Digital technology is good in many ways and can serve our families well. But when does tech become too much?

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 that other studies show a connection between technology use and rising levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts in children and teens.

The question is, “What should parents do about technology, especially since it has become integral to how we manage our lives?”

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “How to Take Your Family Through a Digital Fast,” 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 January 2, 2024 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The ancient Stoic philosophers often employed an exercise known as “premeditatio malorum” – or the premeditation of evils. In short, they would conjure up in their minds how bad things could happen to them and then do the exact opposite, believing good things would inevitably and invariably come from such activity. 

Today, we call this practice the “Law of Inversion” – and it can be equally effective when pondering how best to help our children and teens grow into responsible and successful adults. 

This practice recently came to mind thanks to my friend, Holly, who has been teaching at a Christian college for more than two decades.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, parenting December 12, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

It’s that time of year again: time to think about what to get your children for Christmas. The pressure is real. Every year, retailers and toy and tech companies offer up a never-ending buffet of games and gadgets. There’s a lot to choose from, and some of it will lose its sparkle by New Year’s Day.

Before you stress out, I’ve got a great gift idea, one that I promise your children will love. It’s you.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, parenting December 11, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Colorado rancher once shared an insight with me that illustrates the balance between discipline and love in parenting. He said he employed two strategies for guiding his cattle to where he wanted them on his ranch. The first was a well. Cattle roam miles of grassland when they’re grazing, but they usually stay close to their water source. The second strategy was barbed wire. The barbs produce just enough discomfort to deter cattle from pushing beyond the boundary.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, parenting November 28, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Dad, don’t let your teenage daughter fool you. She needs you. I know her attitude may not always reflect that, but it’s true. She’s caught in a whirlwind of hormones and emotional upheaval. Her self-worth is under attack, and her social world is topsy-turvy. On top of that, she’s physically growing, changing, and feeling awkward. With you. With everybody.

Over the next few years, your daughter’s attitude will tempt you to disengage from her, to keep her at arm’s length.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, parenting November 16, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura