Focus on the Family Parenting Podcast

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 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 Assessment
Are 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 Assessment
Protecting 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 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?

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?