kids Archives

Christian Students Overcome Public Schools’ Double Standards with Day of Dialogue

At the risk of stating the obvious, it isn’t easy being a Christian student in a public school these days

Every day, these young people go to classrooms and cafeterias where discussions center on sensitive topics like homosexuality, transgenderism, gender identity – and most of the time, the conversations are one-sided.

That’s partly because an increasing number of teachers and school officials suggest there’s only one right way to think about topics related to sexuality.

Now, I know that’s a big claim, so let me back it up by giving you an example of how the “new” sexuality is being promoted in public schools.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: homosexuality, kids, religious liberty April 19, 2017 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Hammer Time

My sons are now becoming young men, and along with it comes the memories of a simpler time, when they were boys. Today I want to share with you a blog post that ran back in 2007. The main idea of this piece – to allow your children to make mistakes as they grow up – remains true today. I hope you enjoy this walk down memory lane with me… and that you heed the lesson I learned years ago while hanging out with my boys at a local Lowe’s store.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: humor, kids, parenting February 28, 2017 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Celebrate “Three Kings’ Day” with a Free Adventures in Odyssey Episode

It’s back to work and school for many of us who took some much-needed time off during the Christmas season. Many of you may have even packed up your decorations until next year.

But did you know that the Christmas season traditionally runs through the feast of the Epiphany, which is celebrated on Jan. 6 or on the Sunday between Jan. 2 and 8?

The “Epiphany,” or “Three Kings Day” is especially celebrated in Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain.

Topics: Current Events Tags: family, kids, promos January 4, 2017 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Child’s Telling Question About Assisted Suicide

Have you noticed that children often possess profound sensibility? Amidst their innocence there can be a purity and clarity of thought, an ability to see through the competing forces of propaganda that can corrupt and distort reality.

They see what many more “enlightened” people miss.

Such was the case when a 12-year-old daughter of a Focus on the Family staff member asked her mom last week about Colorado voting to approve doctor-assisted suicide.

For context, the passage of Proposition 106 made Colorado the sixth state in the country to allow doctors to prescribe lethal drugs for some patients for end their lives by suicide.

Topics: Current Events Tags: kids, news, policy, pro-life November 16, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Helping Your Child Deal with Bullies

Daniel was 13 years old when he wrote that he had a “great life.” Just a few weeks later, he was dead.

According to his letter, Daniel’s “great life” spiraled out of control right after he started junior high. Five classmates had bullied him incessantly. And when Daniel tried to defend himself, fights broke out.

Daniel wrote that he had “begged and pleaded” with his teachers and the school’s principal to intervene, but they “didn’t do ANYTHING!”

The school denied any wrongdoing, but the bullying didn’t stop until … sadly … Daniel ended his own life.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, kids, parenting October 11, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

How to Empower Parents in At-Risk Communities

Parenting isn’t easy. Moms and dads – the people who wield the most influence over a child’s life – can sometimes feel like they’re flying blind.

And if that’s true for parents who are doing their job in the best of circumstances, can you imagine the challenges families living in at-risk communities face? Not only do they have to deal with the typical homework struggles and behavioral issues, these parents must do it while navigating poverty, neighborhood gang activity and other hardships.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting, promos October 4, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Newsboys and Focus Join Together to Encourage Students

There’s a familiar voice helping raise awareness of students’ First Amendment rights in schools: Michael Tait of the award-winning Christian band the Newsboys.

He’s been voicing video and radio promotions raising awareness of “Bring Your Bible to School Day,” the Focus-sponsored, student-led event taking place next Thursday, Oct. 6. (You might have heard him talk about the issue if you’re a listener of K-LOVE, WAY-FM, or Christian channels on Internet radio and satellite radio. He’s even appeared on our recent broadcast highlighting the event!) Here’s one of his video spots:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48c-8kSTskA

Not only that, but the Newsboys are encouraging students to share God’s hope by partnering with us on an exciting giveaway that gives fans a chance to win a free trip for four to hear the Newsboys LIVE in concert in Dallas, Texas!

Topics: Focus Events Tags: events, faith, kids, promos, religious liberty September 28, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

How to Leave a Godly Legacy for Your Children

Parents, every day you’re passing on a legacy to your children.

What are you leaving them?

Jean and I have two teenage boys at home, and we think a lot about how we can instill them with the biblical values we know will carry them through their lives.

There are countless ways moms and dads can pass their faith on to their children, a lot of them based on the family’s schedule and each member’s unique personality.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, faith, family, kids, parenting September 26, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why are Schools Banning Bible Verses?

Mackenzie Fraiser’s PowerPoint assignment for her sixth grade class was called “All About Me.”

But it turned out her Las Vegas-area public charter school didn’t really want Mackenzie to share about herself. Because when the sixth grader, the daughter of a pastor, included a slide with one of her favorite Bible verses … her teacher told her to remove it.

Mackenzie was told she wasn’t allowed to use “biblical sayings” in assignments. That left the young girl feeling like she wasn’t supposed to talk about her faith at school.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: events, kids, news, religious liberty September 16, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Should A Parent Attend A Child’s Every Game?

I love sports.

Athletics were always a part of my family growing up. My brothers and I built a solid foundation for life through sports. It’s where qualities like responsibility, discipline, and perseverance were expected of us. Those are skills we’ve honed through the years and carried into adulthood.

But…

As much as I believe in encouraging kids to be active in sports, I think it’s a good idea for families to set reasonable boundaries around their schedule and involvement level.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, kids, parenting September 15, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura