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
304 – 324

Shy and Introverted Adolescent

When should a parent be concerned about a child’s introverted behavior? On the next Family Matters we’ll be discussing the possibilities of deeper issues related to a child isolating him or herself,
30 May 2022 6AM 4 min

Maintaining Relationships with Children after Divorce

It’s not easy for a divorced parent to stay well connected with his or her children when the court has ruled custody in favor of your ex, and you only see the children for a day or two every other week.
27 May 2022 6AM 4 min

Father to be anxious about cost and responsibility

Becoming a parent for the first time might cause you to feel a little anxious, or maybe even scared to the bone. But the unknown of your next adventure with your offspring shouldn’t have to cause you sleepless nights, wracking your brain as to how you’re going to manage the…
26 May 2022 6AM 4 min

Friend requests from old flames on social media

Is it wise and healthy for your marriage when you accept ‘friend’ requests from old flames on social media? Some might say, there’s absolutely no harm in staying in touch, while others may have stories to tell of those online friendships causing havoc in their marriages.
25 May 2022 6AM 4 min

Developing effective communications patterns with kids

Every parent wants their child to listen well, follow instructions and be able to have a meaningful conversation with them. But, in so many homes, there are nagging parents and defiant children facing up against one another on a daily basis. We’ll talk about ways to effectively communicate with kids.
24 May 2022 5AM 4 min

Wife no longer attracted to overweight husband

How do I deal with the reality of having lost all physical attraction for my severely overweight husband? I've tried to be encouraging and understanding. I've made healthy meals for us, offered to exercise with him, and listened empathetically to his frustrations for years, but he hasn't shown interest in…
22 May 2022 6PM 4 min

Explaining porn addiction to kids

Do you think you’d be able to admit to your kids that you’re in the process of getting help for porn addiction? Most parents will be saying an emphatic “No” to that question. But what if we told you that being open and honest with your children in matters such…
18 May 2022 6PM 4 min

Divorced Dad: Child doesn't like new girlfriend

There’s a huge amount of emotional turmoil that children go through when divorce happens, and they will act out in various ways in order to attempt to deal with the hurt and loss. When a new partner comes onto the scene, this adds another aspect to what the child has…
17 May 2022 6PM 4 min

Child says he wants to die

Has your child ever had an outburst and said something that shocked you to the core? A lot of the time the words have the little foundation and can be written off to emotions running high, but when should we be concerned that something greater is at play?
16 May 2022 6PM 4 min

Anxiety disorders: An overview

Do you find yourself feeling anxious about life? Are you fearful about future events, or do you find yourself unable to control your restless mind? If any of the things mentioned describes where you are at, you’ll want to stay tuned for the next Family Matters where we’ll discuss what…
15 May 2022 6PM 4 min

Anorexia and "Pro-Ana websites

We’ll be talking about the online world of anorexia support groups and the potential dangers of these Pro-Ana websites, you won’t want to miss this.
12 May 2022 6PM 4 min

advice on teens and online chat rooms

If your child is being exposed to online chat rooms and other social media sites you are going to want to stay tuned for the next Family Matters. We’ll be discussing how much freedom is appropriate, and where precautionary measures need to be taken in order to protect your child…
11 May 2022 6PM 4 min

Adolescent Daughter Involved With an Older Man

How does one warn a teenage daughter of the potential pitfalls of spending time with an older guy, even if she claims that they are purely friends? Most teen girls don’t want to hear this kind of advice, so one has to be very careful with the approach. We’ll be…
11 May 2022 3AM 4 min

The Effects and Impact of Divorce on Children

There are always concerns about the impact of divorce on children, but most people don’t actually know the far-reaching effects of such an event in the life of a child, through to adulthood.
10 May 2022 3AM 4 min

Using Tithe Money to Help Aging Parents

Dealing with our finances according to Christian principles implies a number of things. One is that Christians are expected to tithe, see 2 Chronicles 31:4&5. Christians are told to take care of the orphan and the widow. They are also commanded to honor their mother and father and to care…
9 May 2022 3AM 4 min

Stopping a Toddler From Hitting

Are you struggling with sibling rivalry in your home? Is there one child who constantly dominates another? This scenario is not unusual, but it’s also difficult to manage.
6 May 2022 3AM 4 min

Responding to a Gay Christian in the Family

How would you respond to an announcement from one of your children that they identify as a “gay Christian’? We’ll be responding to a mother whose son made just such a declaration on the next Family Matters.
5 May 2022 3AM 4 min

Wives Who Initiate Sex

For husbands and wives, the marital bed can be an area of contention. There seem to be cultural norms that have crept into our thinking, or misguided ideas on what is Biblically appropriate in terms of sexual expression.
4 May 2022 3AM 4 min

Parents Blocking Grandparents' Relationship With Grandchildren

Breakdowns in family relationships, unfortunately, happen all the time, sometimes without an actual event taking place that causes the division. We’ll be discussing how to go about making repairs to broken relationships with family members.
3 May 2022 3AM 4 min
304 – 324