Focus on Parenting Podcast

Episodes

• Finding Hope After MiscarriageMiscarriage is a painful and often silent loss that many parents carry alone. John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta explore the grief, guilt, and healing that come with pregnancy loss, drawing from their own experiences and a candid conversation with author Annie F. Downs and her sister Tatum Green, who opens up about four miscarriages, her wrestling with God, and the eventual arrival of her miracle son, Sam. A compassionate look at how couples can grieve together, find community, and hold onto hope. Where Did TJ Go? Speak to s counselor Navigating Infant Loss as a Family (Digital Download)

  810|12M
• Raising Successful Kids Without PressureAre parents putting too much pressure on their children to succeed? In this episode, John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta explore the growing trend of performance-driven parenting and how it's affecting kids' well-being. Along with Dr. Kevin Leman, they challenge parents to redefine success around character rather than achievement, examine whether their love feels conditional on performance, and model the values they want to see in their children. 8 Secrets to Raising Successful Kids Learn about Age and Stage Planting the Seeds of Success in Your Kids (Digital Download)

  809|15M
• Helping Your Child Deal with BulliesBullying can leave emotional scars that last a lifetime. John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta discuss how to recognize the signs, respond with compassion, and help your child heal. Plus, Focus on the Family president Jim Daly talks with author Nancy Rue, who shares a heartbreaking story about a student she couldn't save — and her own daughter's experience being bullied. Practical guidance and hope for parents facing this difficult issue. Helping Your Child Deal with Bullies Audio Collection Speak to a counselor Helping Your Child Deal With Bullies (Digital)

  808|14M
• Parenting Scripts: Responding Well When Your Child DisobeysJohn Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta hear from authors Amber Lia and Wendy Speake to discussing replacing reactive, knee-jerk parenting responses with thoughtful, biblically grounded scripts—covering how to set consequences ahead of time, self-regulate in heated moments, and keep connection intact while enforcing boundaries. Parenting Scripts 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Say This, Not That: Smart Parenting Tips for Misbehavior (Digital Download)

  807|14M
• Emotions: Great Followers, Terrible LeadersCulture tells kids, "If I feel it, it's true." John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta unpack the lies children hear about emotions with Hilary Ferrer of Mama Bear Apologetics and how parents can help kids keep feelings in the passenger seat, not the driver's seat. Mama Bear Apologetics Age and Stage eNewsletter Helping Your Children Navigate the Culture (Digital)

  806|11M
• Training a Risk TakerIn this episode of the Focus on the Family Parenting podcast, host John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta discuss how parents can encourage their children to take risks responsibly. Young adult Caroline Shankle shares her personal journey with comparison, perfectionism, and learning to embrace failure offering practical insights for families navigating anxiety, decision-making, and the fear of getting it wrong. The Lion and the Bear Fearless Faith: Navigating Anxiety as a Teen Helping Your Child Approach Anxiety, Bullying, and Identity (Digital Download)

  805|12M
• If You’re Pouring 110% Into Your KidsJohn 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. Detoured Discovering Your New Identity as a Stay-at-Home Mom (Digital Download) Speak to a counselor

  804|17M
• When a Parent is AnxiousIs your anxiety rubbing off on your kids? In this episode of the Focus on the Family Parenting Podcast, host John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta unpack how parental stress becomes contagious, the key difference between fear and anxiety, and why managing your own mental health is essential to showing up well for your children. They're joined by Sissy Goff and David Thomas from the Raising Boys and Girlspodcast, who share practical tools for self-assessment, parenting out of love rather than fear, and simple daily strategies from breathing exercises to building routines that help you reset and model healthy stress management for your family. Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Are My Kids on Track? Leading Your Child Through Emotional Milestones (Digital)

  803|16M
• Protecting Kids by Standing on Your ConvictionsFaith 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 Assessment Protecting Your Child's Faith in Public School (Digital) Resources: Schools and Related Issues

  802|13M
• If Your Child WithdrawsHow 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 Rising Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Raising Godly Children in Today's Culture (Digital Download) 8 Strategies PDF Can a Parent Expect Respect?

  801|13M