 6:7, which says “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

Teaching your children God’s Word can happen in a structured setting like family devotions, but Scripture encourages parents to weave conversation about God into everyday life.

Topics: Uncategorized Tags: faith, parenting February 7, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

How to Speak Your Child’s Love Languages

What if you and your children each spoke different languages?

Imagine the challenges. How would you communicate? How would you express your love? Even if you repeatedly said the words, “I love you,” your child might never be able to fully receive your love on an emotional level. To communicate in a way that your child understands, you would need to learn to speak his or her language.

The truth is your child does speak his or her own language.

Topics: Uncategorized Tags: faith, kids, parenting February 3, 2022 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 a conversation I had 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 life into a downward spiral.

Topics: Uncategorized Tags: faith, family, parenting January 31, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura