Episode notes
In 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)
Focus on the Family Parenting Podcast
by Focus on the Family · English · Kids & 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 so
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Bullying 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)
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6 Oct 2026 · 14 min
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John 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)
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1 Oct 2026 · 10 min
Emotions: Great Followers, Terrible Leaders
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E2018 · 24 Sep 2026 · 16 min
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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. Detoured Discovering Your New Identity as a…
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E2018 · 22 Sep 2026 · 13 min
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Is 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 Girls podcast, 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…
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E2016 · 17 Sep 2026 · 11 min
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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 Assessment Protecting Your Child's Faith in Public…
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E2015 · 15 Sep 2026 · 13 min
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E2014 · 10 Sep 2026 · 11 min
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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 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?
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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 Faith Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Bringing Good News to Kids in Public Schools (Digital Download) Learn About Our Age and Stage e-Newsletter Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster
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