Focus on the Family Parenting Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: Focus on the Family

Christian mom or dad, could you use some encouragement and support? Put your ear buds in for this Christian parenting podcast and get practical, faith-based inspiration through all stages of parenting — raising toddlers, navigating the school-age years, preparing for puberty, and seeing your teen soar with confidence. Hosted by Danny Huerta, in every 8 to 15 minute episode, you’ll hear parenting experts share Biblical truths, effective parenting techniques, and useful resources that will help you feel equipped as a mom or dad in today’s culture.

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When a Physical or Mental Health Challenge is Serious
Last Wednesday at 11:10 PM

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!

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When a Military Parent Passes Away
Last Monday at 11:10 PM

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.

 

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Remembering Fallen Heroes and Their Fami...


If Your Child is Confused About Their Gender
05/21/2026

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.

 

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 ...


What Boys Are Dealing With
05/19/2026

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.

 

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Help Your Teen Girl Embrace Who She Is
05/14/2026

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.

 

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For Those Raising a Child with Special Needs
05/12/2026

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.

 

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How Prayer Can Reset Your Mind
05/07/2026

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.

 

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A Series of Conversations About Sex
05/05/2026

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.

 

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If Your Child’s Faith is Deconstructing
04/30/2026

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.

 

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When Your Son or Daughter is Deconstructing Faith I-II 

 

What to do When Y...


Jesus Can Handle Tough Questions
04/28/2026

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.

 

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They See More Than Your Words
04/23/2026

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.

 

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Crea...


The Process of Letting Go for Mothers
04/21/2026

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.

 

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Ask Questions First
04/16/2026

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.

 

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Empowering Teens to Navigate Faith in Mod...


What Does Your Child Believe About Themselves?
04/14/2026

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.

 

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Supporting Your Pret...


When Scripture is Difficult
04/09/2026

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.

 

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Be Flexible with Family Devotions
04/07/2026

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.

 

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Tell Them the Easter Story
04/02/2026

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.

 

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Inviting Your Child Into the East...


Why Teaching Joy Matters
03/31/2026

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.

 

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Nu...


Thankfulness, Kindness and Mercy
03/26/2026

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

 

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Finding Peace in Your...


Resiliency and Mental Toughness
03/24/2026

How are you modeling determination for your kids? Danny shares about a family hiking trip that turned into a fun opportunity to teach his kids perseverance. You'll also hear Jim Daly chat with Dr. Kathy Koch on the benefits of resilience.

 

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How to Build Resilience in Your Child 

 

Learn About Our Ag...


Handling Emotions Like Jesus
03/19/2026

Is one of your kids more emotional than the others? Danny opens up about the ways his kids expressed their emotions. Plus, Jim Daly talks to professional counselor Debra Fileta who gives some helpful insights on the popular verse, "Jesus wept."

 

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How to Nourish Mental Health in Your Family 

 

...


Positive vs. Negative Thinking
03/17/2026

Do you tend to be an optimist or a pessimist in your parenting? John and Danny answer that question for themselves. Then, Jim Daly talks to Katherine Hill about how our thought patterns impact our brain chemistry, and why it's good for you to think positively. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

 

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Surrendering What You Thought It Would Be
03/12/2026

Parenting a child who has special needs is a unique journey filled with challenges and joys. Sara Clime joins Jim Daly to discuss some of the things she's learned while raising her son. Plus, John and Danny give you some ideas for how you can help a parent who has a child with special needs.

 

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A Rhythm for Slowing Down
03/10/2026

Are you tired? The truth is, many parents feel that way. Danny and John give some sobering stats on how exhausted moms and dads are today. Then, Jim Daly talks to Chris and Jenni Graebe about some ways you can be intentional to slow down, get some rest and enjoy time with your family.

 

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Long-Term Screen-Plan
03/05/2026

Does it feel like your screens have taken over your schedules? Danny and John address how a lot of parents need to be more aware of their screen-time usage. You'll also hear from Jim Daly and Molly DeFrank about creating a gameplan for getting off of screens and focusing instead on real-life.

 

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How to Take...


Prepare Them for Emotional Strength
03/03/2026

Is your kid feeling lonely, disconnected or anxious? Danny shares with John how he's seen an increase in those issues in recent years. Then, Jim Daly talks to Eliza Huie about how kids need to guard the information they're watching, for the sake of their mental health.

 

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How To Nurture Emotional Health In Y...


Serving Others & Doing Chores
02/26/2026

How can we teach our kids to be more generous? Jill Garner talks with Jim Daly about a shopping trip that turned into a powerful lesson. Also, Danny talks about how you can teach your children to live more selfless

 

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How to Build Moral Courage in Your Kids 

 

Leave Us a Commen...


Joy Over Happiness
02/24/2026

We want our kids to be happy, but joy is something they need. Danny and John discuss the difference between happiness and joy. Plus, Jill Garner joins Jim Daly to share how getting your kids outside of themselves can help them find lasting contentment.

 

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

 

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How to Build Moral Courage in Your Kids 

 

Leav...


When a Parent Abandons an Adult Child
02/19/2026

In some cases, adult kids are the ones who've been wronged by their parents. When that happens, how do you trust God to restore the relationship? Jim Daly and Dr. Gary Chapman give the adult child some practical guidelines for reaching out to an estranged parent. Then, Danny and John will encourage you that it's not too late for a parent-child relationship to be mended.

 

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If Your Child is Living an LGBT Lifestyle
02/17/2026

Some Christian parents sadly are dealing with the reality that their child identifies with an LGBT lifestyle. Jim Daly and Dr. Gary Chapman address how a parent can respond in a Christ-like manner in that situation. Then, Danny will provide some encouragement, even if your son or daughter is currently in a same-sex relationship.

 

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Object Lessons to Encourage Their Faith
02/12/2026

What are some creative ways for you to share about God with your kids? Jim Daly talks with Tim Shoemaker about a few creative ways he's taught his boys some godly principles. Also, Danny will offer some encouragement for if your child isn't understanding something.

 

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

 

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You the Parent, Will be There
02/10/2026

You, the parent, are the most important spiritual influence in your child's life. Danny opens up about how he and Heather brought different strengths to their children's spiritual development. Also, Jim Daly talks to Tim Shoemaker on how a mom and dad can share responsibilities as you teach them about God.

 

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

 

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Entertainment & Teen Dating
02/05/2026

The teenage years are a wonderful opportunity to grow in discernment. Dr. Ken Wilgus and Jessica Pfeiffer talk with Jim Daly about how your teens can develop discernment with entertainment and dating. Also, Danny and John will remind you to not parent from a place of fear, and why facing challenges is good for a teenager.

 

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Set Boundaries with Your Teen’s Phone
02/03/2026

How do you set a good example with screen-time? Danny and John share some sobering statistics on how much teens are on their phones. Plus, Jim Daly talks to Jessica Pfeiffer and Dr. Ken Wilgus on some practical boundaries to set with your teenagers and screens.

 

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

 

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Common Teen Issues That Driv...


When Self-Esteem is a Bad Message
01/29/2026

Self-esteem is important. But fixating too much on how your kids feel about themselves is not good for their development. Danny and John share why we need to focus on teaching resilience more than self-esteem. Also, Jim Daly and Jill Garner discuss why healthy self-esteem comes when kids realize life is not all about them.

 

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How...


What’s Inside Matters Most
01/27/2026

How do you encourage your kids to do what's right, even when the world doesn't? Jim Daly and Jill Garner discuss how an elementary school commencement address inspired her to teach kids about true character. Also, Danny shares about how he's tried teaching his kids to do the right thing, even when it's inconvenient.

 

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How to B...


When Your Adult Child Makes a Poor Choice
01/22/2026

It's one of the hardest things to swallow - when your adult son or daughter makes a decision you strongly disagree with. Dr. Gary Chapman joins Jim Daly to encourage you to not blame yourself if your adult child has made a bad choice. Also, John and Danny will give you some encouragement if your adult son or daughter is struggling.

 

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...


If an Adult Child Moves Back In
01/20/2026

Many parents have an adult child who has moved back in. Jim Daly and Dr. Gary Chapman offer some constructive thoughts for parents in that situation. You'll also hear from John and Danny on how a parent can set healthy parameters for an adult child who's living at home

 

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<...


Passing Down Your Faith
01/15/2026

Giving your child a legacy of faith needs to be your top priority. Danny and John address why it's critical to help your kids know who God is. You'll also hear Jim Daly interview Tim Shoemaker on how Psalm 78 inspired him to focus on spiritually training his kids.

 

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

 

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Take the 7 Traits of Eff...


Devotional Lessons Your Kids Understand
01/13/2026

How do you teach your kids about God when they're little? Danny describes some times where his kids struggled to understand certain concepts in the Bible. Plus, Jim Daly speaks with Tim Shoemaker on how a trip to a stock car race became a powerful spiritual lesson for his sons.

 

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

 

Receive the book The Very Best, Hands-On, Kinda Dangerous Family Devotions, Volume 1: 52 Activities Your Kids Will Never Forget for your donation of any amount!

 

Take the 7 Tra...