Focus on the Family Parenting Podcast

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?

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Navigating Infant...

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

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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...

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...

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...

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
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Discovering Your Child's Learning Style (Digital)
Counseling Consultation and Referrals
Learning Styles: Different Kinds of Smart

Is your teenager being disrespectful to you? Danny and John cover the different ways boys and girls can show disrespect towards parents. Plus, Jim Daly and Dr. John Townsend discuss what to do if your son or daughter isn't giving you proper respect. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.
Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment
Establishing Healthy Boundaries with Your Teens (Digital)
Speak to a counselor
Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

Do you consider yourself a rule-follower or a go with the flow type? Melissa Hannigan joins Jim Daly to encourage moms and dads to be more flexible. Also, John and Danny provide some encouragement to parents who are more bent towards following the rules. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.
Inconvenient Parenting
Parenting Styles Quiz
Instilling God-Given Qualities into Your Children (Digital)
Speak to a counselor
Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment

Is it a challenge for you to keep the house clean? As we approach a new school year, Kristi Clover and Jim Daly offer young moms some encouragement for how to teach kids to clean. Plus, John and Danny will give some guidelines for how to make cleaning fun, even if you kid doesn't want to do it. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

M.O.M.: Master Organizer of Mayhem

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Simple Ways to Organize Your Home and Family (digital)

Middle school is a challenging time for many, but it doesn't have to be wasted. Jonathan Catherman and his sons Reed and Cole join Jim Daly to share a positive way for you and your kids to approach middle school. Then, John and Danny share how to respond well if your child makes poor choices in the middle school years. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.
The Manual to Middle School
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Braving Middle School Like a Boss (Digital)
Launch into the Teen Years <...

What are the underlying reasons behind your child's misbehavior? Linda Ranson Jacobs tells Jim Daly a story about when her son was misbehaving at school, and how they worked through it. Plus, Danny and John explain how taking time to pray will help you better relate to your kids. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.
The Single Parent
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Finding Hope and Joy While Single Parenting (Digital)
Speak to a counselor
Listen to Focus Live on the Godcaster app

Is one of your kids struggling to get his or her homework completed? John and Danny share some statistics on how many kids and parents are battling homework frustrations. Then, Jim Daly talks to Erin MacPherson and Ellen Schuknecht about some solutions for what you can do if your child is struggling with homework. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.
The Christian Mama’s Guide to the Grade School Years
Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment
Navigating the Early Grade School Years (Digital)
Schoolwork and Homework Responsibility
Understanding Le...

Do you lean more towards being a rule-follower or wanting to have fun with your kids? Jonathan McKee and Jim Daly discuss why a healthy parent needs both rules and relationship. Danny will follow that up with some thoughts on having good boundaries with your kids during the school year. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.
If I Had a Parenting Do Over
Parenting Resource Page
Balancing Bonding and Boundaries as a Parent (Digital)
Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

More parents in the Christian community are trying homeschooling. But how do you know if it's the right move for you and your children? Monica Swanson talks to Jim Daly about some of the things she learned from choosing to homeschool her kids. John and Danny will also address parents who want to homeschool but are concerned about their kids' social lives. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.
Becoming Homeschoolers
Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment
Home Schooling: Giving Your Child a Strong Foundation (Digital)
Resources: Homeschooling
Planning...

Many kids today feel overly pressured to perform well in sports. Brian Smith and Dr. Ed Uszynski speak with Jim Daly on how parents can have a proper perspective on when their kids play sports. Also, Danny gives you some encouragement if you realize you've been putting too much pressure on your kids in athletics. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.
Away Game
Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment
Teaching Kids Character Through Sports (Digital)
Sports from a Christian Family Perspective
Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

Many young parents feel very overwhelmed by the demands they face. Christi Straub talks to Jim Daly about how she felt exhausted with young children. Also, John and Danny offer hope to dads who feel tired. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.
Famous at Home
Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment
8 Ways To Cultivate Relationships And Joy With Your Kids (Digital Download)
Counseling Consultation and Referrals
Slow Down to Create Margin for Family Time

Demonstrating God's grace to your kids is one of the best things you can model for them. Jeannie Cunnion talks with Jim and Jean Daly on how she learned to let go of focusing too much on her kids' performance in life. Plus, John and Danny will share why it's good to pray, even when you aren't sure what to do as a parent. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.
Parenting the Wholehearted Child
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Teaching Kids About God's Grace and Good Behavior (Digital)
...

Showing a little kindness can change the world around you. Danny tells a moving story about a time he and his kids blessed a homeless man. Then, Jim Daly talks with Kay Wyma about the power of helping those in need. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.
The Peace Project
Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment
Finding Peace in Your Everyday Life (Digital)
How to Reduce Grumbling and Increase Gratitude
Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

When was the last time your family had a meal together? John and Danny reflect on when their kids were younger and they ate with them. Plus, Ted Cunningham speaks with Jim Daly on how meal-times changed when his children reached the teen phase. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.
Adventures in Odyssey: Whit's End Mealtime Devotions
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Enjoying Mealtime as a Family (Digital Download)
50 Questions to Ask Your Kids at the Dinner Table
Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

How do you make time for rest when life is so busy? Eryn Lynum joins Jim Daly to share how she and her family have to be intentional about relaxing. Then, John asks Danny how he has learned to not overcommit himself. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.
The Nature of Rest
Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment
Experiencing God's Blessings in Our Moments of Rest (Digital)
Rest and Restoration
Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

It's good for your child's development for them to experience adventure. John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta talk about some fun adventures they went on with their own kids. Also, Greta Eskridge joins Jim Daly to explain how letting your kids experience new things can help them develop as people. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

Get today's featured resource, "Adventuring Together."

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Read "Fun Summer Adventures That Don't Break the Bank."<...

What would happen if you prayed regularly with your kids? Danny shares an encouraging statistic on how many parents pray. Also, Jim Daly interviews Rob and Amy Rienow about how it transformed their family to start praying together. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

Visionary Parenting

Visit Our Parenting Page
Catching a God-Sized Vision for Your Family (Digital Download)

Learn About Our Age and Stage e-Newsletter

Download the Godcaster App

One of the best and simplest things you can do with your children is go outside. Amanda Dykes shares with Jim Daly about how it's benefitted her children to experience the beauty of the outdoors. Plus, John and Danny address how taking a small step to go outdoors can have big ramifications on the mental and physical health of your kids.

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

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Have you, your spouse and kids sat down and had a meal together recently? Jim Daly talks with Pastor Ryan Rush and his wife Lana to share some creative ideas for enjoying meals with your family. Then, John and Danny reflect back on when their now grown kids still lived at home and how special those family dinners were.

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

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What do you do if your child encounters sexual content online? Mandy Majors joins Jim Daly to share how she found out her daughter was exposed to inappropriate content, even though she didn't have a smartphone. Plus, John and Danny give some advice on how to respond in a healthy way if your kid sees pornographic content.

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

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How does a single parent work through discipline challenges with his or her kids? Linda Ranson Jacobs spent years as a single mother, and she talks with Jim Daly about a concept called step-back parenting. Then, Danny and John share a few insights on helping single parents work through technology concerns with their children.

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

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Fi...

What if your kids seeing you fail was actually a good thing? Jay and Laura Laffoon and Jim Daly discuss times they didn't succeed while doing activities with their kids, and why that led to some great discussions. Also, John and Danny will encourage you to get off the screens and replace them with fun, interactive things with your children.

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

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Is it difficult to get your son to talk? Jim Daly and Molly DeFrank share ways you can engage with your boys in conversation. Then, Danny and John discuss why sharing how you're doing as a parent might be the key to unlocking your boy's heart.

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

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Eight Critical Needs Every Mother of Young Boys Shou...

With the rise of social media, girls are bombarded with messages on what it means to be beautiful. Scarlet Hiltibidal and Jim Daly share how to encourage your daughters that they are enough, even if the world doesn't tell them that. Also, John and Danny offer some great insights on helping your daughter navigate the digital space today.

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

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Rules are good, but when you emphasize them too much, it's not healthy for your relationship. John and Danny discuss how they've learned too many guidelines in parenting isn't a good thing. Then, Jim Daly and Dr. Randy Schroeder explain why we need to focus more on the relationship with our kids than on rules.

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

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