Focus on the Family Equipping Parents Podcast

Focus on the Family Equipping Parents Podcast

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

January 6, 2026 11 mins

Is there a truly best option for where to send your kids to school? What if one environment works well for one child, but doesn't pan out for another child? Danny and John open up about how they made the best education choices for their own kids. Jim Daly then chats with Dr. Ken Wilgus on how parents can help a kid who's struggling in school.

 

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

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How much praise should you give your kids? Danny talks with John about how to know if the ways you're praising your kids are helpful. You'll also hear from Michelle Nietert, who talks to Jim Daly about why proper forms of praise can encourage them to process their emotions.

 

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

 

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December 30, 2025 13 mins

How do you respond well when your child has a meltdown? Michelle Nietert tells Jim Daly about a time she navigated an emotional outburst with her young daughter. Plus, Danny gives you some tips for how to deal with a whining child.

 

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

 

Receive the book Bringing Big Emotions to a Bigger God Bundle for your donation of any amount!

 

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December 25, 2025 9 mins

Every parent has had a moment where you didn't agree with a choice your kid made. But how do you handle a time where you need to confront an adult son or daughter? Danny talks with John about how he's seen this be a common problem in his counseling practice. Also, Jim Daly and Dr. Gary Chapman address why you must give your adult kids freedom to make their own decisions.

 

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December 23, 2025 10 mins

One of the more challenging aspects of parenting adult kids is you can't control their choices. Jim Daly and renowned author, Dr. Gary Chapman, will encourage you to focus on being a good influence on your adult son or daughter. Then, John and Danny will remind you that subtle changes to how you interact with an adult child can go a long way.

 

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

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How do you keep your kids' attention in an age that's so distracted? Tim Shoemaker shares with Jim Daly that kids today are hungry for real analogies. Plus, Danny talks about some visual lessons that he taught his children, and how those have stuck with them.

 

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

 

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December 16, 2025 9 mins

When your kids are little, sometimes it's best to teach them spiritual principles through visuals. Tim Shoemaker joins Jim Daly to talk about how he electrocuted a pickle to teach his kids a powerful lesson. Also, Danny offers some thoughts for helping your son or daughter who's not a visual learner.

 

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

 

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December 11, 2025 9 mins

One of the worst things you can do is bail your teen out when they make a poor choice. Danny and John open up about times their kids learned some hard lessons, and how they were tempted to bail them out. Also, Jim Daly chats with Jessica Pfeiffer and Dr. Ken Wilgus on communicating with your teens about their need to take responsibility.

 

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

 

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December 9, 2025 12 mins

It's a massive adjustment when your child becomes a teenager. Danny opens up about how he and his wife had to approach things differently when their kids reached the teen years. Also, Jim Daly joins Dr. Ken Wilgus and Jessica Pfeiffer, who explain why it's the right thing to start treating your teens like they're adults. At the end, John and Danny will address what to do if you don't like the person your teen is dating.

 

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Is it possible to be a good listener, even if that wasn't modeled for you growing up? Jim Daly joins Michelle Nietert, who encourages you to listen to your kids with your eyes. Plus, Danny addresses what to do if you find yourself repeating the same mistakes your parents made.

 

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

 

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December 2, 2025 11 mins

How do you respond well when your kid asks, "why did this bad thing happen?" Jim Daly talks to Michelle Nietert about getting on your children's level, and helping them deal with fear. Also, John and Danny will help you encourage your kids when they're struggling with imagining the worst-case scenario.

 

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

 

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November 27, 2025 8 mins

It's challenging when your adult child is making decisions you disagree with. You may wonder, "Will my son or daughter ever ask for my opinion?" Danny shares how you can be a good friend when giving advice, without being a control freak. Also, Jim Daly and Dr. Gary Chapman offer some encouragement if there's emotional distance between you and your adult kids.

 

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November 25, 2025 11 mins

What if your adult child is not as responsible as you raised them to be? John and Danny bring up common frustrations parents of adult kids have today. Then, Jim Daly talks to Dr. Gary Chapman, who tells an encouraging story of a couple, Steve and Linda, whose daughter went from struggling to thriving.

 

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

 

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November 20, 2025 10 mins

Getting your kids to focus during family devotions is NOT easy. John and Danny discuss some of the ways they tried to implement things like reading the Bible and praying with their children. Also, Jim Daly talks with Tim Shoemaker about how he went from struggling with devotion times, to getting his kids to love them.

 

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

 

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November 18, 2025 11 mins

How do you teach your kids to navigate the world of technology and AI, when we're surrounded by them? Danny shares how parents can set a better example for not being on your phones all the time. Also, Arlene Pellicane and Jim Daly address some of the pitfalls with using AI too much.

 

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

 

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November 13, 2025 12 mins

Letting go of your children is a challenging process as they get older, but it's a necessary part of parenting. John and Danny open up about how they learned to let go in the teen years. Plus, Jim Daly talks to Dr. Ken Wilgus and Jessica Pfeiffer, who share what the goal is for something called Planned Emancipation.

 

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

 

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November 11, 2025 10 mins

How do you avoid putting your identity in your kids' behavior? Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Ken Wilgus and Jessica Pfeiffer on how children need to face consequences for their choices, and a concept called Planned Emancipation. Also, John and Danny explain why it's hard but necessary to let your kids suffer if they make bad decisions.

 

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

 

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November 6, 2025 12 mins

What should you say when your child says, "I'm scared?" John and Danny bring up some of their experiences of helping their kids overcome fear. Plus, Jim Daly and Michelle Nietert discuss what patterns you should pay attention to if your kid seems afraid.

 

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

 

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November 4, 2025 11 mins

What do you do if tragedy strikes? Jim Daly interviews Melissa Hannigan on how God comforted her after her son died. Also, Danny shares how he's seen others trust God, even during a difficult time.

 

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

 

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October 30, 2025 10 mins

How do you keep your relationship with your kids strong when they reach adulthood? Dr. Gary Chapman and Jim Daly provide a few perspectives on what it looks like to be a successful parent of young adults. Then, Danny brings up how you can be there for your kids, even when they're fully independent.

 

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

 

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