Focus on the Family Africa Family Matters

Family Matters

Family Matters is a 5 minute programme offering practical advice from Focus on the Family. Receive a daily dose of encouragement and advice for the family with keys to stronger marriages, effective parenting, deeper relationships and a more satisfying lifestyle.
Daily English South Africa Society & Culture · Religion & Spirituality
1,149 Episodes
1004 – 1024

Key Differences Between Male and Female

Aside from the obvious physical distinctions, what are the essential differences between male and female? I'm disturbed by all of the gender-bending and -blending that's been promoted in society over the past few decades. I believe there are unique differences between the sexes that should be affirmed and celebrated. At…
20 Oct 2019 6PM 4 min

Infant Sleeping Arrangements and the "Family Bed"

What's your opinion of babies sleeping with their parents? A friend of mine believes that the so-called "Family Bed" is beneficial for every member of the household. She even claims that this practice can prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and provide other health benefits. Is she right?
17 Oct 2019 6PM 4 min

Hopeless, Feels Like a Loser (Part 2 of 2)

How can a loser like me ever be happy? I hate myself for who and what I am. I hate myself for the laundry that's not done, for the dirty socks and clothes on the floor, for a bunch of clean and unfolded clothes, for dirty dishes all over the…
16 Oct 2019 6PM 4 min

Hopeless, Feels Like a Loser (Part 1 of 2)

How can a loser like me ever be happy? I hate myself for who and what I am. I hate myself for the laundry that's not done, for the dirty socks and clothes on the floor, for a bunch of clean and unfolded clothes, for dirty dishes all over the…
15 Oct 2019 6PM 4 min

Dad Concerned About Preteen Girl's Interest In Boys

Is twelve years old too young for a girl to be expressing a keen interest in boys? My husband and I have a difference of opinion on this point. Our daughter and her best friend like to talk about "cute" boys and often tease each other about who has a…
14 Oct 2019 6PM 4 min

Child Has Behavioral Problems at Preschool

How can we encourage our child to cooperate and follow his preschool teacher's instructions? He becomes defiant when there's a change in the schedule or when the teacher asks him to switch activities. He wants to do things his own way and on his own time. How do we break…
13 Oct 2019 6PM 4 min

Blended Family Etiquette

How do we decide what people should call one another in our newly blended family? It's a second marriage for my husband and me, and each of us had a three-year-old child when we married. Those kids are now six and seven years old. Recently, my step-daughter started calling me…
10 Oct 2019 6PM 4 min

Young Single Adult Feels Hopeless about Marriage

When so many marital relationships end in divorce, why should I even bother tying the knot? It's hard to avoid the conclusion that the institution of matrimony has outlived its usefulness and doesn't mean much these days. Can you say anything to convince me otherwise
9 Oct 2019 6PM 4 min

Temptation Prayer and Spiritual Vigilence

Won't God protect me from temptation if I pray? Here's my reason for asking. Though I'm unaware of any immediate threat to the health and well-being of my marriage, I'm still afraid that, somehow, someday, I may trip up and fall into an adulterous affair. I recently heard a man…
8 Oct 2019 6PM 4 min

Choosing a Marriage Partner

"Give me some practical suggestions for the selection of a husband. What are the factors I should consider before saying ‘I do’?"
7 Oct 2019 6PM 3 min

Biblical Perspectives on Polygamy and Polyamory

Why can't I have a biblically based family with multiple partners? Most of the great men of the Bible – Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon – had many wives. Given your ministry's strong commitment to the Scriptures, I can't see why you're against things like polygamy and polyamory. I consider myself…
6 Oct 2019 6PM 4 min

Faith Doubt vs Unbelief

What's the difference between an "unbeliever" and a person who simply has honest questions about God? I believe in the Bible, and I have often told friends and family that God can do miracles and even raise the dead. Nevertheless, when things get tough, I find it hard to trust…
3 Oct 2019 6PM 4 min

Girls and Women Wearing Pants

Should I let my teenage girls wear pants? I was raised in a conservative Christian home where modesty in behavior and clothing were always stressed as matters of the highest importance for young girls. In particular, my mother made sure I understood that women should never wear pants, since "A…
2 Oct 2019 6PM 4 min

Marriage and Sexuality As Spiritual Symbols

Is it unusual, abnormal or immoral for my child to be touching or playing with his genitals? I've caught him at it several times at home, and once it even happened in public. What should I do?
1 Oct 2019 6PM 4 min

Talking to Teen About Suicide of Friend or Acquaintance

How should I talk with my adolescent son about a friend of his who recently took his own life? The boy was hardly more than an acquaintance, but I know that this incident has impacted my teenager deeply. Can you help me figure out the best way to approach the…
30 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Young child fondles genitals

Is it unusual, abnormal or immoral for my child to be touching or playing with his genitals? I've caught him at it several times at home, and once it even happened in public. What should I do?
29 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Understanding teen cutting

How should I respond to my adolescent daughter's cutting habit? I only recently discovered that she's been cutting herself. I've tried to let her know much this concerns me. I've even requested that she let me "monitor" the situation. But she is very sensitive and perceives this as criticism and…
26 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Teen seeking help after sexual assault

I've just become a victim of rape. I desperately need help and don't know where to find it – what should I do now? So far, I haven't told my parents, and no one else knows. I'm ashamed to admit it to friends and family, and I'm afraid I'll only…
25 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

How to approach a marital seperation - (Part 2 of 2)

Does it mean I'm gay if I'm attracted to someone of the same sex? There have been times when I've experienced strong emotional connections with individuals of my own gender. On occasion I've even felt myself physically drawn to them. I'm confused and don't know what to think of this…
24 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

How to approach a marital seperation - (Part 1 of 2)

Can you provide some guidance on how to navigate a marital separation? Our marriage has been plagued by conflict and emotional pain for a long, long time. As a result, we've come to the conclusion - sadly and reluctantly - that we need to get away from each other for…
23 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min
1004 – 1024