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
152 – 172

How to approach a marital seperation II

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…
28 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

How to approach a marital seperation I

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…
27 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

Same-Sex Attraction and Sexual Identity II

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…
26 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

Same-Sex Attraction and Sexual Identity I

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…
25 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

STD Testing for Unfaithful Spouse

Should a spouse who has had an affair be tested for sexually transmitted diseases and infections? My husband recently ended an affair, and we are working toward reconciliation. It's a touchy process and I don't want to do anything that might suggest a lack of trust or indicate that I…
22 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

Preparing for the Empty Nest

What can we do to get ready for the departure of our youngest child? He'll be going off to study after the end of this year, and my spouse and I will be left "on our own" as empty nesters. I've heard that many couples in our position face serious…
21 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

Parent Concerned About Tomboyish Tendencies in Daughter

Should I be worried that my daughter might be "transgendered" because she likes to dress and act like a boy and spends a lot of time playing sports with her dad? After watching a television talk show on this subject, I've begun to wonder whether there might be something more…
20 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

Husband Recovering From Porn Addiction - No Sexual Desire

Is it normal for a man who has been deeply involved with sexually explicit material to have no desire for marital intimacy? My husband and I haven't had sex in eight months. He knows that I desire a physical relationship, but he isn't interested. I suspect it has something to…
19 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

Eliminating the Stress of Potty Training

Is potty training a child always such a difficult and challenging experience? We've been trying to potty-train our son since he turned two years old. So far we haven't had much success, and the stress level in our household is at an all-time high. After several months, we're still not…
18 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

Considerations for Working Mothers

Do you have any encouragement for moms who are employed outside the home? I'm aware that Focus on the Family spends a lot of time affirming stay-at-home moms in their role, but I'm wondering if you can offer any support to those of us who have to leave home every…
15 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

Avoiding Extremes in Child Discipline

How do I know when my disciplinary methods have crossed an inappropriate line? I was disciplining my five-year-old last night and feel that I got out of control in the way I handled the situation. I'm terrified this morning that I may have gone too far. How can I know…
14 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

Biblical Instruction and Expectations for Christian Giving

Are Christians really obligated to keep the "law" of the tithe? I hear a lot about tithing from the pulpit of my church, and quite frankly it angers and frustrates me. How does all this fit in with everything Paul says about the new covenant of grace and the Christian's…
13 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

Biblical Perspective on Homosexuality and Same

Is it true that the Scriptures don't really have anything to say about homosexuality and the legalization of gay marriage? I've heard this argument advanced many times – so often, in fact, that I've become seriously confused about the issue. What's your perspective?
12 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

What to Do About Long Hours on the Job

How much time should I devote to my work? My job requires me to put in long hours every week. As a result I'm not able to give as much attention to other things – including my family – as I'd like. In your opinion, how much time is too…
11 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

The Spiritual Side of Eating Disorders

Could my struggle with bulimia and anorexia stem from a lack of understanding of my identity in Christ? A friend recently suggested this possibility, and I'm not sure what to think of it. I've been struggling with eating disorders ever since I was a teenager, but I never considered it…
8 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

Spouse Uses Marijuana

Do you think it's wrong for my spouse to smoke marijuana? He's been a fairly regular user for most of our married life, and I've never seen it as a big problem since many people have assured me that pot isn't addictive. But he's been using it more often lately,…
7 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

Replacing Porn With Sexual Photos of Wife

Is it okay for a man to use sexually suggestive cell-phone photos of his wife as substitutes for illicit pornographic material? I'm in the process of recovering from a long-term addiction to pornography, and I thought this might help me get over the problem. What you do you think about…
6 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

Leaving Job to Become a Stay at home mom

Do you have any advice or suggestions for a mother who wants to make the transition from full-time career woman to stay-at-home mom? What can I do to make this change as smooth as possible for the entire family?
5 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

Healthy Family Humor

How can we enjoy the lighter side of life and encourage laughter in our home but do it in an appropriate and edifying way? Many of our friends find amusement in things that I personally consider offensive. Can you suggest any helpful guidelines for healthy humor within the family?
4 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

Girlfriend Is Pregnant, Marriage as a Possible Solution

Should I marry my pregnant girlfriend? Our relationship has always been fine, but I've never really thought we'd be together for the rest of our lives. This changes everything. She will be keeping and raising the baby, and I'd like to do my fair share, as well. My girlfriend has…
1 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min
152 – 172