

Focus on Parenting Podcast
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 23, 2025 • 11min
Teaching Kids Appreciation & Anger Management
Can we really teach our kids to be thankful, even if they're upset? Jim Daly and Arlene Pellicane share about teaching your children to be people of appreciation. Also, Danny and John will encourage you to recognize when your child is developing an ungrateful attitude. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Screen Kids for your donation of any amount! Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment How Your Family Can Manage Technology Well Contact our Counseling Team Your Teens Need You, Not More Screen Time Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Oct 21, 2025 • 12min
A+ Social Skills for Your Child
Every child needs good social skills, but are you helping your children develop them? Jim Daly and Arlene Pellicane discuss something called the 5 A+ Social Skills. Then, Danny shares how he tried teaching his kids to focus on what's in front of them. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Screen Kids for your donation of any amount! Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment How Your Family Can Manage Technology Well Contact our Counseling Team Your Teens Need You, Not More Screen Time Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Oct 16, 2025 • 9min
Healthy Boundaries with a Teen
How do you have healthy discussions with your teens about freedoms and boundaries? Dr. Ken Wilgus addresses that very topic with Jim Daly. Also, Danny and John share how to recognize if your teenager is developing an entitled mentality. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Feeding the Mouth that Bites You" for your donation of any amount! Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Common Teen Issues That Drive Parents Crazy Learn About Our Age and Stage e-Newsletter Contact our Counseling Team Text 32728 to Receive Clubhouse Dad Jokes! Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Oct 14, 2025 • 13min
Letting Go in the Teen Phase
Learning to let go is one of the most important things you'll do when your child becomes a teen. Jim Daly joins Dr. Ken Wilgus and Jessica Pfeiffer to discuss common ways parents have to let go and give their teens freedom. Then, John asks Danny about how you can respond well if your teenager has an unclean room. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Feeding the Mouth that Bites You" for your donation of any amount! Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Common Teen Issues That Drive Parents Crazy Learn About Our Age and Stage e-Newsletter Contact our Counseling Team Text 32728 to Receive Clubhouse Dad Jokes! Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Oct 9, 2025 • 11min
Why Humor Matters
When was the last time your kids got a great laugh? Danny and John recall times where their children enjoyed laughing, and why that brought them joy. Also, Melissa Hannigan and Jim Daly share why you and your kids need to laugh regularly. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Inconvenient Parenting: Activate Your Child's God-Given Traits" for your donation of any amount! Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Instilling God-Given Qualities Into Your Children Clubhouse Magazine Text 32728 to Receive Clubhouse Dad Jokes! Support This Show!

Oct 7, 2025 • 11min
"Where Did That Emotion Come From?"
Has your child ever had an outburst you didn't expect? John and Danny share moments where that happened with some of their kids. Plus, Jim Daly speaks to Melissa Hannigan on lessons she learned about emotions from working in a women's correctional facility. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Inconvenient Parenting: Activate Your Child's God-Given Traits" for your donation of any amount! Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Instilling God-Given Qualities Into Your Children Contact our Counseling Team Do Your Kids Know How to Handle Their Emotions? Support This Show!

Oct 2, 2025 • 11min
Mountain or a Molehill?
When you feel frustrated with your kids, it's important to not overreact. Jim Daly and Justin Earley discuss how to discern whether a present frustration is really important or not. Then, John and Danny share how including other people in your kids' lives goes a long way in helping them develop into healthy people. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Habits of the Household for your donation of any amount! Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Crafting Spiritual Habits in Your Family 50 Questions to Ask Your Kids at the Dinner Table Dinner: Nourish Your Family as a Family Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Sep 30, 2025 • 15min
Your Dinner Table is Your Mission Field
Dinner time with kids can spark meaningful conversations and foster family bonds. John shares nostalgic childhood memories, while Danny discusses making mealtime a sacred routine. Justin emphasizes the importance of intentional habits, showcasing how to create positive family traditions. He also delves into the balance of chaos and observation at the table. Adaptability is highlighted as a key parenting trait, ensuring that dinner traditions evolve as kids grow. Embrace the messiness of mealtime, and let curiosity guide your interactions!

Sep 25, 2025 • 13min
Phones vs. Real Relationships
The hosts dive into how smartphones hijack our attention, making real-life connections harder. They discuss the irony of highly connected teens feeling lonely and how online interactions often lack depth. Practical tips emerge, like serving others to combat self-focus and foster confidence. Encouraging kids to opt for live conversation over texting and to engage in community service is highlighted. The importance of curiosity and empathy in relationships wraps up their insights, promoting healthier tech habits for families.

Sep 23, 2025 • 12min
A Better Replacement for Screens
How do we find a way to break away from the constant use of screens? John and Danny cover how depression and anxiety have gone up since smart phones became the norm. Then, Jim Daly talks with Arlene Pellicane about training your child to find pleasure outside of social media and screens. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Screen Kids You for your donation of any amount! Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment How Your Family Can Manage Technology Well Your Teens Need You, Not More Screen Time Phone Contract Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.


