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
272 – 292

Christian morality vs sexual repression

Is Christian sexual morality unhealthy or unnatural? I'm young woman who is trying to live a chaste life, but my boyfriend is always pressuring me. He says that my concerns about sexual morality are just an expression of an unhealthy "fear"-that in trying to live by God's standards, I'm basically…
13 Jul 2022 6AM 4 min

Child wonderers if animals go to heaven

Will my pet be with me in heaven? I'm really sad right now because my dog just died. We've had the same dog ever since I was a little kid, and I can't even imagine life without him. I asked my mom if I'd see him in heaven and she…
11 Jul 2022 5AM 4 min

Changing relationship with teen

As your child enters the teen years, you may notice that there’s been a shift in his or her loyalties. Where you were once your child’s safe place and confidant, you may realize that you’ve been relegated to the bench whilst friends take centerstage in their world.
8 Jul 2022 5AM 4 min

Biblical view of survivalist and preppers

What do you think of Christians who adopt a "survivalist/off-the-grid" mentality? Who sell their homes, move to remote desert or mountain locations, stockpile food, grow their own crops, live like "pioneers," and strive to be as independent of the "system" as possible? I know several people who are moving in…
7 Jul 2022 5AM 4 min

Caring for children and elderly parents simultaneously

There often comes a point in our adult lives when amidst our demanding task of parenting, we find that our own parents get to an age where they need our care as well. This is definitely not an easy situation to navigate.
6 Jul 2022 5AM 4 min

Biblical perspective on Christian involvement with the fine arts

Is there any legitimate place for the arts within the biblical worldview, or is it simply a frivolous and "worldly" pursuit? How can we tell good and godly art from bad art? Our daughter is an art student at the university, and we're worried that she's just wasting her time…
5 Jul 2022 5AM 4 min

Attending a family gathering including a same sex couple

As Christian parents we always want to make sure that our children know the principles by which Christ has taught us to live. However, we also need to ensure that they understand the fallen world that we live in.
4 Jul 2022 5AM 4 min

Anger management for teens

How can I help my adolescent son deal with his anger? It's easy to tell that he is very angry about something, but I have a sense that he's trying desperately to squash his feelings and keep a lid on his emotions. Try as I might, I can't get him…
1 Jul 2022 5AM 4 min

Helping a teen girl become a woman (Part 2 of 2)

On our last Family Matters, we were summarizing 12 important things that every young girl needs if she's to make the journey toward mature womanhood with a sense of security, poise, and peace of mind. We’ll continue with the list on the next Family Matters.
30 Jun 2022 9AM 4 min

Helping a teen girl become a woman (Part 1 of 2)

There’s a lot of media hype and controversial thinking surrounding gender these days. Children are growing up in a very different world from the one 50 years ago. So, amidst the ever-changing arena in which our kids find themselves, how can one help a teen girl to successfully move into…
29 Jun 2022 9AM 4 min

Discussing transgender issues with teens

How can my spouse and I come alongside our teenage son and daughter as they encounter instances of gender confusion in their high school? Believe it or not, a couple of such cases have come to light during this past academic year.
27 Jun 2022 6PM 4 min

Child doesn’t want single mom to date

There is definitely no easy way to go about dating again as a single mom after a divorce. If your child has been separated from a parent and is now being introduced to your new potential partners, this can be extremely scary for them and you can be sure to…
26 Jun 2022 6PM 4 min

Boarding school for missionary children

There are so many different views and ideas on what is best for our children when it comes to education. Some families who have been serving God as missionaries have to make difficult decisions based on where they’ve been sent on a mission.
24 Jun 2022 6AM 4 min

Children’s doubts about God

If you are a Christian parent who is praying for your kids, asking God to show Himself to them and to become very real to them, I don’t think you’re alone. That is the prayer on the lips of most believers for their children. Every Christian parent wants to feel…
23 Jun 2022 6AM 4 min

Dealing with the fallout of teen sexting

The advent of sexting is a real and serious issue among teens who get involved and then find themselves exposed in horrific and demoralizing ways. Parents cannot necessarily prevent this practice, but certainly need to be aware of the dangers and take a firm stance in the event of discovering…
22 Jun 2022 6AM 4 min

Venting about marriage on social media

When issues arise in your marriage, who do you turn to? A lot of couples have trouble communicating their dissatisfaction in marriage with one another. It can be difficult to have those tough conversations face to face with your spouse, and that is why people often find that letting off…
21 Jun 2022 6AM 4 min

Understanding teen sexting

The world that our teens find themselves in these days is, in fact, quite scary, thanks to the digital age that we live in. If you are not completely clued up on how to keep your teen safe from online predators or even seemingly harmless online connections.
20 Jun 2022 6AM 4 min

Social media signs of negative impact on marriage

Social Media is being named as one of the most common causes of marital disputes and divorce in more recent years. With this information, we would be wise to take stock of the time spent and connections being made over these social platforms in order to protect our marriages.
17 Jun 2022 6AM 4 min

Narcissism personality patterns and concerns

Have you ever heard of somebody being referred to as a Narcissist? This word is often used to describe someone who has elevated self-importance and who comes across as incredibly selfish. It’s not easy to be married to someone exhibiting these traits, however, the term narcissist is sometimes misused.
16 Jun 2022 6AM 4 min
272 – 292