Focus on the Family Parenting Podcast

Put the Phones Away! 02.06.2026 10分

With how pervasive technology has become, is it possible to unplug and live a real life? Jim Daly talks with Jonathan McKee about how he and his family had to set better boundaries with their tech usage. Plus, Danny shares the need to tell your kids that you want to connect with them in the real world.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book 52 Ways to Connect with Your Smartphone Obsessed Kid for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Reconnect In Real Life: Tips To Reduce Screen Time...    Learn About Our Age and Stage e-Newsletter   Unplugged: Tips to Control Your Child’s Social Media   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

When a Physical or Mental Health Challenge is Serious 27.05.2026 11分

How do you show up as a parent even if you're facing health challenges? Danny talks about a time where he fought through some back issues. Also, Becky Harling joins Jim Daly to discuss how she and her family worked through a tough cancer diagnosis. At the end, Danny and John offer hope to parents who've been diagnosed with a mental health issue.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book How to Listen So Your Kids Will Talk for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Listening to the Heart of Your Kids    Mental Health Resources   Counseling Consultation and Referrals   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

When a Military Parent Passes Away 25.05.2026 10分

Today, we address the challenges that military families go through. Heather Gray Blalock joins Jim Daly to share about how she and her kids got through her husband's passing, after he died in combat. Then, Danny and John will offer encouragement to military families with children.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Faith, Hope, Love and Deployment for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Remembering Fallen Heroes and Their Families    Counseling Consultation and Referrals   Resources: Military Issues   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

If Your Child is Confused About Their Gender 21.05.2026 12分

How do you respond well if your child admits they're struggling with their gender identity? Dr. Jeff Myers and Dr. Kathy Koch talk with Jim Daly about some of the ways this is a prevalent issue in the world today. Plus, Danny will share some encouragement for if your child is struggling with their God-given identity.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Raising Gender-Confident Kids for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Helping Your Child Thrive With Gender Confidence    Truth Rising   Counseling Consultation and Referrals   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

What Boys Are Dealing With 19.05.2026 15分

Boys might not be as open about their emotions as girls, but that doesn't mean they're dealing with less pressures. Brooke McGlothlin shares insights with Jim Daly on some of the hard things boys are facing today. You'll also hear from John and Danny at the end about why doing activities is helpful for young men and their development.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Praying for Teen Boys for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Praying to Protect the Heart of Your Son    Counseling Consultation and Referrals   Learn About Our Age and Stage e-Newsletter   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Help Your Teen Girl Embrace Who She Is 14.05.2026 15分

Being accepted by others is a deep longing in the heart of young girls. Dr. Heather Holleman joins Jim Daly to share about why getting a seat at the popular girls table is not what it seems like. You'll then hear John and Danny on how to discern if your daughter is experiencing a serious challenge or not.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive The Elita Brown Series for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Guiding Your Preteen Daughter to Find Her Identity in Christ    Counseling Consultation and Referrals   Learn About Our Age and Stage e-Newsletter   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

For Those Raising a Child with Special Needs 12.05.2026 13分

Most of us know someone who's raising a child who has special needs. Danny brings up some of the common challenges he's seen parents face in that situation. You'll then hear Sandra Peoples and Jim Daly address what churches can do to help a parent who's raising a child with special needs. At the end, John and Danny will give you ideas for assisting parents who need help.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Unexpected Blessings for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Experiencing God's Grace in a Special Needs Family    Counseling Consultation and Referrals   Overcoming Guilt in The Face of Special Needs   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

How Prayer Can Reset Your Mind 07.05.2026 11分

When you're stressed as a parent, taking a second to pray is one of the best ways to calm your mind. Danny opens up about how he learned to pray for his kids when they were little. Also, Jim Daly talks with Hillary Ferrer and Julie Loos on how to pray even when you don't feel like God is close.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Honest Prayers for Mama Bears for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Building an Honest Prayer Life as a Mom    Parenting Resource Page   An Essential Guide to Effective Prayer for Family   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

A Series of Conversations About Sex 05.05.2026 11分

Is there a right time to have the talk with your kids? Jim Daly chats with Justin and Lindsey Holcomb about how talking to your kids about sex is a series of ongoing discussions, not a one-time thing. Plus, Danny reminds you that there's not a perfect formula for talking about sexuality with your children.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book God Made Babies for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Where Do Babies Come From?    Launch into the Teen Years Kit   Learn About Our Age and Stage e-Newsletter   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

If Your Child’s Faith is Deconstructing 30.04.2026 14分

Why are some kids deconstructing their faith? Danny shares some of the reasons why teens who grew up Christian have drifted from the faith. Also, Dr. John Marriott tells part of his own story with Jim Daly.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Before You Go for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   When Your Son or Daughter is Deconstructing Faith I-II    What to do When Your Adult Child Is Deconstructing Their Faith   Contact our Counseling Team   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Jesus Can Handle Tough Questions 28.04.2026 15分

Do you remember the time in life when your faith in Jesus made sense? John and Danny recount the times they decided to put their faith in Christ after asking good questions. You'll also hear Jim Daly and Natasha Crain share how you can respond well when your kids ask you hard questions about God.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Keeping Your Kids on God’s Side for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Answering Your Kids' Tough Faith Questions    10 Tips for Having Deeper Faith Conversations With Your Kids   Contact our Counseling Team   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

They See More Than Your Words 23.04.2026 13分

Successful parenting isn't based on formulas, but it's also good to pray with your kids regularly. Justin Earley chats with Jim Daly about something he called a bedtime liturgy with his sons. Plus, Danny and John will encourage you to pay attention to your tone when teaching spiritual lessons to your children.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Habits of the Household for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Creating Spiritual Habits in Your Family    Contact our Counseling Team   Watch the Entire Interview with Justin Earley   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

The Process of Letting Go for Mothers 21.04.2026 13分

How do you learn to let go when your kids leave home and they aren't following Christ right now? Hillary Ferrer and Julie Loos speak with Jim Daly on ways you can trust God if you have a prodigal child. Then, Danny brings up some ways he's seen God restore kids even after they rebelled for a time.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Honest Prayers for Mama Bears for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Building an Honest Prayer Life as a Mom    Contact our Counseling Team   Focus on Marriage Podcast   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

What Does Your Child Believe About Themselves? 14.04.2026 11分

How do you help your teen embrace who God says they are? Danny shares how kids in his counseling office have struggled with low self-esteem. You'll also hear Jim Daly talk with Tricia Goyer and Leslie Nunnery about how to be aware of messages your kids are hearing from social media.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Faith That Sticks for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Supporting Your Preteen’s Faith Journey    Learn About Our Age and Stage e-Newsletter   Contact our Counseling Team   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Ask Questions First 16.04.2026 13分

What kind of questions are you asking your kids about the world today? Jim Daly chats with Dr. Sean McDowell on the power of asking sincere questions. Afterwards, you'll hear John and Danny explain why questions is a good strategy for clarifying any misunderstandings with your kids.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book A Rebel’s Manifesto for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Empowering Teens to Navigate Faith in Modern Culture - I-II     Truth Rising   Contact our Counseling Team   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

When Scripture is Difficult 09.04.2026 15分

Have you ever gotten a question from your kids about the Bible that you weren't sure how to answer? Danny and John address why it's okay to admit if you don't know the answer to a biblical question your kid might ask. You'll also hear from Jim Daly and Danika Cooley about navigating through some of the edgier parts of the Bible.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Help Your Kids Love and Learn the Bible for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Nurturing a Love for the Bible in Your Kids    Learn About Our Age and Stage e-Newsletter   Family Reading of Scripture   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Be Flexible with Family Devotions 07.04.2026 10分

Are family devotions a struggle? Do your kids have a hard time paying attention? Jim Daly chats with Pastor Jonathan Evans and his wife Kanika on how they've learned to be flexible with family devotions and young kids through rides to school and dinner conversations. Also, John and Danny will offer you some encouragement if you aren't able to have dinner together often as a family.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Kingdom Family Devotional for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Growing Closer Through Family Devotions    How can I show my kids affection? Give them a HIGH FIVE!   Family Reading of Scripture   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Tell Them the Easter Story 02.04.2026 11分

The story of Easter is quite violent, when you really examine the crucifixion of Jesus. How do you share about that with your kids? Dr. Josh Straub and his wife Christi talk to Jim Daly about how you can help your kids understand the Easter story.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book 10 Days of the Easter Story for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Inviting Your Child Into the Easter Story    Family Reading of Scripture: Holy Week   Contact our Counseling Team   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Why Teaching Joy Matters 31.03.2026 9分

How do you teach your kids to have joy, even if your circumstances are rough right now? Danny shares how he learned about contentment from his grandpa. Plus, Jim Daly talks to Marcus Warner and Chris Coursey on how to find joy, even if you don't consider yourself a joyful person.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book The 4 Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Nurturing Joy in Your Child    Family Reading of Scripture: Holy Week   What is Joy?   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Thankfulness, Kindness and Mercy 26.03.2026 9分

How do you have real peace in a chaotic world? Maybe something called gratitude might help? Jim Daly and Kay Wyma discuss how to teach your kids to be thankful. Also, Danny gives some tips for how to help your child if he or she is having a bad attitude   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book The Peace Project for your donation of any amount!   Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment   Finding Peace in Your Everyday Life    How to Reduce Grumbling and Increase Gratitude   Learn About Our Age and Stage e-Newsletter   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.