Focus on the Family Parenting Podcast

No matter how hard you try, you can't be the perfect parent. Jim Daly and Ashley Willis bring up why it's good to let go of perfectionism. Also, Danny and John address what to do when your kid makes a bad decision that you disagree with. Find us online at Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Explore more resources Receive the Peace Pirates for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Listen Anytime Sign Up for the Age and Stage eNewsletter Does Performance Drive Your Parenting? If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

How do you respond when your child is disrespectful to you? While disrespect is never excused, their behavior may be because he or she isn't feeling loved. Popular author Dannah Gresh and Jim Daly share why it's important for girls to feel loved so they can show you genuine respect. You'll also hear John and Danny address why boys need to feel affirmed. Find us online at Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get more resources Receive the book Lies Girls Believe bundle for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Listen Anytime Parental Respect Contact our Counseling Department If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

If you grew up in a broken home, the fear of repeating that pattern in your own marriage can feel overwhelming. Dr. Danny Huerta and John Fuller sit down with Josh and Kristi Straub to discuss finding hope and healing when your family story includes divorce. Josh shares the defining moment at age 10 when his mother moved out, how he became the "fixer" in his family, and the generational patterns he discovered that pushed him to rewrite his own story. The Safe House Creating a Safe Family Where Your Children Can Thrive (Digital)

What if the key to weathering adversity as a family isn't found in the big moments, but in the small daily ones? This episode explores how building godly habits now — before challenges arrive — can transform your home. Justin Earley, author of Habits of the Household, joins us to discuss practical rhythms like scripture before phone, kneeling prayer, and praying with your kids before school, plus how these practices bring unity and peace when hard times come. Habits of the Household - Gift with Donation Bedtime Routines That Work Creating Spiritual Habits in Your Family (Digital)

What do you do when your child starts questioning everything you've taught them about faith? John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta are joined by Jim Daly, Alisa Childers, and Tim Barnett to unpack the rise of "TikTok theology" and faith deconstruction among young people. The Deconstruction of Christianity Navigating Faith Deconstruction with Your Loved Ones

Parenting a teenager can feel like navigating a minefield, especially when it comes to communication. In this episode, John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta are joined by Focus on the Family President Jim Daly, Dr. Ken Wilgus, and Jessica Pfeiffer to unpack why communication breaks down during the teen years and how parents can rebuild the bridge. Feeding the Mouth that Bites You Launch into the teen years Common Teen Issues That Drive Parents Crazy

Miscarriage is a painful and often silent loss that many parents carry alone. John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta explore the grief, guilt, and healing that come with pregnancy loss, drawing from their own experiences and a candid conversation with author Annie F. Downs and her sister Tatum Green, who opens up about four miscarriages, her wrestling with God, and the eventual arrival of her miracle son, Sam. A compassionate look at how couples can grieve together, find community, and hold onto hope. Where Did TJ Go? Speak to s counselor Navigating Infant Loss as a Family (Digital Download)

Are parents putting too much pressure on their children to succeed? In this episode, John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta explore the growing trend of performance-driven parenting and how it's affecting kids' well-being. Along with Dr. Kevin Leman, they challenge parents to redefine success around character rather than achievement, examine whether their love feels conditional on performance, and model the values they want to see in their children. 8 Secrets to Raising Successful Kids Learn about Age and Stage Planting the Seeds of Success in Your Kids (Digital Download)

Bullying can leave emotional scars that last a lifetime. John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta discuss how to recognize the signs, respond with compassion, and help your child heal. Plus, Focus on the Family president Jim Daly talks with author Nancy Rue, who shares a heartbreaking story about a student she couldn't save — and her own daughter's experience being bullied. Practical guidance and hope for parents facing this difficult issue. Helping Your Child Deal with Bullies Audio Collection Speak to a counselor Helping Your Child Deal With Bullies (Digital)

John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta hear from authors Amber Lia and Wendy Speake to discussing replacing reactive, knee-jerk parenting responses with thoughtful, biblically grounded scripts—covering how to set consequences ahead of time, self-regulate in heated moments, and keep connection intact while enforcing boundaries. Parenting Scripts 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Say This, Not That: Smart Parenting Tips for Misbehavior (Digital Download)

Culture tells kids, "If I feel it, it's true." John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta unpack the lies children hear about emotions with Hilary Ferrer of Mama Bear Apologetics and how parents can help kids keep feelings in the passenger seat, not the driver's seat. Mama Bear Apologetics Age and Stage eNewsletter Helping Your Children Navigate the Culture (Digital)

In this episode of the Focus on the Family Parenting podcast, host John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta discuss how parents can encourage their children to take risks responsibly. Young adult Caroline Shankle shares her personal journey with comparison, perfectionism, and learning to embrace failure offering practical insights for families navigating anxiety, decision-making, and the fear of getting it wrong. The Lion and the Bear Fearless Faith: Navigating Anxiety as a Teen Helping Your Child Approach Anxiety, Bullying, and Identity (Digital Download)

John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta explore the mental health challenges parents face in the exhausting early years, sharing honestly about spousal tension and the need for personal resets. Jim Daly talks with author Jen Babacan about her book Detoured, the importance of moms refueling themselves, and a memorable Target trip gone awry. The conversation wraps up with practical encouragement around self-awareness, community, and small routines that help parents survive the chaos plus a reminder about Focus on the Family's free counseling line. Detoured Discovering Your New Identity as a Stay-at-Home Mom (Digital Download) Speak to a counselor

Is your anxiety rubbing off on your kids? In this episode of the Focus on the Family Parenting Podcast, host John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta unpack how parental stress becomes contagious, the key difference between fear and anxiety, and why managing your own mental health is essential to showing up well for your children. They're joined by Sissy Goff and David Thomas from the Raising Boys and Girlspodcast, who share practical tools for self-assessment, parenting out of love rather than fear, and simple daily strategies from breathing exercises to building routines that help you reset and model healthy stress management for your family. Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Are My Kids on Track? Leading Your Child Through Emotional Milestones (Digital)

Faith is often caught more than it is taught. In this episode, John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta discuss a conversation with Stephen and Sarah Williams about standing firm in your faith when it's challenged. As Stephen shares his experience facing opposition as a public school history teacher, you'll discover how parents can model courage, resilience, and biblical conviction for their children, helping them build a faith that remains strong even in a culture that pushes back against Christian beliefs. Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Protecting Your Child's Faith in Public School (Digital) Resources: Schools and Related Issues

How do you raise kids who will have a good attitude? Arlene Pellicane and Jim Daly give some ideas for how to encourage godly character in your kids instead of entitlement. Also, Danny and John discuss how building character in your kids can help improve their mental health. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Parents Rising Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Raising Godly Children in Today's Culture (Digital Download) 8 Strategies PDF Can a Parent Expect Respect?

How do you raise kids who will have a good attitude? Arlene Pellicane and Jim Daly give some ideas for how to encourage godly character in your kids instead of entitlement. Also, Danny and John discuss how building character in your kids can help improve their mental health. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Parents Rising Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Raising Godly Children in Today's Culture (Digital Download) 8 Strategies PDF Can a Parent Expect Respect?

Does your child need a word of encouragement or strong discipline? Debra Fileta and Jim Daly explain how to gauge what your child is feeling during a moment of praise or correction. Then, Danny discusses how you can correct your child without discouraging him or her in the process. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Nourish Your Family’s Mental Health Bundle Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment How to Nourish Mental Health in Your Family (Digital Download) Counseling Consultation & Referral Services Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

Today, we explore how Jesus can help your child's mental health. Kori Pennypacker talks with Jim Daly about how she's shared the gospel with young kids. Then, Danny and John explain why thinking about Bible verses can help you feel more hopeful. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Backpack Faith Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Bringing Good News to Kids in Public Schools (Digital Download) Learn About Our Age and Stage e-Newsletter Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

How does your child learn and process information? Cynthia Tobias and Jim Daly explore different learning styles kids have. Also, John and Danny provide encouragement for if your child is struggling with discouragement because he or she is struggling to learn things in school. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. The Way They Learn Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Discovering Your Child's Learning Style (Digital) Counseling Consultation and Referrals Learning Styles: Different Kinds of Smart