parenting Archives

Was George Carlin Right?

We’ve just returned from a great week of camping in Yellowstone National Park. I need to plow into all the work that accumulated while we were away, but before doing so, I wanted to share one quick thought.

The late comedian George Carlin once said, “Some national parks have long waiting lists for camping reservations. When you have to wait a year to sleep next to a tree, something is wrong.”

I get it! Perhaps a soft bed and a warm shower are more your style.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting July 8, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Trent’s First Fish

Have you ever noticed that when kids are young and growing fast, something from only four years back seems like an eternity ago? In that spirit, I’d like to share a great memory with you – “way back” from 2009. I hope it brings a smile to your face. Have a great weekend!

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My dad never took me fishing—which explains why I don’t know what I’m doing when it comes to the sport. I was never shown the ropes.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting July 5, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

On Vacations and Rest

Summer is officially here, and along with it traditionally comes a season when many families take time to vacation and be together to rest, regroup and have some fun.

I say “traditionally” because such vacations may be becoming increasingly rare.

There are no legally mandated paid holidays in the United States, but many businesses and organizations do offer their workers paid time off as part of their compensation package. However, Americans leave as many as 175 million available vacation days unused in the typical year.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, finances, kids, marriage, parenting July 2, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

How Your Relationship with Your In-Laws Impacts Your Marriage

A few months ago, I ran a post about in-laws and the marriage relationship that really struck a chord in the Daly Focus community and resulted in good conversation in the comments section.

I’m reposting the piece today because it dovetails perfectly with today’s broadcast, “Establishing Healthy Boundaries with Your In-Laws (Part 1 of 2).” Our guests, Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend, share practical advice and encouragement for married couples, and talk about how a good in-law relationship can have a positive impact on marriage.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, marriage, parenting July 1, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Dr. Al Mohler Remembers His Father

If you’ve followed the ministry of Focus on the Family with any regularity over the past few years, you’ve probably heard me talk about the difficulties I encountered growing up—especially as they relate to my alcoholic father, who essentially abandoned our family when I was very young. That painful experience impacted and shaped my life in profound ways.

Unfortunately, my situation is not unique. Millions of kids today grow up without a father in their lives.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, kids, parenting June 20, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Please Watch this Video

I wish you could have been sitting with our team the other day when we gathered to watch a short video.

It’s about a young couple and their unborn child, and the story is told from the perspective of the father.

We’ve titled it “A Letter from Dad.”

Since you couldn’t be there the other day, I hope you’ll take a moment to watch it now:

Do you need a tissue? I’ve seen this video several times, but it never fails to leave me with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting June 19, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

These Things I’ll Remember

Yesterday was Father’s Day. For those keeping score at home, it was the 113th anniversary of the holiday, a day that finds its origin in the genius of a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd.

Ironically, Mrs. Dodd was inspired to set aside the day to honor her own father while listening to a sermon on Mother’s Day in Spokane, Washington. It was May of 1909. The first Father’s Day celebration was held the next June 19th, 1910.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, kids, parenting June 17, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Notes You’ll Never Throw Away

This is Jean Daly, Jim’s wife. I’m going to hijack Jim’s blog today to allow our sons, Trent and Troy, to pay a tribute to their dad, whom they absolutely adore.

And I suppose it wouldn’t surprise you to know that I do, too.

Earlier this week the boys sat down to offer some thoughts on what their dad means to them. When I first met and married Jim, I remember thinking he’d be a terrific father.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting June 12, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Are Your Kids Overscheduled?

How did you spend your summer days as a child?

For many years I lived a short distance from my elementary school. My friends and I would play baseball over on the school field, riding our bikes home for lunch and then meeting back up for another 4 or 5 hours of play.

No uniforms. No umpires. No adults. Just the kids – like a typical Charlie Brown episode, minus the “wah, wah, woh, wah” adult soundtrack from the sidelines.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting May 31, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Secret to a Great Life

Anyone who will step back and take a look at his way of life can find ways to slow down without resorting to tranquilizers. Why shouldn’t the busy mom, between chores, kick off her shoes, lie down on the sofa, and day dream for a few minutes? If her conscience tries to intrude, it should be sent on an errand. When she gets up she’ll find that a lot of energy has flowed back into her.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, marriage, parenting May 30, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura