Danny Huerta, PsyD, MSW, LCSW, LSSW

It can be discouraging when your child acts uninterested in Sunday worship or church activities. John and Danny offer practical advice for involving kids of all ages in church and ministry. Featuring guest Shauna Pilgreen.

John and Danny discuss a simple method of enforcing the rules that doesn’t require repeating yourself. Featuring guests Michael Anderson and Dr. Timothy Johanson.

You kids may just be more capable than you think! John and Danny discuss how parents can fight the urge to be controlling. Featuring guests Michael Anderson and Dr. Timothy Johanson.

Less than one percent of little league players make it to the major leagues. But even if your child doesn’t become a professional athlete, playing sports is a valuable learning opportunity. John and Danny offer tips for helping your child gain confidence. Featuring guest Dr. David Clarke.

On this episode of the Focus on the Family Parenting Podcast, John and Danny describe why teenage rebellion isn’t always a bad thing. Featuring guest Dr. David Clarke.

Hollywood has distorted the meaning of sex. It’s crucial to teach your kids God’s design for sexuality. John and Danny highlight important talking points for parents. Featuring guest Jessie Minassian.

The saying goes, “If you want a good friend, be a good friend.” John and Danny offer practical advice to help teens become contributors in relationships. Featuring guest Jessie Minassian.

The Christian life is not free from hardship. John and Danny describe how to talk to your kids about difficult circumstances. Featuring guest Shauna Pilgreen.

God sends some to other countries to share the gospel, but he calls many to minister in their own backyard. John and Danny offer practical advice to help your family become mission-minded wherever you live. Featuring guest Shauna Pilgreen.

It’s normal to be anxious if you’re facing a high-risk pregnancy. John and Danny offer advice for coming alongside friends struggling with fear. Featuring guests Greg and Erin Smalley and Suzanne Gosselin.

Parenting can stretch you spiritually and cause you to rely on God. John and Danny discuss some of the hidden benefits of having children. Featuring guests Greg and Erin Smalley and Suzanne Gosselin.

Virtues like kindness and respect are often better caught than taught. John and Danny discuss how to model important virtues for your children. Featuring guest Dr. David Clarke.

Hearing the words “I love you” regularly can make all the difference in a child’s life. John and Danny offer practical tips for helping your child feel loved at any age. Featuring guest Dr. David Clarke.

Your words can strengthen your long-term relationship with your teen or push them away. John and Danny offer advice on correcting teens in love. Featuring guest Jessie Minassian.

It’s crucial for pre-teens to know their identity isn’t found in success, popularity, or looks. John and Danny offer Biblical advice for helping kids answer important questions like “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” Featuring guest Jessie Minassian.

If you’re a perfectionist, you may have a hard time enjoying day-to-day moments in parenting. John and Danny share advice to help you enjoy your relationship with your kids and avoid burnout. Featuring guest Sarah Parshall Perry.

With social media, it’s easier than ever to compare yourself to other moms. John and Danny offer advice on overcoming comparison and discouragement. Featuring guest Sarah Parshall Perry.

Dads play a crucial role even in the first few months of a baby’s life. John and Danny offer encouragement and advice to first-time dads. Featuring guests Suzanne Gosselin and Greg & Erin Smalley.

When you’re a new parent, it’s important to stay flexible and give yourself grace as you learn. John and Danny discuss what they wish they would’ve known before they had kids. Featuring guests Suzanne Gosselin and Greg & Erin Smalley.

Most parents lean toward the strict side or the more permissive side, and we can all work on moving toward the middle. John and Danny give a brief overview of the top 7 traits of effective parenting. Featuring guest Dr. David Clarke.

If you’re like many couples, your marriage went on autopilot after you had kids. John and Danny offer tips for reconnecting with your spouse. Featuring guest Dr. David Clarke.

You don’t want to overwhelm your child, but you also shouldn’t wait too long to have ‘the talk.’ John and Danny offer advice for introducing the topic of sexuality to kids age 7-9. Featuring guest Jessie Minassian.

The world regularly teaches us ways to consume in our relationships rather than contributing to them. How, then, can we teach our kids to become contributors rather than consumers?

If you’re like many parents, you dread having ‘the talk’ with your kids. John and Danny help parents overcome common pitfalls and describe some less obvious topics that are important to cover. Featuring guest Jessie Minassian.

As a mom, your job has an eternal impact, but that’s not always easy to remember in day-to-day life. John and Danny offer encouragement to moms who feel isolated and exhausted.

Parenting is rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. John and Danny encourage moms to persevere in motherhood. Featuring guest Sarah Parshall Perry.

Sadly, many expectant moms and dads are deflated by others’ negative comments about child-rearing. John and Danny encourage expectant parents and discuss why children are a blessing. Featuring guests Dr. Greg Smalley, Erin Smalley, and Suzanne Gosselin.

It’s frustrating to feel like you can never get your teen to open up. John and Danny offer tips for starting meaningful conversations with your teenager. Featuring guest Dr. Kara Powell.

The best thing you can do for your kids is strengthen your marriage. John Fuller and Danny Huerta offer practical tips for prioritizing your relationship with your spouse. Featuring guest Dr. David Clarke.

Parenting is one of the most difficult and demanding jobs, and you can’t do it alone. John and Danny describe the benefits of inviting trusted believers to be involved in your child’s life. Featuring guest Dr. David Clarke.

John and Danny give hope to parents who are discouraged by their child’s behavior and offer tips for knowing your child well.

Social media adds even more pressure to teens who are already self-conscious about their appearance. John and Danny describe important conversations to have with teens about beauty and body image.

One of the most rewarding aspects of parenting is helping your child identify their calling. John and Danny offer tips for knowing your child well.

In a recent study, only 8 percent of parents were confident their teen could schedule a doctor’s appointment on their own. John and Danny discuss practical steps to prepare your kids to leave the house. Featuring Michael Anderson and Dr. Timothy Johanson.

Authoritative parenting values the relationship with their son or daughter while valuing the development of their child. The New Year is a great time to focus on implementing this parenting style in your life.

Dr. Kara Powell shares one of her favorite parenting principles: ‘As long as you have a relationship, you have influence.’ Plus, John and Danny offer advice for parents who are shocked and heartbroken by an adult child’s decisions.

It’s good for teens to know you’re there when they need guidance. John Fuller and Danny Huerta offer tips for having meaningful conversations with teenagers.

In the story of the prodigal son in the Bible, the father spotted his son in the distance and ran to meet him. Danny Huerta and John Fuller help parents prepare for the day their prodigal child returns.

If you’re pouring all your energy into parenting a prodigal child, it can be difficult to be present with your other children. John and Danny offer advice for maintaining relationships during difficult parenting seasons.

You play a key role in encouraging your child’s faith. John and Danny discuss how to embolden your children to stand up for their beliefs. Featuring Lee Nienhuis. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

Does watching the news ever make you terrified for your child’s safety? John and Danny offer help for parents who frequently struggle with fear. Featuring Lee Nienhuis. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

John and Danny describe the most important life skills to teach your child. Featuring Michael Anderson and Dr. Timothy Johanson. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

John and Danny discuss the importance of letting your child problem-solve in everyday life. Featuring Michael Anderson and Dr. Timothy Johanson. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

The Bible tells us to live with an attitude of gratitude, and research tells us that gratitude has a positive impact on our minds and social behaviors. Here are five ways to teach kids gratitude in your home.

The most important skill you can teach your teenager is to be a student of God’s word. John and Danny share tips for encouraging your teen’s faith. Featuring Dr. Kara Powell. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

It’s healthy for your kids to explore their doubts about Christianity. John and Danny offer tips for sharing your beliefs with teens and young adults. Featuring Dr. Kara Powell. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

John and Danny offer tips to help you and your spouse develop a consistent, united parenting strategy. Featuring Pastor Bill Putman and Pastor Jim Putman. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

John and Danny describe practical ways grandparents — working or retired — can bless their adult children and grandchildren. Featuring Glen and Ellen Schuknecht. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

Lawn mower parenting — mowing down every obstacle in your child’s path — won’t benefit your kids in the long run. John and Danny offer tips for teaching your child resilience. Featuring Michael Anderson and Dr. Timothy Johanson. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

Micromanaging can be a difficult habit to break. John and Danny offer advice to free you from nagging your teen. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

If your adult child moves back home, it’s important to communicate your expectations from the start. John and Danny discuss keys to healthy relationships with adult children. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

It’s been said before, “you don’t just marry your spouse, you marry his or her family.” The truth is, the family you come from will influence your marriage. John and the Smalleys give some practical ways for couples to talk openly and honestly about their families. Featuring Pastor D. A and Elicia Horton. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY

Many teenagers experience a lot of high-highs and low-lows — on a daily basis! John and Danny help parents respond to teenage mood swings. Plus, they outline essential steps for resolving conflict. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

It is critical that we teach our children how to discuss politics with others – both inside and outside the family – in a loving, respectful way

To influence your grandchild’s faith, start by establishing a strong relationship. John and Danny offer tips for relating to grandchildren of all ages. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

You might feel like you’re the only one struggling in parenting, but you’re not alone. John and Danny discuss how to find support during difficult parenting seasons. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

You can help your children to learn true freedom when coping with emotions and difficult situations by teaching them to think about life using certain words and phrases.

The Bible describes the tongue as a small fire that can set an entire forest ablaze (James 3:5). John and Danny discuss comments that can damage your relationship with your kids. Featuring Michael Anderson and Dr. Timothy Johanson. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

If you’re like many parents, it’s hard to get your teenager to spend time with you. And, when you are together, you might not relate to your child’s hobbies or taste in music. John and Danny offer advice to help you connect with your teen. Featuring Dr. Kara Powell. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

The key to grandparenting is partnering with your adult children. John and Danny describe crucial conversations to help parents and grandparents get on the same page. Featuring Glen and Ellen Shuknecht. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

How do you make Christ the center of your home in your day-to-day routines? John and Danny offer simple steps to encourage your child’s faith. Featuring Glen and Ellen Schuknecht. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

You want your child to do well in school, but hovering won’t help. John and Danny offer tips for encouraging your teen’s autonomy. Featuring Dr. Kara Powell. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

If you’re like many parents, technology restrictions are the greatest source of conflict for you and your children. John and Danny provide a quick refresher on reasonable technology guidelines to protect your family. Featuring Pastor Bill Putman and Pastor Jim Putman. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

If you’re not always sure how to apply your faith to parenting, you’re not alone. John and Danny offer help for parents who feel stuck because of a parenting challenge. Featuring Pastor Bill Putman and Pastor Jim Putman. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

Helping your child develop confidence is a key way to prevent bullying. John and Danny discuss life skills to teach your son in middle school and beyond. Featuring Jonathan Catherman, Reed Catherman, and Cole Catherman. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

Every middle school child feels pressure to fit in. John and Danny tackle how to help your child feel belonging at home; plus, how to intervene when your child’s friends are negative influences. Featuring Jonathan Catherman, Reed Catherman, and Cole Catherman. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

The search for a godly spouse is a journey unlike any other. The key is in knowing what to look for. John, Erin and Greg give some helpful tips on what qualities to search for in a potential spouse. Featuring Dr. Kevin Leman.

A flexible mindset, adaptability, can make a big difference in how we respond to challenges

Every parent wants their child to succeed, but you can quickly become over-invested in your child’s achievements. John and Danny offer tips to help you avoid overparenting. Featuring Michael Anderson and Dr. Timothy Johanson.

Make each day count with your kids. Every action you take can contribute to your child’s mental health.

The advice to “follow your heart” sounds innocuous in movies, but it can lead you astray in real life. John and Danny discuss the importance of giving your children sound life advice. Featuring Ray Vander Laan.

If your kids have made a profession of faith, it doesn’t mean your job is over! John and Danny share practical tips for discipling your children. Featuring Ray Vander Laan.

It’s painful to watch older children stray from the Christian life. John and Danny offer encouragement to parents with prodigal children. Featuring Pastor Bill Putman and Pastor Jim Putman. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

Danny Huerta, Vice President of Focus on the Family’s Parenting and Youth department, offers insights from his counseling experience, research, and Biblical knowledge to outline the parenting strategies that have proven to be the most effective, including steadfast love and boundaries, respect, grace, adaptability, and more. (Part 2 of 2)

Danny Huerta, Vice President of Focus on the Family’s Parenting and Youth department, offers insights from his counseling experience, research, and Biblical knowledge to outline the parenting strategies that have proven to be the most effective, including steadfast love and boundaries, respect, grace, adaptability, and more. (Part 1 of 2)

Sometimes you must act as a parent more than a friend. John and Danny describe situations when you should practice tough love. Featuring Ginger Hubbard. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’” – C.S. Lewis

Many children experience a deepening of their faith in middle school. John and Danny take a crack at tough faith questions your kids may ask. Featuring Jonathan Catherman, Reed Catherman, and Cole Catherman. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

Is your middle-schooler pushing you away? John and Danny demystify the emotions behind your child’s behavior. Featuring Jonathan Catherman, Reed Catherman, and Cole Catherman. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

If you assign your kids household chores, they may not thank you now — but they will certainly be grateful down the road. John and Danny discuss the benefits of chores and describe age-appropriate tasks for kids. Featuring Courtney DeFeo. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

You don’t need to be a theologian to teach your kids about God. John and Danny share how to explain the gospel to younger children. Featuring Courtney DeFeo.

The world tells your kids they must conform in order to fit in. John and Danny discuss believers’ true identity as seen in scripture. Featuring Ray Vander Laan.

As your children prepare to leave high school, they’ll face big life decisions, such as where to go to college or where to work. They might be asking, “What is God’s will for my life?” John and Danny discuss how to help your kids identify their unique calling. Featuring Ray Vander Laan.

If you feel like you correct the same behavior in your kids over and over, don’t give up! Your teaching will sink in if you persevere. John and Danny offer advice for teaching kids to be thankful and respectful. Featuring Ginger Hubbard.

Kids are like sponges. As young as preschool, they can start to absorb Biblical truth. John and Danny discuss how to encourage your kids’ faith according to their unique temperaments. Featuring Ginger Hubbard.

If you’re like many parents, you have to fight the urge to lecture your teen. You know it won’t help, but it can feel so satisfying. John and Danny discuss the influence parents gain by taking the time to connect with their teenage children. Featuring Dr. Ken Wilgus.

Sometimes the hardest people to forgive are those closest to you. John and Danny discuss how Christian parents can show grace when their teen has wronged them. Featuring Dr. Ken Wilgus

Your kids will make some mistakes as they grow older and gain more independence. John and Danny discuss how to pick your battles and affirm your kids’ positive behavior. Featuring Courtney DeFeo.

The purpose for having a phone contract is to make sure everyone in the family is on the same page and in agreement with cell phone expectations. The goals are to encourage relationship, conversation, and responsibility with and without devices. “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” – Psalm 4:23

You don’t have to make the same choices in life that your father did. You can use your life story as a springboard to another path. You can choose how to write the next chapters in your story. Make the choice for the cycle of absent fathers to end with you.

One of our goals as parents must be to manage our own thought bubbles so that we can be a model for our kids.

Take some time to learn about the personalities of people around you. The goal is for your family to take the frustration that can come from different personalities and turn it into understanding how different personalities can benefit each other.

A solid foundation is one of the most important things a parent needs to create in a relationship with their child. Just like a tree, the roots must be set deeply in place before the trunk, branches and fruit can grow

Shy children leave many thoughts bottled up—thoughts that could help him or her connect with others if only they were brought out. Imagine how many incredible thoughts are not shared because of shyness!

Help protect your children from online sexual predators.

Ways to help teens understand or heal from sexual assault and rape.

What causes kids to not listen? Distraction is a major obstacle, but inconsistent or unclear boundaries, and a lack of respect, are also big contributors.

Gratitude rescues us from the trap of negative thinking and helps us enjoy life more. It is an essential trait for parents to develop in their children as they lead them toward a thriving faith.

Suicide is a problem in the youth and young adult population. There is hope for healing when parents and others are intentional about providing help.

When tweens and teens are experiencing psychological distress, they may cut themselves to cope with the emotional pain.

Sometimes tweens and teens feel pressured into sending sexually explicit texts to their friends. This practice is known as sexting.

Bullying and cyberbullying may be prevented with intentional parenting. However if it does occur, there are some ways that parents can respond to help their kids cope.

When fathers are attentive to their children, they build relationships that encourage healthy child development.

Author Gil Mertz and Focus on the Family Vice President of Parenting Outreach Daniel Huerta discuss the importance of finding inner peace by forgiving others – particularly family members – for past abuse and neglect.

Focus on the Family Vice President of Parenting and Youth Danny Huerta and popular author Jessie Minassian offer parents practical advice for teaching their kids about sex, puberty, and the many changes they’ll experience during their teen years. (Part 2 of 2)

Focus on the Family Vice President of Parenting and Youth Danny Huerta and popular author Jessie Minassian offer parents practical advice for teaching their kids about sex, puberty, and the many changes they’ll experience during their teen years. (Part 1 of 2)

Contributor journals are an easy, fun way to stay connected to your family.

Paying the right kinds of attention to your children is easier when you become more aware of each child’s personality and temperament.

Recognizing three types of contributors to children’s lives.

It’s one of the most common parenting questions, especially for young parents. The topic charges emotions and often sparks controversy. The problem is, there’s not an easy answer.

New styles of parenting seem to be appearing every day. Yet claiming one style makes me laugh because kids are not one size fits all. They need time, conversation, teaching, guidance, patience and prayer. Parenting is not about perfection but instead about becoming a student of your child.

There have been countless times I’ve had to respond to a parent’s pleas for help after they have just discovered their child has viewed pornography.

Perseverance is an overlooked but essential quality that parents need to instill in their children

Intentional parenting just means having a plan

Pornography is pervasive, but avoidable with the right skills. It can quickly become an addiction.

As much as we’d like think of our children as innocent, we parents need to become aware of the widespread use of pornography among tweens and teens.

Many think porn use is no big deal, but its effects reach far into the future.

Parents need to know how pornography affects teens.

Do you encourage your kids to pursue achievements or to develop their character? Your parenting might be telling of which you value more

How often have you heard the adage, “Spare the rod; spoil the child?‚” What verse is that anyway?

What is your perception of discipline? You may need to broaden your view. In doing so, you will have more tools to choose from in your discipline toolkit.

With another season of “13 Reasons Why” being released, parents may need to rethink how it may be affecting their children.

Together with your kids’ grandparents, talk about how they might support your role as a parent and how they can be involved with your kids’ lives.

As we reach retirement age, the temptation is to think our time is finally our own. But what if God has something else in mind for us during this new life stage?

As a counselor, I’m often asked how to talk with kids about tragedies such as the latest school shooting. Here are some strategies I offer in my practice for intentional and effective conversations about tragedy.

Do you allow your children to enjoy the same rights to privacy that you have as a parent and as an adult?

Ready to volunteer? Before you dive in, you’ll want to keep a few tips in mind to make your experience the best it can be.

Thinking of your children as masterpieces created by God doesn’t help them until you share those insights with them.

It is dangerous for you when you don’t choose to forgive others.

Has your son recently discovered that his reaction to girls is changing? Read about three ways to help your son make sense of what is happening and guide him to respond well. 

Raise kids who treat each other with kindness

Help your teen see that hope is always there.

Kids need clear boundaries and limits. Find out how boundaries and limits are part of the seven essential traits of parenting.

Gratitude rescues us from the trap of negative thinking and helps us enjoy life more. Learn how gratitude is one of the seven traits of effective parenting.

Children spell love T-I-M-E. Are you giving enough? Read more about how love is one of the seven essential traits of parenting.

Respect is an essential component of communication and correction in the home. Read more about how respect is one of the seven essential traits of parenting.

Intentionality in parenting means making a purposeful decision to spend time connecting with your kids. Read how intentionality is one of the seven traits for effective parenting.

Grace and forgiveness are necessary for a healthy home life. Find out how grace and forgiveness are a part of the seven traits of essential parenting.

The ability to adjust and respond with flexibility and optimism is a lifeline to the struggling family. Learn how adaptability is one of the seven traits of effective parenting.

Duck Dynasty’s Sadie Robertson encourages teens to take five seconds before making decisions that could change their lives . . . and she got it right. Here’s why.

In today’s culture, families are surrounded by accounts of shootings, bombings and mass killings. Equip children with the necessary facts to process these tragic events for a larger understanding and to ease their fears.

There is no need to be rude in your parenting. Instead, approach family life with a sensible and respectful tone.

Most couples in a second marriage could use some expert help right from the start. Counseling provides guidance and the kind of insight that’s often difficult to muster on your own.

Kids want cellphones to connect with peers, build friendships and find a sense of belonging. When is the best time for them to get their first mobile device?

Recent news stories have talked about teens and sexting. It happens more than parents think.

Thank you for taking the Focus on the Family 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment. This free resource is available to help you continue to grow and develop as a parent. Once you use this outstanding tool, consider next steps for the areas where y …

Daniel Huerta, Focus on the Family’s Vice President of Parenting and Youth, addresses the common, everyday fears of children and guides parents toward practical solutions.

Friendships and self-identity will have a profound impact on adolescents and may need guidance from parents.