Family and Home Archives

I Dare You!

I recently came across a small book from another era. It was written by the late William Danforth, the founder of the Nestle Purina Company. In addition to his business pursuits, Mr. Danforth dedicated his life to helping youth, and traveled the country with a simple message for youngsters:

In order to really enjoy the life God has blessed you with, you need to be square – as in living a “four square” life that includes play, work, love and worship.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, faith September 15, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Are Cartoons Bad For Children?

There’s a new study out that suggests when compared to gentle and slower animated fare, “fast-paced” cartoons negatively (and immediately) impact a child’s ability to think creatively and regulate their behavior.

Are you surprised?

This would seem to fall into the “common sense” category, especially given the numerous studies through the years about the detrimental impact of television on children. For example, a highly respected study sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics several years ago recommended no television for children under the age of three.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, parenting, technology September 14, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Your “Federal Family”

President Ronald Reagan used to joke that the nine most terrifying words in the English language were, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”

It was one of his classic tongue-in-cheek references, but memorable because it contained a grain of truth.

Well, according to a recent report, some officials are taking his faux warning to heart.

A review of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website suggests that the term “government” is out and the phrase “federal family” is in.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, policy September 13, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Is Hollywood Listening?

A few weeks ago I shared with you my enthusiasm for a new movie based on a terrific book by author David L. Cook, Seven Days in Utopia. The film stars Academy Award winner Robert Duvall and highlights the critical contribution mentors can make in a person’s life.

As a follow-up to the production’s nationwide release, a colleague just received the following note from one of the movie’s senior executives. It is good news:

I just wanted to send this quick message out to all my friends and partners that helped us with the launch of Seven Days In Utopia.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, faith September 12, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Ultimate Hope

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, faith September 10, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Hero You’ve Never Heard Of

Over the course of the last ten years, in the shadow of the White House, Richard Retta has quietly saved over 350 lives.

But he’s not a doctor, fireman, paramedic or a policeman.

The 79-year-old grandfather is a sidewalk counselor outside a Planned Parenthood clinic in Washington D.C.

Mr. Retta’s approach is understated and gentle, but direct. As a woman approaches the entrance, he walks within earshot of her, politely striking up a conversation. In those few fleeting seconds he tries to convince her to spare her baby’s life, and, in doing so, save herself from years of grief and torment.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, news, pro-life September 8, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Texting Lingo Every Parent Needs to Know

Assuming your son or daughter has a cell phone, do they text?

The Pew Research group recently concluded that most teens prefer texting to talking – with a third of them sending over 100 messages a day.

Tolerance for this type of behavior varies by family, of course, but almost no parent would knowingly permit their son or daughter to text crude, lewd or obscene messages.

But what about more vague or coded communications?

It takes a deft and alert parent to stay up to date on texting lingo, especially since the lexicon is constantly expanding and often doesn’t make any logical sense.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, parenting, technology September 7, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Did You Hear What Walmart is Selling?

According to the National Retail Federation, parents will spend close to $23 billion dollars on back-to-school purchases this year. When college is included – outfitting the dorm room, buying the smart phone, etc. – that figure jumps to an incredible $68.8 billion.

Those are big numbers, but boiling it down to you and me, the average family will spend just over $600 this fall on school-related items. Given such a significant sum, it would seem wise, whenever possible, to not only competitively shop, but also frequent stores that show respect for people of the Christian faith.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, pop culture, religious liberty September 2, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Who Has Changed Your Life?

Is there one person you can point to who helped “turn the tide” in your life?

When I think about that question, my mind immediately settles on a man named Mo – my high school football coach. At the time, my life was a mess. Without a parent to guide me, Coach Mo became my mentor. He encouraged and believed in me. He didn’t just teach me about football. He was a steady, dependable, wise and bold influence.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, faith, pop culture August 31, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Where Has God Dropped You?

My friend and colleague, Gary Schneeberger, is Focus on the Family’s vice president of Communications. He recently hosted a group of foreign journalists who came to the United States as part of the East-West Center’s Senior Journalists Seminar. This year’s group included professionals from places like Pakistan, Malaysia, Afghanistan, the Philippines and Thailand. The purpose of the program is for chroniclers of various cultures to get a flavor of each other and the issues that drive news in each place.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith August 26, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura