Family and Home Archives

How to Talk to Your Teenager Without Losing Your Mind

Raising teenagers can be both exciting and stressful. There’s a lot going on in their lives. They’re learning how to manage their own thoughts, feelings. and identities apart from mom and dad.

Developmentally, that’s a good thing. But in many families, a teenager’s struggle for independence becomes a tug-of-war with parents who take their authority seriously.

Effective communication with a teenager can be challenging, especially if you’re trying to navigate conflict, emotional triggers, disrespect, and even a few slammed doors.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, parenting October 30, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Modeling Generosity for Your Children

Do you practice “everyday generosity”?

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Modeling Generosity for Your Children,” father-and-son team Brad and Drew Formsma explain how to use your time, talent, and influence to infuse your children with a spirit of generosity that they’ll carry into their adult years.

They’ll share how to be generous with:

In a “me-focused” culture, our children can develop an other-centered attitude that expresses Christ’s love through simple acts of kindness.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, parenting October 27, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Seven Opportunities

Would you like a happier marriage? If so, then you have a choice to make.

In fact, you have seven choices to make.

According to studies, couples disagree almost 2,500 times per year, which averages out to seven times a day. That’s seven opportunities every day to drive your relationship further apart. Or to draw it closer together. Which one depends on you. Literally. You get to choose.

You see, a lot of couples fall prey to the myth that their conflict is the result of their differences.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, marriage October 26, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Green-Colored Glasses

My guess is you consider yourself an open minded person. You’re mostly right. I say mostly because we’re all biased. Each of us has filters through which we see the world.

We’re a lot like the people of Oz – as in The Wizard of Oz. In the original story, written by Frank Baum, the Emerald City is said to be made of green glass, emeralds, and other jewels. And yet, when Dorothy and her companions enter the city, the Wizard expects them to wear green-tinted spectacles.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family October 24, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Helping Those Suffering from Mental Illness

According to the National Institutes of Health, one in five adolescents in the United States suffers severe impairment or distress from a mental disorder. Often, these teenagers and their families feel isolated and alone, not knowing where to turn for help.

In addition, mental illness is still stigmatized to a degree that hinders many people from seeking treatment or receiving the support they need.

Dr. Matthew Stanford understands this problem well. He’s the CEO of the Hope and Healing Center and Institute in Houston.

Topics: Current Events/ Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting October 23, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

See Past the Prison

Life can be beautiful. It can also be really ugly. The difference often lies in your perspective.

Most people consider San Francisco Bay one of the most stunning views in California. The Golden Gate Bridge. Mountains. Bike trails. The sparkling bay waters. Everywhere you look, you’re surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Unless you’re a prisoner on Alcatraz Island just a mile off shore.

For three decades, Alcatraz was home to one of the most notorious penitentiaries in American history, housing infamous gangsters like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family October 19, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

My Search for a Father’s Love

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “My Search for a Father’s Love,” we’re sharing my conversation with Lynsi Snyder, the owner and president of the In-N-Out Burger chain of restaurants located in the western part of the United States.

Although her family’s wealth made life appear like a fairy tale to outsiders, Lynsi has had a difficult and, at times, heart breaking journey. Her father died when she was 17 years old, which led her into a downward spiral of drug and alcohol abuse and promiscuous relationships in search of love.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family October 18, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Navigating the Middle School Years

The middle school years can be tough. And not just for the kids. They can be challenging for parents as well.

As your child enters adolescence, your parenting approach will likely have to shift gears. There’s a lot going on, after all. Not only is a whirlwind of puberty at your child’s doorstep, but his or her priorities are changing. Family often becomes an afterthought, while friends and independence become most important.

What’s a parent to do?

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, kids October 17, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Risk Everything

What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken today?

If you didn’t try something that scared you to death – or at least pushed you beyond your comfort zone – maybe you didn’t risk enough.

That’s how Major Brian Shul approached life. The renowned American fighter pilot flew 212 combat missions in Vietnam and almost died in a catastrophic crash near the Cambodian border. After his rescue from the jungle, he spent a year in the hospital and was told he’d never fly again.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family October 16, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Above All, Pray!

When moms and dads ask me for parenting advice, I encourage them to pray for their children. Because sometimes prayer is all you have.

I’ll never forget the struggle my son Troy went through while he was being born. He somehow got his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck and swallowed amniotic fluid. One moment everything was fine. The next moment we were facing one of the most dangerous birthing situations possible. And there was nothing Jean or I could do.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family October 13, 2023 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura