Danny Huerta, MSW, LCSW, LSSW

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

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

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

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

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

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

Help protect your children from online sexual predators.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recognizing three types of contributors to children’s lives.

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

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

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

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

Intentional parenting just means having a plan

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

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

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

Parents need to know how pornography affects teens.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Raise kids who treat each other with kindness

Help your teen see that hope is always there.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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