Focus on the Family Equipping Parents Podcast

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!  

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!  

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.

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!

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.

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.

One of the worst decisions you can make with your teens is trying to control them. Jessica Pfeiffer and Dr. Ken Wilgus talk to Jim Daly on why trying to sway all of your teen's choices is a recipe for disaster. Also, John asks Danny how parents can respond well if their teen was given some freedom, but they violated that privilege.   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   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.

As teens yearn for independence, parents often face pushback and boundary challenges. John shares calm responses to teenage outbursts, while Danny delves into why adolescents assert their opinions. Dr. Ken Wilgus discusses the core struggle between control and growth, highlighting how parents can help teens practice decision-making. Conversations take center stage as a way to guide young minds toward adulthood. Tune in for insightful tips and relatable stories on navigating this pivotal stage of parenting.

Every parent stumbles, but admitting mistakes can lead to growth. Candid discussions reveal how failures can become powerful teaching moments. Emphasizing emotional intelligence, the talk encourages parents to validate their children's feelings. Insights into embracing sensitivity remind us that imperfections are part of the journey. Plus, resources like the 'Practice Makes Parent' podcast and 'Inconvenient Parenting' offer guidance for those navigating the complexities of raising emotionally aware kids.

This discussion delves into the importance of intentionality in parenting, warning against the distractions that can hinder meaningful connections. Personal anecdotes highlight the cultivation of virtues like patience and compassion. The speakers share insights on using God's wisdom to navigate parenting challenges, including how to foster self-regulation in children. They also introduce a resource aimed at deepening family engagement with scripture, emphasizing quality time and truth-seeking behaviors to strengthen relationships.