Mike Bechtle

There are two things to consider when talking to others about your spouse: who you talk to and how you talk to them.

Things have changed with your college kids. Have you changed with them?

Asking your spouse to help you find your personal blind spots can help you grow closer together. Discovering weaknesses and improving them can change your relationship for the better.

Body language tells more of the story than the actual words that are said when parents talk to their kids. John and Danny explain that non-verbal cues including tone of voice can make a big difference in conversations.

Technology can be great, but sometimes it gets in the way of a family’s ability to really engage with one another. John and Danny discuss ways to use tech like smartphones, laptops and video games as tools for enhancing relationships, not replacing them.

John explains how kindness works better than niceness every time.

John an Danny challenge the notion that parents should have all the answers.

John and Danny discuss how listening to understand and not always to respond can build a bond of trust with your child.

Imagine that your spouse hit one of your “buttons,” and you had an angry outburst. How do you repair the relationship? Read on to learn more about anger control.

If you’re not sure that certain friendships are having a positive impact on you, consider the influence these guys have on your marriage. Do they encourage you to love your wife more?

Persuading someone to accept feedback isn’t just about phrasing things the right way. You’re showing your spouse what he or she doesn’t already know. Both of you will grow through this trust-building process.

Sometimes we can feel like we’re taking one step forward, and two steps back when it comes to communicating in a meaningful way at home with our families. John and Danny emphasize how that dance doesn’t have to lead to disaster. Featuring Dr. Mike Bech …

John and Danny explain why it’s smart to deal with issues or points of conflict that come up sooner rather than later.

Feedback can reveal flaws that we don’t see in ourselves. It can be painful, but it’s essential. If we respond with defensiveness, we shut down a valuable tool for building an honest, thriving relationship.

Independent thinking doesn’t automatically shut off after the wedding. So when your spouse doesn’t agree with your great idea, how should you negotiate a solution?

The right questions asked in the right way can determine the trajectory of your relationship. It takes skill to use questions well — and that skill that can be developed. Here’s what you need to know.

When you have problems with your marriage, you might reach out to friends, who bring value that a professional can’t. But when should you get professional help?

You kids are listening closer than you think! Danny and John talk about how to make sure you are setting the right example for you children with your words. Featuring Mike Bechtle. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

You kids are listening closer than you think! Danny and John talk about how to make sure you are setting the right example for you children with your words. Featuring Mike Bechtle. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

Marriages never thrive when we expect our spouse to be responsible for fixing our feelings. If we own our emotions, we’re free to be co-owners of the relationship. Then we can build something great.

Dr. Mike Bechtle offers insights on common barriers to communication within the family and how those obstacles can be removed in a discussion based on his book Dealing With the Elephant in the Room: Moving From Tough Conversations to Healthy Communication. (Part 2 of 2)

Dr. Mike Bechtle offers insights on common barriers to communication within the family and how those obstacles can be removed in a discussion based on his book Dealing With the Elephant in the Room: Moving From Tough Conversations to Healthy Communication. (Part 1 of 2)

Couples often don’t have a lot of communication tools when they enter marriage. When conversations get tough, they may need better tools than they have. Here are some basic skills they’ll need.

Dr. Mike Bechtle explains how we can stop allowing difficult people to control our emotions, and how we can set healthy boundaries and extend the love of God to them.

Three ways to help your child navigate challenging peer relationships.

Dr. Mike Bechtle offers a light-hearted and insightful look at the differences between men and women in a discussion based on his book I Wish He Had Come With Instructions: The Woman’s Guide to a Man’s Brain.