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Danny Huerta, Vice President of the Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family

Danny Huerta, PsyD, MSW, LCSW, LSSW

Dr. Daniel Huerta is Vice President of Parenting and Youth for Focus on the Family, overseeing the ministry’s initiatives that equip moms and dads with biblical principles and counsel for raising healthy, resilient children rooted in a thriving faith.

He is a psychologist, a licensed clinical social worker, and the author of 7 Traits of Effective Parenting. For many years, he has provided families with practical, biblically-based and research-based parenting advice on topics including media discernment, discipline, communication, mental health issues, conflict resolution, and healthy sexuality in the home. He is passionate about coming alongside parents as they raise contributors, instead of consumers, in a culture desperately in need of God’s kingdom.

Dr. Huerta has been interviewed by various media outlets including Fox News, Fatherly, Christianity Today, WORLD Magazine, and CBN, and he is a frequent guest on Christian radio stations across the nation. He’s also written for publications, including The Washington Post, on various topics related to marriage and parenting. He participated in the development of Focus on the Family’s Launch Into the Teen Years, a resource to help parents prepare their kids for adolescence, and he speaks regularly at retreats, conventions, and online events.

Dr. Huerta has maintained a private practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado since 2003 and has served families through Focus on the Family since 2004. He and his wife, Heather, have been married since 1997 and love being parents to their three teen children, Alex, Lexi, and Maci.

Screaming little boy throwing a fit! Is spanking Biblical?

Is Spanking Biblical?

How often have you heard the adage, “Spare the rod; spoil the child?‚”used in conversations about spanking? Keep reading to learn more about the origin of this phrase and its impact on discipline.

teen in bed with a laptop his parents suspect porn use.

How Do You Respond to Your Teen’s Suspected Porn Use?

Knowing how to respond to your young teen’s porn use can be overwhelming. Learn how to approach them with grace, patience, and understanding.

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Cultivating a Mentally Healthy Family

Research increasingly shows that our culture is in the midst of a mental health epidemic, especially among children and youth — persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, anxiety and even suicidal thoughts. But Dr. Danny Huerta believes parents can offset these issues by routinely initiating conversations with their children to assess their mental and emotional well-being. He encourages parents to establish a solid spiritual environment in the home to help improve mental health.

young boy alone in his room looking at his phone screen

Teach Children About Online Sexual Predators

Help protect your children from online sexual predators.

Girl and her father

Fathers Matter: The Importance of a Father

A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children.

Father talking to his son on the couch, holding hands, and talking about being thankful

Teaching Kids to Be Thankful

“A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being.” – James E. Faust

Breaking the Cycle of Absent Fathers

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.

boundaries for kids, little girl with her arms folded pouting

Are Your Kids Needing an Attitude Adjustment? Set Boundaries

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

Three boys on cellphones sitting on the couch

What Age Should My Kid Get a Cell Phone?

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.

little boy feeding his dog

How To Show Real Love to Others by Being a Contributor

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?

teaching kids gratitude. Little girl whispering in her mom's ear, expressions of gratfulness.

5 Ways to Teach Kids Gratitude at Home

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.

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Helping Kids Process Violence in the News and Social Media

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.

teen dating

Understanding Teen Dating: Should My Teen Date?

If you’re a parent of teenagers, you’ve probably noticed a growing interest in your teen’s desire to date. Where do you start? What questions should you be asking? And how do you balance boundaries with love in your teen’s dating experiences?

How Do I Get My Toddler to Stay in Bed?

If you have a strong-willed toddler, you know bed time can be a challenge. Explore these tips to helping your toddler stay in bed.

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13 Lessons Moms Can Teach Their Sons

As a mother, you can provide advice, encouragement, and love to your son. Explore the 13 essential lessons moms can teach their sons to create positive and long-lasting momentum in their lives.

Preteens Need From Mom

4 Things Preteens Need Most from Their Mom

This stage combined with rebellion is not easy. Lean into your support system to help you stay emotionally balanced and to maintain perspective as you guide your preteen into the teen years.

Preparing Your Kids for the 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 2 of 2)

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Preparing Your Kids for the Teen Years (Part 1 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)

Peer Influence and Identity: A Parent’s Guide

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

free personality test family time together

Personality Test: Are You a Leader, Thinker, Talker, or Peacemaker?

Are you a Leader, Thinker, Talker, or Peacemaker? Take this free personality test to find out and use it with your family to learn more about navigating the personality differences in your home! What’s your personality type? https://www.youtube.com/wat …

How Fathers Help Kids Grow

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

biblical disciplining between a father and son, means teaching

Biblical Discipline: A Full Toolkit for Parents

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.

How Do I Raise My Sensitive Child?

Learn how to raise your sensitive child without sacrificing effective discipline or setting boundaries.

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Parenting With Intentionality

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

How Do I Keep My Anxiety from Affecting My Parenting?

Addressing anxiety in your parenting can be difficult. But there are ways to practically and appropriately manage your anxiety and stress to serve and love your family well.

How Do I Help My Teen Avoid Unwanted Sexual Thoughts?

This can be one of the trickiest topics to handle with your teens. Addressing unwanted sexual thoughts begins with focusing on what’s happening, necessary boundaries, and providing help.

How Can I Help My Preschooler’s Behavior?

How can I help my child who’s having trouble adjusting to preschool?

Should We Pay Our Kids for Doing Chores?

How should we approach giving an allowance for our kids? How do we use chores to help our kids learn responsibility without just paying them for work?

What Should We Do If our Preschooler Walked in on Me and My Spouse Having Sex?

Any topics, conversations, or even a mention related with sex can be awkward for you and your preschooler. Much less a situation like this. Learn how you can use this moment to build positive momentum for conversations about sex with your child.

What Can I Do to Help My Young Son Become a Healthy, Masculine Man?

How do I make sure that my son has positive male influences in his life? What can I do to help him develop a strong character?

What Should I Do If My 6-Year-Old Sleeps Too Much?

Should I be concerned about my child sleeping too much? How much sleep is too much sleep? What can I do to build healthy routines in my home?

What Should I Do If My 5-Year-Old Wets His Pants When Angry?

These situations can be awkward for everyone involved, especially if it occurs in public. However, you have the chance to bring reassurance and confidence to your child’s world and understanding of their emotions.

How Can I Spot Babysitter Abuse?

This can be a very specific circumstance with nuanced details. The first step in identifying babysitter abuse is looking for abnormal behavior, fears, or how your children respond.

How Do I Stop My Toddler from Hitting?

Hitting others is usually a common physical response for toddlers who are unable to share their emotions through words. But that doesn’t make it appropriate behavior. Learn how to resolve this issue in your home.

How Do I Handle Toddler Tantrums?

Toddler tantrums are real. And they can last forever. Learning how to overcome tantrums and address your toddler’s behavior begins with asking some key questions about their behavior to understand what’s going on under the surface.

How Can I Help My Toddler Learn to Obey?

Teaching your toddler to obey is one of the most important building blocks for their continued development. Learn how to establish a healthy foundation of obedience in your home.

Is It Normal for a Toddler to Touch Themselves?

It’s normal to be concerned about your toddler’s behavior especially when it drifts into the realm of sexuality and physical appearance. Learn how to respond with understanding and boundaries to your toddler’s behavior.

How Do I Respond to My Toddler’s Night Terrors?

Night terrors are genuinely terrifying. Not just for your toddlers, but also for you. Learn how to respond to these situations with a proper understanding of the spiritual and supernatural realms.

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)? And Should I Be Worried about SIDS?

I’ve heard about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Is it something I should be worried about for my infant? What can I do to protect my child?

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Expectations for Marriage While Parenting

When you are busy with the demands of raising children, it’s easy to not prioritize your marriage. John and Danny share how having kids impacted each of their marriages, and Jim Daly talks with his wife Jean and Lisa-Jo Baker about keeping a marriage strong when life gets busy.

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Good and Bad Ways to Apologize to a Struggling Adult Child

If a young adult child is struggling, it’s easy to blame yourself or even apologize for their bad choices. John and Danny discuss why some forms of apology are not helpful, plus, Jim Daly talked with Allison Bottke about when it’s good for a parent to apologize to an adult son or daughter.

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Trusting God and Your Instincts

What does it look like to trust God when your child is struggling? John and Danny share about the difference counseling can make for a hurting parent, and Jim Daly speaks with Allison Bottke on how she’s learned to trust God with her adult son.

Perfectionism in children, perfectionist child

How to Help Your Perfectionist Child

The signs of perfectionism can appear in your child’s behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. Learn how to pair practical steps with emotional investment.

What’s the Best Age to Send My Child to Summer Camp?

Parents have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to summer camp. However, it can be difficult to determine the correct age to send your child to camp.

What If My Kid Doesn’t Want to Go to Summer Camp?

New experiences like summer camp can bring a flurry of powerful emotions for your child. Learn how to help your child process their feelings and fears about attending summer camp without running away from the situation altogether.

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When Your Kid Doesn’t Want to Do Something

How can you motivate your child to do something when he or she doesn’t want to? John and Danny discuss that topic, and Jim Daly is joined by Kay Wyma to share about why teaching your kids to take responsibility for assignments is a good thing.

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Letting Your Kids Do Chores

Letting your kids do chores is a wonderful thing to help them grow. John asks Danny what chores he taught his kids, and ways you can encourage a child to get chores done, based on his or her personality. Featuring Kay Wyma.

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When You Haven’t Spoken a Child’s Love Language

How your respond to a child’s misbehavior can make them feel loved or discouraged. But what do you do when time has past, and you wonder if you haven’t done the best job of making them feel loved? John and Danny provide some hope to parents who struggled to make your child feel loved as he or she was growing up. Featuring Dr. Gary Chapman and Jean Daly.

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Balancing Love and Discipline

Parents who want what’s best for your children will use discipline when it’s necessary. But how do respond when you get very mad at your child’s behavior? John and Danny share how to keep yourself calm, even if you’re upset at your child. Featuring Dr. Gary Chapman and Jean Daly.

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When Your Kid Gets Rejected for Not Fitting In

It’s not easy to handle when your kid faces rejection. John and Danny offer some helpful ideas for how to respond when your child gets rejected by his or her peers. Featuring Lisa-Jo Baker and Jean Daly.

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Encouragement for Middle-Age Moms

As your kids get older, your approach to parenting them will change significantly. John and Danny provide some encouragement for moms who are making big transitions as your children grow up. Featuring Lisa-Jo Baker and Jean Daly.

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When It’s Time to Implement a Boundary

Healthy boundaries with an adult child are essential in order for your relationship to function well. John and Danny offer hope to parents who struggle with people-pleasing tendencies, and share why boundaries are a blessing. Featuring Allison Bottke.

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Supportive Friends for When a Child is Struggling

If your adult child is struggling, one of the greatest blessings is having a supportive friend to walk with you. John and Danny share about the value of friends, plus healthy ways to talk about the pain you’re experiencing. Featuring Allison Bottke.

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Instilling a Great Work Ethic in Your Children

How your kids respond to failure can help them grow as a person. Yet, what do you do when your child is more prone to discouragement? John and Danny share why failure can be a good teacher, and how to encourage a child who feels discouraged. Featuring Kay Wyma.

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Teaching Kids to Still Try, Even When They Fail

One of the best things you can teach your kids is the value of hard work. To help improve your child’s work ethic, John and Danny give a few ideas on projects you can teach your son or daughter to do. Featuring Kay Wyma.

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Acts of Service for Your Child

Some children are natural servants, and when you serve them, it makes them feel loved. John and Danny discuss the love language called Acts of Service, and how to encourage a child who isn’t motivated to serve others. Featuring Dr. Gary Chapman and Mrs. Jean Daly.

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Gifts and Quality Time

Understanding what makes your child feel loved is a terrific key to connecting with him or her. For some kids, it’s receiving gifts. John and Danny share how some of the best gifts don’t cost a lot of money. Featuring Dr. Gary Chapman and Mrs. Jean Daly.

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When You Have Fears as a Parent

Sometimes, your kids’ fears might be a reflection on something you’re struggling with. John and Danny offer hope to parents who are struggling with fear, and how to bring your worries to God. Featuring Dr. Josh and Christi Straub.

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Are You Holding on to a Worry Bird?

Empathy is one of the best gifts you can give your child when he or she shares a fear with you. John and Danny talk about common fears of little kids, and the types young girls typically have to work through. Featuring Dr. Josh and Christi Straub.

How Do I Handle a Sibling Rivalry?

It seems like my kids never stop fighting. How do I keep our sibling rivalry from taking over our home?

How Do I Help My Stressed 7-Year-Old?

My 7-year-old seems stressed all the time. What can I do to help her?

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Stop the Bad Stuff

How do you trust God when a child has gone completely off the rails? Danny and John discuss drawing healthy boundaries with a young adult child, and when it’s good to tell your son or daughter, “no.” Featuring Allison Bottke.

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S.A.N.I.T.Y. for Struggling Parents

One of the worst things a parent could face is to learn a child is struggling with a serious addiction. John and Danny provide some helpful responses for if your child is struggling with substance abuse or another type of addiction. Featuring Allison Bottke.

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The Dangers of an Entitlement Mentality

Letting your child learn from his or her mistakes is one of the best gifts you can give as a parent. Spoiling them won’t be good for their long-term maturity. John and Danny offer hope to parents who struggled with spoiling their kids as they were growing up. Featuring Kay Wyma.

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Enjoying Travel with Your Kids

Vacations and special trips can be some of the best ways to make memories with your kids. John and Danny recount fun times they’ve had with their children, and share why it’s good to prioritize those times together. Featuring Julie Lavender.

kids doing chores. Little boy with a big smile, in a red shirt, doing the dishes as his daily chore

Personality Differences: Conquering Chores Together

Learn to navigate communicating the importance of doing chores to your kids and form your perspective on how chores can impact your family.

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When Your Child Wants Quality Time

Time spent with your son or daughter is a precious gift. John and Danny discuss the love language known as quality time, and provide an insightful perspective on how introverted parents can still enjoy it. Featuring Dr. Gary Chapman and Jean Daly.

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The Lasting Impact of Words Spoken

Words spoken by a parent can have a lasting impact on a child. John and Danny talk about why words are important and address what to do if your mom or dad said something harsh to you. Featuring Dr. Gary Chapman.

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Combating Pre-Teen & Teen Fears

When your child reaches the pre-teen and teen years, his or her fears will change quite a bit from the early years. John and Danny share how they’ve seen this in their own parenting and provide some insights for what do to if you have an emotional child. Featuring Dr. Josh and Christi Straub.

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When Your Little Kid Worries

It’s very common for little children to wrestle with fear. To help your kids find peace of mind, John and Danny share how they worked with their own kids when they were young. Featuring Dr. Josh and Christi Straub.

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Hope In Spite of the Pain

It’s an extremely difficult thing if you have a child who isn’t following the Lord. John and Danny share about common problems with young adult children today and offer hope to parents who are struggling with discouragement. Featuring Allison Bottke.

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If Your Child Has Gone Off the Rails

It’s an extremely difficult thing if you have a child who isn’t following the Lord. John and Danny share about common problems with young adult children today and offer hope to parents who are struggling with discouragement. Featuring Allison Bottke.

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Having Fun and Serving Others

Teaching your kids to be good servants is a wonderful gift you can give them. Yet, how do you get started? John and Danny discuss ways they’ve learned to teach their kids how to serve others. Featuring Julie Lavender.

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Appreciating What Your Child Enjoys

It’s very common for each child in your family to have different likes and interests. John and Danny share things their kids enjoy, and how you can still connect with your child, even if you don’t enjoy something he or she likes. Featuring Julie Lavender.

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Physical Touch and Words of Affirmation

Whether or not your child tells you, he or she still longs to feel loved inside. John and Danny discuss ways they’ve seen their children’s desire to feel loved change over time. Featuring Dr. Gary Chapman and Jean Daly.

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Encouraging Your Kids, Even When They Fail

At some point, your son or daughter will face discouragement. Those moments can also be a terrific opportunity to encourage your son or daughter. John and Danny share how you can still be an encourager to your kids, even if you didn’t come from an encouraging family. Featuring Dr. Gary Chapman.

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Instilling Courage and Truth

Instilling godly virtues in your child is the desire of every Christian parent. One of the best ways to do that is to go to God’s Word and read it. John and Danny talk about virtues they’ve tried to pass on to their kids, and things they’ve learned from the book of Proverbs. Featuring Carey Casey.

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Praying for and Investing in the Next Generation

We all know a child who doesn’t have a father figure in his or her life. When you see a boy or girl in that situation, it may be a chance for you to step in. John and Danny discuss the significance of a father figure, and also ways to pray for a child’s future. Featuring Carey Casey.

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When It’s Time to Make a Difficult Decision

You want your child to succeed in life. But what do you do when your son or daughter is making poor choices and you cannot bail them out? John and Danny offer hope to parents who are blaming themselves for their child’s problems. Featuring Allison Bottke.

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When You Need Accountability

One of the difficult realities of having adult children is you cannot make their decisions for them. John and Danny discuss why trying to rescue your child from poor decisions isn’t helpful, and how to surround yourself with godly friends if your child is struggling. Featuring Allison Bottke.

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Creative Ways to Encourage Your Kids

Every child needs encouragement, but what do you do when your child’s primary love language isn’t words of affirmation? John and Danny share how to make your kids feel appreciated in other ways besides compliments. Featuring Julie Lavender.

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Can You Come Outside and Play?

Is it possible to still make time for your kids, even when it seems like the duties of life never end? John and Danny discuss times they played with their kids during busy seasons, and why those moments are so special. Featuring Julie Lavender.

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When Parents & Grandparents Aren’t Talking

While many young kids have a great relationship with their grandparents, some are deeply strained. Danny and John give some encouragement to parents who don’t want their children around the grandparents because of past family hurts. Featuring Chrys Howard and Shellie Tomlinson.

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Making Your Faith Fun

As you’re teaching your kids or grandkids about God, it’s good sometimes to make it fun for them. John and Danny share fun ways to teach your kids about God, and provide encouragement to grandparents who feel like their teenager is pulling away from them during the teen years. Featuring Chrys Howard and Shellie Tomlinson.

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Making Your Child Feel Loved – Part 2

It’s been observed that in communication, it’s not always about what you say, but it’s also what the other person hears you say. The same principles applies for when you try to make your child feel loved. Danny and John share some of the common ways boys and girls tend to express love. Featuring Dr. Gary Chapman and Jean Daly.

why authoritative parenting falls short

Why Authoritative Parenting Doesn’t Fall Short

Does the authoritative parenting style work? Learn more about how this parenting style equips you to discipline and lead your kids well.

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Making Your Child Feel Loved – Part 1

You may be doing all you can to make your child feel loved, but what do you do when your son or daughter isn’t receiving it? John and Danny discuss how to discern what makes your kid feel loved, even if he or she isn’t talkative. Featuring Dr. Gary Chapman and Jean Daly.

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Never Stop Being a Father Figure

Regardless of what age your kids are, it’s critical for dads to always strive to be a healthy father figure. John and Danny offer some encouragement on how to be a father figure in someone’s life who doesn’t currently have one. Featuring Carey Casey.

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I Cannot Just Coast

Whether you have grown kids or even grandchildren, you should never stop trying to help the next generation. John and Danny give some fun ideas for how you can keep investing in young kids. Featuring Carey Casey.

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Helping vs. Enabling

If your adult child is about to make a bad decision, your reaction might be to step in and stop them. However, sometimes, the most loving thing you can do is let them face the consequences of their choices. John and Danny share why enabling bad behavior is never good for your parenting. Featuring Allison Bottke.

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When Your Child Struggles to Launch

When a son or daughter struggles to launch well into adulthood, it can be heartbreaking for the parent. John and Danny share common reasons why kids have a hard time launching into maturity, and offer an opportunity to get help if your child is having trouble. Featuring Allison Bottke.

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Building Memories, Handling Frustrations

Making memories with your children is one of the best aspects of being a parent. Yet, every parent know that some moments are joyful while others are difficult. What do you do when parenting gets frustrating? John and Danny discuss the importance of creating memories with your children and how to respond well when you face a frustration. Featuring Julie Lavender.

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Thoughts for Handling Conflict

It’s unrealistic to think you can get through parenting without having any conflict with your kids. In fact, conflict is actually an opportunity for your relationship to grow. John and Danny offer hope to strong-willed parents on how to handle conflict. Featuring Dr. Kevin Leman and Jean Daly.

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Cheerleader for the Hard Times

When your kids are figuring life out, at some point, they will encounter something difficult. John and Danny discuss how to be an encourager to your kids, and what you can do if your child isn’t receiving encouragement. Featuring Chrys Howard and Shellie Tomlinson.

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“When You Need Me, I’m Here”

With so many changes happening in our world, it can sometimes be challenging for grandparents to feel like they’re truly connecting with their grandchildren. John and Danny discuss how a simple phrase, “When you need me, I’m here,” can go a long way in helping grandparents relate to their grandkids. Featuring Chrys Howard and Shellie Tomlinson.

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Trust Through Serving & Taking Risks

It’s been observed that actions speak louder than words. The same is true for how your kids can see that your faith is authentic. John and Danny share how you can live out your faith by serving others and taking risks. Featuring David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock.

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Doubts & Giftings

All of us as Christians have battled with doubts at some point. Instead of pretending like we have faith figured out, it’s good to let our kids see us be honest about doubts we’ve wrestled with. John and Danny share why doing so is important, plus they’ll share ways to encourage your child in the things he or she is good at. Featuring David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock.

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Questions to Keep Them Engaged

Technology can be a big interference when trying to interact with your kids. To offer ideas for getting past tech distractions, John and Danny share how to ask your kids good questions that help them to stay engaged in conversation with you. Featuring Carey Casey.

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Leaving a Godly Legacy

Whether you have kids or grandkids, the choices you make today will impact future generations. John and Danny discuss how fathers and grandfathers can stay legacy minded in the decisions you make now. Featuring Carey Casey.

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Discipline vs. Punishment

While disciplining your child is essential sometimes, it must be balanced with a healthy dose of love. John and Danny share how to reassure your kids that you love them, even after you have to correct something they did wrong. Featuring Dr. Kevin Leman and Jean Daly.

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Firstborn Parents & Having Fun

It’s a common characteristic of firstborn children to be more of a rule follower personality. But no matter what your personality is, it’s good to have fun with your children. John and Danny discuss how to have fun and ways to encourage your kids to be outward focused. Featuring Dr. Kevin Leman and Jean Daly.

conscious parenting style

What Conscious Parenting Is Missing

What do you know about conscious parenting? Learn more about how this parenting approach and how you can develop a healthy relationship with your child starting with your parenting style.

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Showing Them a Love for God

One of the best gifts grandparents can give their grandchildren is modeling a genuine love for God. Whether you came from a great family or a difficult home environment, John and Danny will share how to model a love for Jesus for the next generation. Featuring Chrys Howard and Shellie Tomlinson.

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When You Become a Grandparent

Grandparents play a very key role in society today. To address this important part of the family, John and Danny discuss how parents and grandparents can get along, even when they have a disagreement on how to interact with the kids. Featuring Chrys Howard and Shellie Tomlinson.

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Seeing Prayer as a Conversation

In the same way that you enjoy having good conversations with your kids, God wants to talk to you. But how do you make prayer a consistent part of your life? John and Danny discuss the power of prayer, and how praying for their children has changed as their kids have grown. Featuring Jodie Berndt.

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Four Practical Prayer Tools

How can you make time to pray for your kids when life gets busy? John and Danny discuss how some simple and practical ideas have been helpful in praying for their children, amidst the busyness of life. Featuring Jodie Berndt.

why neglectful parenting falls short

Why Neglectful Parenting Falls Short

Do you feel like your life is mostly chaos? You have an opportunity to overcome neglectful parenting habits to build a strong foundation for your kids and family.

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Mentors Who Influence Eternity

What do you do when your child isn’t open to hearing the gospel? It might be that God will use a mentor to help bring your son or daughter back to the faith. John asks Danny about someone who had a huge influence on his own faith growing up. Featuring David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock.

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Real Faith for a Real World

With so many competing messages in the culture today, how can your teen retain his or her faith? John and Danny offer hope to parents on how to not be pessimistic about your son or daughter’s faith. Featuring David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock.

why permissive parenting falls short

Why Permissive Parenting Falls Short

Does the permissive parenting style work? Learn more about the practical side of this parenting style and its potential risks and pitfalls.

authoritarian parenting falls short

Why Authoritarian Parenting Falls Short

Why do you parent? Do you give thought to your decision-making process for the parenting choices you make? Learn more about how the authoritarian parenting style falls short when it comes to effective parenting.

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Behavior and Your Birth Order

It’s common for a firstborn child to be a rule follower while younger kids tend to be more free-spirited. Yet sometimes, a child will break out of that paradigm. John asks Danny about times he’s seen kids not follow the birth-order pattern. Featuring Dr. Kevin Leman and Jean Daly.

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Bad Behavior and Doing Activities

Any parent will tell you that you don’t have to train your child to misbehave. But what if the reason your child is acting up is because he or she is doing too many activities. John and Danny talk about how to discern if your child is involved in too many things. Featuring Dr. Kevin Leman and Jean Daly.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Your Daughter’s Need for Attention

The needs that a daughter has versus a son are incredibly different. One of the worst things that can happen for your girl is for her to feel like she hasn’t been heard. John and Danny discuss what some of the common needs are for every daughter. Featuring Dr. Meg Meeker.

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Sharing Why You Love God

Rather than hearing you preach about staying away from what’s wrong, your child wants to know that your relationship with God is authentic. John and Danny share how you can have conversations with your kids about God, and balance them with discussing what’s right and wrong. Featuring Dr. Meg Meeker.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Truths About Prayer

Even if your child is doing well, it’s still important to pray for him or her. But what about when you don’t feel like praying? John and Danny explain the importance of making prayer a regular habit in your parenting. Featuring Jodie Berndt.

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Praying for Your Child’s Future Spouse

Praying for your son or daughter’s future spouse is one of the best things you can pray for. John and Danny explain some ways they’ve seen praying for the future spouse of a child make a big difference. Featuring Jodie Berndt.

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Where is God in This?

When your son or daughter wants to discuss something difficult going on in the culture, your first reaction might be to shrink back in fear. However, that could be the perfect moment to share your faith. John and Danny give some helpful questions you can ask your kids when they want to talk about pressing cultural issues and entertainment. Featuring David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock.

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Pointing to a Relationship with Jesus

As your child enters the teen phase, it will likely be a time where you may need to have difficult conversations about God and faith. Yet, those discussions could be a wonderful opportunity to connect with your son or daughter. John and Danny share how engaging in awkward conversations can be a gateway to your child having a better understanding of the gospel. Featuring David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock.

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Teaching Your Kids Relational Skills

Teaching your kids good relational skills doesn’t happen by accident. But what do you do when one parent isn’t around or involved in your children’s lives? John and Danny offer some hope to parents who are trying to raise their kids without another person’s help. Featuring Dr. Kevin Leman and Jean Daly.

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Faith Fuels Good Choices

Reading how Jesus treated people in Scripture is a beautiful opportunity to see His character. To help encourage your child’s faith, Danny tells John about one of his favorite Scriptures he’s taught his kids. Featuring Dr. Meg Meeker.

4 Words Kids Use When Coping with Emotions

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.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Talking to Your Daughter About Sex

It’s not easy to talk to your daughter about sex. But, if you don’t have those types of conversations, she’ll get her input of what’s right and wrong from other influences. John and Danny share when it’s a good time to talk to your daughter about sexuality, and give hope to parents whose daughter has already crossed some boundary lines. Featuring Dr. Meg Meeker.

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Praying for Your Child’s Tech Use

While having rules is good for your kids, truth be told, your rules can only go so far in changing their hearts. The same is true for the ways your child makes decisions with handling technology. John talks with Danny about ways he’s learned to talk to his kids about using technology. Featuring Jodie Berndt.

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Praying for a Struggling Child

If your child has left the faith, it’s one of the saddest things you can discover as a parent. However, it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. John and Danny discuss why praying for your child is still effective, even if your son or daughter isn’t walking with Christ. Featuring Jodie Berndt.

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How to Hear from God About Your Kids

Sometimes as a parent, you want to make a decision. Yet, deep inside you feel like God is telling you to do something different. Danny tells John about a time he had to follow God’s lead when he didn’t feel like it, and provides some insights on how to hear from the Lord about your parenting. Featuring David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock.

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Why Kids Leave the Faith

Sadly, many children who grew up in church have turned away from the faith. If you have a child who is far from God, we want to offer you some hope. John and Danny provide a dose of encouragement to parents whose child isn’t walking with the Lord. Featuring David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Ways You Can Have Fun

As a parent, it’s good to have fun with your children. Even if you’re not the naturally, fun-loving type, John and Danny will give some ideas for how you can have a good time with your kids. Featuring Dr. Kevin Leman and Jean Daly.

Rules for Their Protection

Rules are designed to keep your child safe. So, how do you respond when your son hates rules? John and Danny share how you can show your child respect, even when giving him rules. Featuring Dr. Kevin Leman and Jean Daly.

Self-Care for Moms is Essential

Moms, are you busy, stressed, and tired? Take the self-care assessment below to learn what areas of self-care for moms you can strengthen.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Encouraging Healthy Femininity

Our daughters are constantly fed lies from the culture on what it means to be strong. But even with so many mixed messages, you can model a better way for her. John and Danny offer some encouragement on how you can show your daughter what true strength is. Featuring Dr. Meg Meeker.

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When a Dad Protects His Daughter

A healthy father will do anything to keep his daughter safe. But what does that look like as she gets older? John and Danny discuss how fathers can protect their daughters when they enter the teen years. Featuring Dr. Meg Meeker.

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Following God is Worth It

Teaching your kids to follow Christ is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. John and Danny share how practicing gratitude is one of the best ways to fuel your children’s passion for loving God. Featuring Jodie Berndt.

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Developing Godly Patience

Many times in the Bible, we’re commanded to wait on the Lord. Yet, applying that principle to your parenting is not an easy thing. John and Danny discuss how Scripture can be a great encouragement during a season of waiting on God. Featuring Jodie Berndt.

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Four Categories of Faith

At some point, your child must decide whether or not he or she will follow God. Sadly, many teens and young adults have walked away from the faith they were raised with. John and Danny share some common reasons why kids leave the faith, and offer a word of hope to parents whose child is far from God. Featuring David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock.

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A Strong Faith in a World of Screens

How do you inspire your children to follow God in a world driven by screens? John and Danny talk about how to encourage your kids to engage the real-world, without compromising their values. Featuring David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock.

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What Fear and Rules Have in Common

Rules in a home can be good, but without love, they won’t be as effective. John and Danny share how to replace fears with love in your parenting. Featuring Dr. Kevin Leman and Jean Daly.

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Responding When a Kid Misbehaves

It’s embarrassing when your child misbehaves, especially in public. How can you choose to use effective discipline in that situation? John and Danny share why being too strict is not helpful with discipline. Featuring Dr. Kevin Leman and Jean Daly.

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The Power of the Word No

Sometimes, the best word your kid needs to hear is, “No.” John and Danny discuss how to balance saying “No,” to certain things with having a loving environment in your home. Featuring Dr. Meg Meeker.

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How to Help Your Kids Process Tragic News

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.

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Four Unhealthy Parent Types

If we’re honest, we all have some kind of unhealthy pattern in our parenting. But after we notice one, we can start to move forward in a new direction. John and Danny share common patterns that dads struggle with. Featuring Dr. Meg Meeker.

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Prayer is the Key to Relationship

In many ways, the love you have for your kids can reflect the ways God loves us. John and Danny discuss how parenting has taught them about God’s heart toward us. Featuring Jodie Berndt.

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Praying Scripture Over Your Child’s Life

You try to be a godly parent. Yet, when the demands of raising your kids leave you feeling exhausted, finding time to pray and read Scripture can be hard. John and Danny offer a helpful tool that will benefit your home environment. Featuring Jodie Berndt.

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Getting Technology Under Control

Your kids are growing up in a screen saturated world. With so many distractions, is real connection still possible? John and Danny share how if you want to be connected with your children, you need to start by modeling self control with your phone. Featuring David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock.

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Training Your Kids to Love God & Church

When your child is learning about God, it may be that he or she doesn’t enjoy going to church. John and Danny offer some thoughts on how to encourage them that church is important. Featuring Natasha Crain.

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Conquering Fears and Finding Mentors

All of us have wrestled with fears about our kids. Sometimes, the best solution is to find someone who will encourage us along the journey. John and Danny share about how they’ve been helped by other parents. Featuring Connie Albers.

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When Your Child is a Rule-Breaker

While some kids enjoy following rules, you might have a child who loves to break them. To help encourage a rule-breaker child’s personality, John and Danny offer some ideas for leading your son or daughter in a godly direction. Featuring Connie Albers.

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Questions in Your Daughter’s Heart

When you have a daughter you have a unique opportunity to show her what a special person she is. John and Danny share how to make your daughter feel accepted, even when she faces challenges. Featuring Meg Meeker.

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God of the Last Minute

Many times in Scripture, God did a miracle at what seemed like the last minute. But how do you respond when God doesn’t answer a prayer for your child the way you’d hoped? John and Danny offer a word of encouragement for parents who are struggling to have hope. Featuring Sheila Erwin.

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Teen Sons & Substance Abuse

Many kids and teens today are being influenced by things they see on social media. While it has it’s good sides, social media can also cause your child to compare themselves with others. John and Danny share how you can encourage your child to be more outward focused in a world driven by screens. Featuring Jonathan McKee.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Your Son & Social Media

Many kids and teens today are being influenced by things they see on social media. While it has it’s good sides, social media can also cause your child to compare themselves with others. John and Danny share how you can encourage your child to be more outward focused in a world driven by screens. Featuring Jonathan McKee.

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When You Don’t Know the Answer

Sometimes when your child asks you a question, it’s okay to admit you don’t know the answer. John and Danny give some recommendations on where to turn to for when your child asks a difficult question about God. Featuring Natasha Crain.

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Telling Your Kids About Jesus

Sharing your faith with a son or daughter is a wonderful privilege. But, what do you do when you try telling your child about Jesus, and he or she doesn’t understand? John and Danny offer some hope to parents facing that situation. Featuring Natasha Crain.

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The Power of Listening & Asking Questions

When your teen does something you don’t like, it’s easy to respond harshly. However, sometimes, it’s better to ask questions than to demand your child behave a certain way. John and Danny share how they’ve seen listening be a powerful tool for parents. Featuring Connie Albers.

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Letting God Work in Your Child’s Heart

The truth is, you can never control your child. But how do you respond when your son or daughter isn’t making good decisions? John and Danny share how you can pray for your child when he or she is struggling. Featuring Connie Albers,

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Helping Your Child Process Disappointment

There are moments where your child will encounter disappointment. While those situations can be tough, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to train your child to respond with gratitude. John and Danny discuss why it’s good to teach your son or daughter to give thanks to God in all circumstances. Featuring Sheila Erwin.

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Encouraging Your Child’s Faith Through Challenges

Sometimes, one of the best ways to encourage your child’s faith is to have open and honest conversations about a present struggle he or she might be facing. John and Danny provide some helpful guidance for having spiritual discussions with your son or daughter. Featuring Sheila Erwin.

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Your Teen Son’s Self-Esteem

A healthy confidence is one of the best things you teen son can develop. But how can you help him get it? John and Danny share how teaching your son to serve others can help him embrace confidence. Featuring Jonathan McKee.

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Teaching Your Child to Cut Out Distractions

Our culture is saturated with distractions. Many parents are asking, “How can I get my child to focus on real life instead of a screen?” John and Danny share how you can encourage your child to put away distractions and focus on things that matter. Featuring Jonathan McKee.

Suicide is a Problem for Youth and Young Adults

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.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Addressing Important Faith Questions

God welcomes us to ask Him questions. When you have open and honest conversations about Jesus with your kids, it can help their faith to grow. John and Danny address questions their kids have asked about God. Featuring Natasha Crain.

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Sharing Your Faith on Their Level

Sharing your faith with your children is one of the greatest privileges as a parent. The key is to share it in way they can understand. To help you do that, John and Danny give some helpful ideas for telling your kids about Jesus. Featuring Natasha Crain.

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Parenting Beyond the Rules

Having rules in your home is part of being a parent. But too much emphasis on rules can lead to rebellion. John and Danny address how being a cheerleader for your child might influence him or her to be less rebellious. Featuring Connie Albers.

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How a Mom Reflects God’s Heart

A mother has a special capacity to show love and affection to her kids. To encourage mother’s in their great work, John and Danny share how they’ve seen their wives love on their children. Featuring Rhonda Stoppe.

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Encouraging Different Gifts & Dreams

Every child is uniquely designed by God with special talents. The key is in recognizing what your son or daughter is good at. John and Danny share how you can engage with your kid, even if your dreams and desires are very different from each other. Featuring Shelia Erwin.

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Encouraging Your Child’s Dreams

As a parent, it’s fun to see your child dream about who he or she wants to become. But what do you do when a child’s dream doesn’t work out? John and Danny discuss how to be an encouragement to your son or daughter even when his or her dream falls apart. Featuring Shelia Erwin.

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Teen Boys & Video Games

A common question parents of teen boys will ask is, “Should I let my son play video games?” John and Danny offer some help to parents whose sons are playing too many video games. Featuring Jonathan McKee.

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Raising Teen Boys Today

Raising teen boys today is a challenging task. But with God’s help, it’s still possible to guide your teen son when he faces a challenge. John and Danny offer ways to encourage a teen son to replace bad behaviors with good ones. Featuring Jonathan McKee.

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When You Make a Change

When you try to form a new habit in your parenting, it doesn’t happen overnight. The truth is, it takes time and patience. John and Danny offer some helpful insights on how to form new habits in your home. Featuring Milan and Kay Yerkovich.

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Practicing Vulnerability as a Parent

If you try to be the perfect parent, sooner or later you will fall short. But when you mess up, how you respond can make or break a situation. John and Danny share how you can practice healthy vulnerability with your children, even when you’ve made a mistake. Featuring Milan and Kay Yerkovich.

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Tension With Your Teen

As your child becomes a teenager, it’s very common for him or her to pull away, which can lead to a lot of tension in the relationship. In this discussion, you’ll hear about how boys tend to pull away from their mothers, and John and Danny share about how fathers can connect with a teen daughter as she becomes more independent. Featuring Rhonda Stoppe.

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Mothers Respecting Their Sons

Even from a young age, boys want to be respected. As a mom, you have a unique and wonderful opportunity to show him a healthy version of what that looks like. But what if you feel like you’ve missed some opportunities? John and Danny offer hope to parents who feel like they didn’t teach their sons healthy respect. Featuring Rhonda Stoppe.

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Letting Them Make Mistakes

As your child grows, he or she will make mistakes. But instead of shielding them from all their errors, it’s best to let them try and learn. John and Danny offer encouragement to parents who are afraid to let their kids make decisions for themselves. Featuring Crystal Paine.

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Listening with Humility

When your child wants to tell you something, your first instinct might be to try and solve the problem. But what if one one of the most effective things you can do is listen? John and Danny discuss how listening to your child can help improve the relationship with him or her. Featuring Crystal Paine

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When Your Child is Far from God

If you have a child who’s far from God, you are not alone. While it can be one of the most heartbreaking things a parent may face, your child’s story is not over. John and Danny offer hope to parents who have a child who’s not walking with the Lord. Featuring Matt and Lisa Jacobson.

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Parenting Or Your Career?

Raising a child takes an extraordinary amount of time and commitment. At some point, you’ll have to give up something in order to spend time with your son or daughter. John and Danny share about how they wrestled with balancing their careers and raising kids. Featuring Matt and Lisa Jacobson.

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Reasons for Your Child’s Emotions

You get home after a long and exhausting day at work. But instead of coming home to a peaceful environment, your kids are at odds with each other. Sound familiar? Danny and John offer some ideas for listening to your child’s emotions, even when you don’t feel like it. Featuring Milan and Kay Yerkovich.

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Patterns of a Vacillator

Your child is demanding your attention and it seems like he won’t stop! In those situations, is it best to respond with discipline or to listen? John and Danny share how you can respond when your child is always begging for your attention. Featuring Milan and Kay Yerkovich.

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Moms in the Bible

It’s amazing what lessons we can learn from characters in the Bible. Even though they lived many years ago, their examples still speak to us today. John and Danny share about some biblical who inspire them in their parenting. Featuring Rhonda Stoppe.

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The Adult They’ll Become

When your child is young, you dream about the man or woman they’ll become. But how do you prepare them for the future ahead? John and Danny share how you can invest in your child’s future by teaching them God’s Word. Featuring Rhonda Stoppe.

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Grace for Your Child’s Mistakes

The Bible reminds us that God has shown us more grace than we deserve. As parents, we’re given a beautiful and unique opportunity to point our kids to His kindness and love. John and Danny discuss ways you can show your kid grace, even when he or she messes up. Featuring Crystal Paine.

Bursting Negative Thought Bubbles

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

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Relationship Over Reputation

We’ve all been guilty of wondering, “What do others think about my parenting?” While self-awareness is healthy, being obsessed with your reputation as a mom or dad is not good. John and Danny share promises from God’s Word you can cling to as a parent. Featuring Crystal Paine.

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Healthy Respect and Good Boundaries

Watching your son or daughter make choices on their own can be exciting, but also nerve-wracking. But what do you do when he or she is determined to do things without your input? Danny and John give some tips on when it might be a good time to draw boundaries with your son or daughter. Featuring Matt Jacobson.

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Giving Consistent Encouragement

Your child longs to be affirmed. The truth is, a little bit of encouragement can go a long way in helping your son or daughter. John talks with Danny about how he’s seen encouragement make a difference in his parenting. Featuring Matt and Lisa Jacobson.

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Patterns of a Pleaser

How do you guide a child who wants to please everyone? While wanting to be liked is a good thing, trying to make everyone happy is a dangerous path for your son or daughter to walk. John and Danny discuss how to give your child a genuine confidence when he or she struggles with people pleasing. Featuring Milan and Kay Yerkovich.

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“Let’s Talk About It”

When your son or daughter is young, he or she tends to look up to you. However, that usually changes when your child becomes a teenager. John and Danny share how admitting some of your own mistakes can help bridge a gap between you and your teen. Featuring Milan and Kay Yerkovich.

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Don’t Walk Away

When your child is going through something difficult, you long to help. However, there are times when your efforts are not enough. In those situations, how do you respond? John and Danny provide some encouragement for when your child is struggling. Featuring Rhonda Stoppe.

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The Influence of a Mentor

We all have blind spots in our parenting. To help see them, God might send a mentor to help coach you as a mom or dad. John and Danny share about the ways a mentor can benefit your parenting. Featuring Rhonda Stoppe.

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When Perfectionism Becomes Toxic

As a parent, how do you respond when your son or daughter does something that catches you off guard? John and Danny discuss the importance of giving yourself grace, even when your child does something that embarrasses you. Featuring Crystal Paine.

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When Mistakes Meet God’s Grace

No matter how hard you try, there are still moments you miss it as a parent. But when you do, God’s grace can empower you to do better next time. John and Danny share some encouragement for moving on, even after you mess up. Featuring Mike Berry.

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Don’t Take the Bait!

When your teenager is rude to you, it can be easy to lash out. John and Danny discuss why setting boundaries is better than responding in anger to your teen. Featuring Matt and Lisa Jacobson.

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Affirming Your Daughter

As you’re raising a daughter, it’s very important to speak encouragement into her life. John and Danny will provide some practical ideas for helping your daughter find her true beauty. Featuring Matt and Lisa Jacobson.

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The Secure Connector Parent

Healthy parenting is possible with God’s help. But how do you maintain a good attitude when your child is misbehaving? John and Danny will offer some helpful thoughts for when your son or daughter acts difficult. Featuring Milan and Kay Yerkovich.

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Parenting and Love Styles (Part 2 of 2)

We all have baggage from our family of origin. But what do you do when you start repeating your own parents’ mistakes? John and Danny provide a dose of hope to parents who are discouraged because of the family they came from. Featuring Milan and Kay Yerkovich. (Part 2 of 2)

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Raising Your Boy to Become a Man

When your son was little, he needed you all the time. But as he’s gotten older, his need for independence becomes stronger. How do you make that transition well? John and Danny provide some practical ideas for training your son to be a great man. Featuring Rhonda Stoppe.

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Encouraging Your Child’s Strengths

Your child has special gifts and talents. A big key to being a good parent is recognizing and encouraging those abilities in your son or daughter. John and Danny discuss what it looks like to draw out the gifts in your child. Featuring Rhonda Stoppe.

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Three Core Parenting Principles

Good parenting can always be traced to a healthy relationship with your children. But what does that look like? John and Danny discuss an important key for keeping a relationship strong, even when your child is acting up. Featuring Mike Berry.

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Correcting a Counterfeit

“You need more things!” “You need to do more activities with your kids!” These are the lies our culture shouts at us. But believing them will do more harm to your family than good. John and Danny discuss how simplifying your schedule can bring more peace into your home. Featuring Mike Berry.

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The Power of a Parent’s Perspective

When your son or daughter faces something challenging, one of the greatest blessings you can give him or her is reassurance. Danny shares with John about the different ways he’s learned to encourage and connect with his son and his daughter. Featuring Matt and Lisa Jacobson.

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Showing Healthy Affection

Sometimes, what your son or daughter needs is a hug from you. But what do you do when your child doesn’t want one? John and Danny discuss the benefits of hugging your child and offer tips for how to respond when he or she doesn’t want one. Featuring Matt and Lisa Jacobson.

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Parenting and Love Styles (Part 1 of 2)

The family you came from has a huge influence on the ways you raise your own kids. In this profound conversation, John and Danny will encourage you to examine how your family of origin has impacted your parenting. Featuring Milan and Kay Yerkovich.

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When Your Child Cries

When your son or daughter is young, it’s common for him or her to cry a lot. But the tears are typically pointing to something deeper. John and Danny offer some helpful tips for talking to your kids about their true feelings. Featuring Josh and Christi Straub.

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I Can’t Do This!

Raising kids is an exhausting journey. At times, you might even think to yourself, “I can’t do this!” If you feel that way today, you are not alone. John and Danny will offer ideas for staying encouraged, even when you’re exhausted as a parent. Featuring Heidi St. John.

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Seeing Yourself as a Warrior

There are many overwhelming moments in your parenting. Even when it feels challenging, one of the best gifts you can give your child is to pray he or she will follow God. John and Danny encourage you to keep being a godly influence for your kids, even when it’s hard. Featuring Heidi St. John.

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Breaking Patterns of Dysfunctional Parenting

We all make mistakes as parents. But what do you do when a series of mistakes becomes an unhealthy pattern? The fact is, healing can take a long time. John and Danny describe how reconciliation is a process when you’re trying to overcome the damage done by negative patterns. Featuring guest Mike Berry.

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The Root of the Behavior

You ask your child to do something, but instead of hearing “yes, Mom” or “yes, Dad,” you get a negative response. Sound familiar? John and Danny explain why bad behavior is typically rooted in something much deeper that’s going on in your child. Featuring guest Mike Berry.

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Truly Providing for Your Family

You want to provide for your kids’ needs, but at the end of the day, what your child really wants is quality time with you. John and Danny share how they struggled to balance work with kids, and how they learned to make time for their families. Featuring guests Matt and Lisa Jacobson.

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Training for Adulthood

“Clean you room.” “Do the dishes.” “Don’t punch your brother!” These are basic parenting instructions. But what do you do when your child isn’t listening? John and Danny explain how big changes in your child’s behavior start by focusing on one area at a time. Featuring Cynthia Tobias.

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The Reason Behind the Emotions

An angry outburst! Sudden crying! Irrational behavior! Do these sound familiar? Many times, when your child has an outburst, there’s usually a deeper reason under the surface. John and Danny discuss how to affirm your child when he or she is struggling emotionally. Featuring Dr. Josh and Christi Straub.

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A Safe Place for Feelings

When your son or daughter is feeling down, where does he or she turn to for help? As a parent, it’s good to give your child a safe place to express his or her emotions. John and Danny give some tips for helping your kids work through their feelings. Featuring Dr. Josh and Christi Straub.

little girl with her hands over her mouth, why does my child lie?

How Do I Get My Child to Stop Lying?

These five tips can help you create a culture of honesty in your home.

Promotional image for Focus on the Family broadcast Teaching Children to Celebrate Racial and Cultural Diversity

Teaching Children to Celebrate Racial and Cultural Diversity

Trillia Newbell and Dr. Danny Huerta discuss the value of our celebrating racial and cultural diversity as an expression of God’s calling upon us to share His message of love and reconciliation through Christ to people of every nation, tribe, and language, and offer parents practical guidance for celebrating as a family.

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Encouraging Spiritual Growth in Your Kids

Spending time with God can be difficult when your kids require so much attention. John and Danny offer some ideas for how to spend time with the Lord amidst the busyness of parenting. Featuring guest Heidi St. John.

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You Don’t Have to Get It All Right

As a parent, there are times when we all mess up. But the good news is that God’s grace is there to pick us back up again, even when we fall. John and Danny share how God will meet us, even in our low moments as a parent. Featuring guest Heidi St. John.

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Choosing Thankfulness, Even When It’s Hard

When you have a great day, being thankful is easy. But what about when you have a bad day? John and Danny discuss how families can still be grateful, even during difficult circumstances. Featuring guest Tricia Goyer.

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Handling Crazy Situations With Joy

When your plans fall apart, it can be very overwhelming. But what if a moment gone awry with your kids actually turned into a fun and lasting memory? Danny and John offer a healthy perspective for responding well, even when your plans don’t work out. Featuring guest Tricia Goyer.

13 Lessons That Dads Can Teach Their Daughters

13 Lessons Dads Can Teach Their Daughters

As a father, you can provide advice, encouragement, and love to your daughter. Explore the 13 essential lessons dads can teach their daughters to create a positive and long-lasting momentum in their lives.

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The Gift of a Strong-Will

Let’s be honest, there are moments when your strong-willed child is difficult to get along with. What do you do in those situations? John and Danny give some ideas for how to talk with your strong-willed son or daughter, even when it’s hard. Featuring Cynthia Tobias.

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Respecting a Child With a Strong Will

Raising a strong-willed son or daughter is not easy. Sometimes, getting him or her to comply with your requests can feel like trying to tame a wild beast. John and Danny provide a dose of hope to parents who feel overwhelmed by their strong-willed child. Featuring Cynthia Tobias.

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Making Your Kids Feel Safe

It’s important for your kids to have a safe place to express their emotions. What better place to start than at your home? John and Danny offer some helpful tools for connecting emotionally with your kids. Featuring Josh and Christi Straub.

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It’s Not Too Late for a Miracle

Every parent faces challenges, but what do you do when a situation seems hopeless? Even if it feels dark today, please know, your story is not over. John and Danny give some encouragement to parents who feel weighed down by hard circumstances. Featuring Amber Lisa and Wendy Speake.

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Fight for a Better Future

What do you see when you look back on your family history? For some, there are beautiful memories, but for others, it’s a history of brokenness. No matter what your story is, John and Danny will encourage you that God can help you live out a better future. Featuring Elizabeth Oates.

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Moving on From a Difficult Past

Even if you’ve come from a difficult family situation, God can still redeem your story. The key is never trying to heal on your own. John and Danny explain why counseling can help in overcoming a painful family past. Featuring Elizabeth Oates.

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Praising God as a Family

When life is busy, it’s vitally important to remind yourself of God’s goodness. But doing so isn’t always easy in the midst of parenting. John and Danny discuss people who’ve inspired them to trust God amidst the big task of raising kids. Featuring Tricia Goyer.

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The Difference Between Honesty & Complaining

Just like poison is to your body, complaining is toxic for your home environment. But if you’ll deal with it, your home can experience a new sense of peace. John and Danny offer some ideas for how to practice thankfulness in your home. Featuring Tricia Goyer.

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When You Have a Strong-Willed Child

Every child has a unique, God-given personality. But what do you do when your son or daughter is always determined to get his or her way? John and Danny give some hope to parents with a strong-willed son or daughter. Featuring guest Cynthia Tobias.

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Being Present During Difficult Times

When your child is hurting, it’s easy to ask yourself, “Do I have the right words to say?” The truth is, just being there for your son or daughter can make a huge difference. John and Danny provide encouragement to parents with a hurting child. Featuring Michele Howe.

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When Multitasking is Too Much

Activities with your children can be fun, but also very exhausting! What do you do when all the things you’d planned become too much to handle? John and Danny offer some ideas for lightening your schedule. Featuring Amber Lia and Wendy Speake.

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Healthy Coping for Stressful Times

Stress is part of parenting, but how do you cope with it when you’re completely overwhelmed? John and Danny share about how they’ve learned to rely on God’s strength during stressful moments. Featuring Amber Lia and Wendy Speake.

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Teaching Kids How To Be Humble

The growth of humility in your child’s life will lead to positive development in many other areas of their character and relationships.

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How the Gospel Heals Parental Wounds

In the Bible, God is compared to a loving father. But, if a person didn’t have a good father in the home, he or she might turn away from the Lord. John and Danny offer hope to parents who have a child who’s far from God. Featuring Elizabeth Oates.

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Overcoming a Parents’ Divorce

All of us have baggage from our family of origin. But with God’s help, we can overcome a painful past. John and Danny give hope to those who come from a divorced family. Featuring Elizabeth Oates.

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Teaching Your Kids Not to Complain

The truth is, getting your children to be thankful is easier said than done. It doesn’t come naturally, but it’s possible. John and Danny offer some ideas for helping your kids to practice thankfulness. Featuring guest Tricia Goyer.

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Ways to Pray for Your Daughter

One of the greatest blessings as a parent with a daughter is to pray for her. But a big question is, “How do I pray?” John and Danny offer some practical ways to pray for the girl in your home. Featuring guest Teri Lynne Underwood.

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How to Be a Better Parent By Checking In With Your Kids

Asking for constructive feedback from our children is a great way to become a better parent. Talking with our kids will help us to better see our blind spots and address areas of our parenting that we need to work on.

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Encouraging Your Kids’ Goals When Your Family is Feeling Stuck

These five ways of shifting the momentum in your home can help your family to stop feeling stuck and bring your kids’ goals back into focus.

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When Your Child Moves Away

Seeing your child leave home is one of the biggest and sometimes hardest transitions you’ll make as a parent. John and Danny willl provide some tips for making that transition well. Featuring guest Michele Howe.

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Giving Appropriate Affirmation

Encouraging your child is a wonderful thing, but how do you do it when you need to confront him or her? John and Danny offer some tips for responding well when your child disappoints you. Featuring guest Michele Howe.

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When You’re Exhausted as a Parent

Parenting is an amazing journey, but it’s also exhausting. How do you keep it together when you feel so tired? Danny and John give some encouragement to exhausted moms and dads. Featuring Amber Lea and Wendy Speake.

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Consider it Pure Joy

As a parent it’s easy to feel tired by the constant demands of raising kids. John and Danny offer some hope and encouragement to exhausted parents. Featuring Amber Lea and Wendy Speake.

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Encouraging Healthy Learning Habits

It’s easy to celebrate your kid when he or she makes a good grade, but what about when he or she perseveres through something difficult? John and Danny offer some thoughts on how to encourage your children when they show resilience. Featuring Michael Anderson and Dr. Timothy Johanson.

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The Problem with ‘Do Your Best’

Instructing your kids is part of parenting, but teaching them takes time. John and Danny discuss how to have a healthy perspective when training your kids to learn life lessons. Featuring Michael Anderson and Dr. Timothy Johanson.

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Bringing Your Parenting Fears to God

John and Danny offer advice to parents who are afraid of missing a hidden problem in their child’s life. Featuring author Teri Lynne Underwood.

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Is Your Child Overscheduled?

Today, many children are overscheduled and exhausted. John and Danny describe why downtime is so important for your kids. Featuring guest Teri Lynne Underwood.

Conversation about Childhood Brain Development

Here are 5 ways to help you create an environment of healthy dialogue with your kids.

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Parents and Grandparents: Tips for Communication

Grandparents can play a significant role in their grandchild’s life by offering their unconditional love. John and Danny list topics for grandparents and parents to discuss to prevent misunderstandings. Featuring Michele Howe.

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Managing Expectations for Grandparents

It can be painful if your parents aren’t involved in your kids’ lives. John and Danny offer encouragement to parents who feel like their kids are missing out. Featuring Michele Howe.

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How Can I Get My Kids to Stop Fighting?

These four key traits will help you to teach your children how to manage their conflicts.

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What To Do When Your Kids are Feeling Anxious

Here are four things you can do to help your child when they are dealing with anxious feelings.

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God Has a Plan for Your Strong-Willed Child

If you’re parenting a strong-willed child, you know there are unique challenges that come with their bold opinions and emotions. John and Danny give an overview of principles for parenting strong-willed children. Featuring Wendy Speake and Amber Lia.

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Renewing Your Mind During Parenting Challenges

John and Danny offer help for parents who are exhausted by strong-willed children. Featuring Amber Lia and Wendy Speake.

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Helping Your Child Find Freedom from Perfectionism

Many unhealthy behaviors are easy to spot. But it may be harder to tell if your child is struggling with unhealthy perfectionism. John and Danny describe perfectionist tendencies in teens and offer advice for overcoming unhealthy thought patterns. Featuring Michael Anderson and Dr. Timothy Johanson.

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What’s Driving Your Teen’s Behavior?

It’s typical for teenagers to experience ups and downs. But if your child continues to be withdrawn or angry, consider what’s under the surface. John and Danny describe root fears that can cause teens to act out.

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Encouragement for Couples Facing Infertility

Infertility can be such a painful, isolating experience. John and Danny offer advice to couples who long for children. Featuring author Teri Lynne Underwood.

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Is Prayer Your Last Priority?

Corrie ten Boom once asked, “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?” John and Danny describe key prayers to pray for your kids. Featuring author Teri Lynne Underwood.

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The Power of Life-Giving Words In Your Family

Here are some helpful guiding questions to consider when you’re thinking whether certain words you use with your kids are life-giving or potentially destructive.

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5 Ways To Make a Change in Momentum With Family Relationships

If the momentum in your family has taken a negative turn, these five things can help you get it back on a positive pace.

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6 Ways to Respond to a Strong-Willed Child

Raising strong-willed children can be demanding, but it’s also incredibly gratifying. When taught with patience and firm, loving guidance, they can become life-changing leaders.

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A Short Guide to ‘The Talk’

You are the best person to teach your child important truths about God’s design for sexuality. John and Danny offer encouragement to parents who are anxious about having ‘the talk.’ Featuring Jessie Minassian.

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Sharing God’s Vision for Sexuality

John and Danny offer practical advice for teaching your child a Biblical view of sexuality. Featuring Jessie Minassian.

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The Power of a Gentle Answer

It can be really difficult not to react in anger when your kids repeat frustrating behaviors. John and Danny offer a helpful perspective on whining and complaining. Featuring Amber Lia and Wendy Speake.

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Identifying Triggers in Parenting

John and Danny offer advice to help parents discover the root cause of their anger. Featuring Amber Lia and Wendy Speake.

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Navigate Family Differences With This Personality Quiz

Relating to different personalities is not always easy. Take the quiz to find out and understand the unique strengths within your family and how to better relate to one another.

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Is it Your Job to Make Your Child Happy?

Parenting is a marathon, and it’s helpful to keep the end goal in mind: you’re preparing your kids for adulthood. John and Danny discuss the dangers of believing your primary job is to make your child happy. Featuring Dr. David Clarke.

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Should You Tell Kids They’re Special?

John and Danny discuss the importance of giving your kids both encouragement and honest feedback. Featuring Dr. David Clarke.

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Getting a Handle On Godly Discipline

There’s so much conflicting advice on the internet about correcting your child’s misbehavior – but what does the Bible teach about godly discipline? John and Danny offer practical, Bible-based advice. Featuring guest Dr. David Clarke.

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It’s Not Too Early to Teach Your Kids About God

If you’re a mom or a dad, you’re the best person to show your kids that following God is more than going to church on Sunday mornings. John and Danny describe how to encourage your child’s faith from an early age. Featuring guest Dr. David Clarke.

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Bringing Up Girls with a Healthy Identity

During the teen years, girls need their parents’ affirmation more than ever. John and Danny discuss how dads can encourage their daughters and help them develop a healthy identity. Featuring guest Jessie Minassian.

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Helping Pre-Teens Understand Their Emotions

It’s normal for pre-teens to start experiencing more intense feelings or for their self-confidence to take a nosedive. John and Danny discuss how to help your teen navigate mood swings and emotional changes. Featuring guest Jessie Minassian.

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Evangelism Opportunities for Kids

If you look for them, you can find opportunities to share the gospel every day. John and Danny discuss how to pass an evangelistic mindset on to your kids.

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Involving Your Kids in Church and Ministry

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.

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Simple, Effective Behavior Interventions

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.

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Raising Independent Kids

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.

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Developing Confidence On and Off the Field

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.

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Pick Your Battles With Teens

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.

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God’s Good Design for Sex

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.

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Navigating Friendships in Middle School and Beyond

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.

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Prepare Your Kids for Spiritual Battles

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.

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When You’re Called to Stay

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.

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Trusting God in a High-Risk Pregnancy

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.

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The Spiritual Benefits of Parenting

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.

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Is Virtue Caught or Taught?

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.

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Communicating Love at Every Age and Stage

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.

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Speaking the Truth in Love to Teens

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.

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Helping Kids Establish Their Identity in Christ

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.

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Finding Joy in Motherhood

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.

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Overcoming Comparison in Motherhood

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.

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Practical Advice for New Dads

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.

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Practical Advice for New Moms

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.

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Loving Boundaries for Toddlers and Teens

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.

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Dr. Clarke’s Marriage Cliff Notes

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.

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When Should You Have ‘The Talk’?

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.

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Getting Ready for ‘The Talk’

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.

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A Mom’s Eternal Impact

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.

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Coping With the Challenges of Motherhood

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

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Staying Positive as Expectant Parents

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.

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Win Over Your Teen with Gentle Questions

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.

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How Strengthening Your Marriage Improves Your Parenting

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.

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It Takes a Church to Raise a Child

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.

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Know Your Child Deeply

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

Help Your Teen Value Inner Beauty

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.

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Discovering Your Child’s Unique Strengths

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.

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Equipping Your Child to Succeed in College

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.

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Being an Authoritative Parent

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.

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Parenting With Grace and Truth

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.

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Helping Your Children Build Healthy Relationships

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.

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Reconciling With a Prodigal Child

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.

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Caring for Your Family While Parenting a Prodigal

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.

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Fan Into Flame Your Child’s Faith

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.

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When You Fear for Your Child’s Safety

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.

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Help Your Child Develop True Confidence

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.

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Simple Steps to Teach Resilience

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.

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Raising Spiritual Self-Starters

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.

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Is Your Child Doubting or Deepening Their Faith?

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.

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Partnering with Your Spouse During Parenting Challenges

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.

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Busy Grandparents: Maximize Time with Your Grandchild

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.

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Teach Your Child How to Fail

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.

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Liberating Your Teen to Make Decisions

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.

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Crucial Conversations When Adult Children Move Home

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.

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Marriage and Your Family of Origin

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

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What Your Teen Needs Most

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.

5 Ways to Discuss politics with your family

5 Ways to Discuss Politics With Your 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

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Discipling Your Grandchildren

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.

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Finding Stability During Parenting Challenges

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.

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Choosing Your Words Carefully

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.

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Connecting With Distant Teens

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.

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Grandparenting Dos and Don’ts

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.

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Developing Family Faith Traditions

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.

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Say ‘No’ to Helicopter Parenting

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.

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Wise Tech Habits for All Ages

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.

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Healing After a Family Crisis

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.

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Helping Your Son Build Healthy Confidence

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.

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Strategies for Combating Peer Pressure

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.

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Qualities to Look for in a Spouse

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.

adaptability trait

Adaptability — An Essential Parenting Trait

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

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How Overparenting Hurts Your Kids

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.

Family with Good Mental Health

What Is Mental Health and Why Is It Important for Your Family?

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

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Should You Follow Your Heart?

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.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Staying Grounded in High School

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.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Identifying Prodigal Children

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.

What Your Kids Need Most to Grow Up Well (Part 2 of 2)

What Your Kids Need Most to Grow Up Well (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 2 of 2)

What Your Kids Need Most to Grow Up Well (Part 1 of 2)

What Your Kids Need Most to Grow Up Well (Part 1 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)

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Practicing Tough Love

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.

It's important to learn why friendship is important as our kids head back to school.

Back to School: Why Friendship is Important for Children

“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

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Modeling Faith to Middle-Schoolers

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.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Keep Connecting With Your Middle-Schooler

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.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Teaching Lifelong Lessons Through Chores

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.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Tips for Gospel Conversations

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.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Helping Kids Discover Their Identity in Christ

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.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Encouraging Children in Their Unique Calling

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.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Persevering in Parenting

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.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Teaching Young Children to Honor God

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.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Guiding Your Teen in Faith and Dating

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.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Mending Your Relationship with Your Teenager

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

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Allowing Children to Make Mistakes

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.

Family with different personalities

Navigating Personality Differences at Home

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.

Older girl smiles as she holds an illuminated heart

Demonstrating Steadfast Love in Parenting

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 child hiding behind leaves

How Do I Help My Shy Child?

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!

Rose with charred pedals

Sexual Assault and Rape: Help for Teens

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

child in shopping cart, playing video game

When Your Kids Tune You Out

What causes kids to tune us out? Distraction and vague boundaries are major obstacles. But, you can try to teach them to listen to authority.

Gratitude is Good for a Child’s Health

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.

Bless a hurting family this Thanksgiving

Cutting Is a Call for Help

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

consequences of teen sexting

The Consequences of Teen Sexting

Learning about sexting involving your teenager can seem frightening and overwhelming. Read more to discover some of the dangers surrounding sexting, relevant terminology, and repercussions. Finally, read our advice and guidance on how to appropriately and lovingly discuss this topic with your teenager.

bullying and cyberbullying

Bullying and Cyberbullying

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.

Scene of middle-school children sitting in a classroom listening to their teacher

Can Your Kids Bring Their Faith to School?

Did you know the majority of students in the United States spend at least six hours per day in school? That’s a lot of time, and it presents a unique challenge to Christian students who spend that time in an environment that’s completely different than …

Focus on the Family Broadcast logo

Finding Peace Through Forgiveness

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.

A man is writing in a journal to stay connected to his family through a journal.

Stay Connected to Your Family Through Journals

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

Close up of smiling middle-age couple with mom having a side hug with their grown, special needs son

What is the Right Kind of Attention for Your Children?

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

Who Is Shaping Your Kids?

Recognizing three types of contributors to children’s lives.

Father and Son

How to Spank: To Spank or Not to Spank?

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 Parenting Styles

New Parenting Styles? Try This Instead.

Dolphin, Elephant, Free-range? Why settle for just one?

Perseverance: How Your Kids Can Overcome Hardship

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

Why Your Kids Need Intentional Parents

Intentional parenting just means having a plan

How Porn Affects Your Child’s Future

Unfortunately, there are negative effects of porn for your child’s future. Here is some advice about how to help your child prepare for their future.

Effects of Porn Addiction

Effects of Porn Addiction on a Teen Brain

Unfortunately, the effects of pornography negatively impact our teenagers in more ways than we might realize. But there’s hope for parents hoping to help their teens overcome pornography addiction

Use of Pornography Among Tweens and Teens

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.

How to Quit Watching Porn: 7 Strategies for Your Teens

Even though pornography is everywhere, you can help your teen learn how to quit watching porn with these strategies.

Do Your Kids Know You Value Their Character?

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

Sad teenage girl at school

How to Develop Media Intelligence in Your Home

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

grandfather playing football with his grandson

Involving Grandparents in Your Kids’ Lives

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.

Elderly couple sitting together smiling

Lifewise: Rethinking Retirement

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?

How Much Privacy Should You Give Your Kids?

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

Lifewise Activities: Volunteer Smart

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.

Do Your Kids Know You Love Them?

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

Unhappy senior couple, wife in foreground

Lifewise Faith: Avoiding Bitterness, Finding Forgiveness

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

A jaw-dropped teen looks astonished with sexual attraction to something he has seen

Sexual Attraction: Guiding Your Son to Respond Well

Has your son recently discovered that his reaction to girls is changing? Sexual attraction is normal. Here’s how you can help your son make sense of what is happening and guide him to respond well.

Older sister tightly hugging brother around the neck. Both are laughing.

Siblings Can Learn to Be Kind to One Another

Raise kids who treat each other with kindness

Two teen girls sit on swings and look longingly into the distance

13 Reasons Why Not

Help your teen see that hope is always there.

Adaptability as a Parent

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.

Close up of a father's hand holding his young son's as his son looks up at him

Grace and Forgiveness in 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.

Parental Gratitude

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.

parental love

5 Benefits of Parental Love

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.

Parental Respect

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.

What Sadie Robertson Got Right

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.

Are You Kind to Your Kids?

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

Every Blended Family Needs a Little Help

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.

When Should Your Child Get a Cellphone?

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?

Sexting: Why Parents Should Care and What They Should Do About It

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

Focus on the Family Broadcast

Helping Kids Conquer Their Fears

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.