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John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta explore the mental health challenges parents face in the exhausting early years, sharing honestly about spousal tension and the need for personal resets. Jim Daly talks with author Jen Babacan about her book Detoured, the importance of moms refueling themselves, and a memorable Target trip gone awry. The conversation wraps up with practical encouragement around self-awareness, community, and small routines that help parents survive the chaos plus a reminder about Focus on the Family's free counseling line.DetouredDiscovering Your New Identity as a Stay-at-Home Mom (Digital Download)Speak to a counselor

Parenting is the best thing in the world — and one of the most exhausting. In this episode of the Focus on the Family Parenting Podcast, John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta dive into the mental health struggles parents face, from the exhaustion of comparing loads with your spouse to the importance of knowing when to step away and reset. They share practical wisdom on putting words to your stress, normalizing the need for space, and finding small routines that anchor your family through the chaos. The episode also features a conversation between Focus on the Family President Jim Daly and author Jen Babacan, who recounts her hilarious and harrowing first Target trip with two little ones and shares lessons from her book Detoured: The Messy, Grace-Filled Journey from Working Professional to Stay-at-Home Mom — a reminder that moms are the temperature gauge of the home, and you can't pour from an empty tank. Plus, discover a free counseling resource, a new Christian music station, and encouragement for the long haul of parenting. Faith is often caught more than it is taught. In this episode, John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta discuss a conversation with Stephen and Sarah Williams about standing firm in your faith when it's challenged. As Stephen shares his experience facing opposition as a public school history teacher, you'll discover how parents can model courage, resilience, and biblical conviction for their children, helping them build a faith that remains strong even in a culture that pushes back against Christian beliefs.Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting AssessmentAre My Kids on Track?Leading Your Child Through Emotional Milestones (Digital)

Faith is often caught more than it is taught. In this episode, John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta discuss a conversation with Stephen and Sarah Williams about standing firm in your faith when it's challenged. As Stephen shares his experience facing opposition as a public school history teacher, you'll discover how parents can model courage, resilience, and biblical conviction for their children, helping them build a faith that remains strong even in a culture that pushes back against Christian beliefs.Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting AssessmentProtecting Your Child's Faith in Public School (Digital)Resources: Schools and Related Issues

How do you raise kids who will have a good attitude? Arlene Pellicane and Jim Daly give some ideas for how to encourage godly character in your kids instead of entitlement. Also, Danny and John discuss how building character in your kids can help improve their mental health. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.Parents RisingTake the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting AssessmentRaising Godly Children in Today's Culture (Digital Download)8 Strategies PDFCan a Parent Expect Respect?

How do you raise kids who will have a good attitude? Arlene Pellicane and Jim Daly give some ideas for how to encourage godly character in your kids instead of entitlement. Also, Danny and John discuss how building character in your kids can help improve their mental health. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.Parents RisingTake the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting AssessmentRaising Godly Children in Today's Culture (Digital Download)8 Strategies PDFCan a Parent Expect Respect?

Does your child need a word of encouragement or strong discipline? Debra Fileta and Jim Daly explain how to gauge what your child is feeling during a moment of praise or correction. Then, Danny discusses how you can correct your child without discouraging him or her in the process. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.Nourish Your Family’s Mental Health BundleTake the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting AssessmentHow to Nourish Mental Health in Your Family (Digital Download)Counseling Consultation & Referral ServicesListen to Focus Live on Godcaster

Today, we explore how Jesus can help your child's mental health. Kori Pennypacker talks with Jim Daly about how she's shared the gospel with young kids. Then, Danny and John explain why thinking about Bible verses can help you feel more hopeful. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.Backpack FaithTake the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting AssessmentBringing Good News to Kids in Public Schools (Digital Download)Learn About Our Age and Stage e-NewsletterListen to Focus Live on Godcaster

How does your child learn and process information? Cynthia Tobias and Jim Daly explore different learning styles kids have. Also, John and Danny provide encouragement for if your child is struggling with discouragement because he or she is struggling to learn things in school. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.The Way They LearnTake the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting AssessmentDiscovering Your Child's Learning Style (Digital)Counseling Consultation and ReferralsLearning Styles: Different Kinds of Smart

Is your teenager being disrespectful to you? Danny and John cover the different ways boys and girls can show disrespect towards parents. Plus, Jim Daly and Dr. John Townsend discuss what to do if your son or daughter isn't giving you proper respect. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting AssessmentEstablishing Healthy Boundaries with Your Teens (Digital)Speak to a counselor Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

Do you consider yourself a rule-follower or a go with the flow type? Melissa Hannigan joins Jim Daly to encourage moms and dads to be more flexible. Also, John and Danny provide some encouragement to parents who are more bent towards following the rules. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.Inconvenient ParentingParenting Styles QuizInstilling God-Given Qualities into Your Children (Digital)Speak to a counselor Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment

Is it a challenge for you to keep the house clean? As we approach a new school year, Kristi Clover and Jim Daly offer young moms some encouragement for how to teach kids to clean. Plus, John and Danny will give some guidelines for how to make cleaning fun, even if you kid doesn't want to do it. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. M.O.M.: Master Organizer of Mayhem Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Simple Ways to Organize Your Home and Family (digital) Avoiding Chore Wars Listen to Focus Live on the Godcaster app

What are the underlying reasons behind your child's misbehavior? Linda Ranson Jacobs tells Jim Daly a story about when her son was misbehaving at school, and how they worked through it. Plus, Danny and John explain how taking time to pray will help you better relate to your kids. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.The Single ParentTake the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting AssessmentFinding Hope and Joy While Single Parenting (Digital)Speak to a counselor Listen to Focus Live on the Godcaster app

Is one of your kids struggling to get his or her homework completed? John and Danny share some statistics on how many kids and parents are battling homework frustrations. Then, Jim Daly talks to Erin MacPherson and Ellen Schuknecht about some solutions for what you can do if your child is struggling with homework. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.The Christian Mama’s Guide to the Grade School YearsTake the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting AssessmentNavigating the Early Grade School Years (Digital)Schoolwork and Homework ResponsibilityUnderstanding Learning Styles

Do you lean more towards being a rule-follower or wanting to have fun with your kids? Jonathan McKee and Jim Daly discuss why a healthy parent needs both rules and relationship. Danny will follow that up with some thoughts on having good boundaries with your kids during the school year. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.If I Had a Parenting Do OverParenting Resource PageBalancing Bonding and Boundaries as a Parent (Digital)Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

More parents in the Christian community are trying homeschooling. But how do you know if it's the right move for you and your children? Monica Swanson talks to Jim Daly about some of the things she learned from choosing to homeschool her kids. John and Danny will also address parents who want to homeschool but are concerned about their kids' social lives. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.Becoming HomeschoolersTake the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting AssessmentHome Schooling: Giving Your Child a Strong Foundation (Digital)Resources: HomeschoolingPlanning Your Home School