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
312 – 332

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

Infertility Testing During Engagement

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. (Prov 16:9 NIV) Isn’t this proverb exactly right? We may have ideas of how we want our life to go, but the Lord will determine a plan for our lives.
2 May 2022 3AM 4 min

Faith, Works, and Salvation

Am I saved by faith or good works? As a new Christian, I was relieved to hear that salvation doesn't depend on works, but solely on God's gift of grace. But then someone told me that "faith without works is dead" and that God cares as much about my actions…
29 Apr 2022 3AM 4 min

Dealing With Overindulgent Grandparents

How can I encourage my parents to stop spoiling our children? Grandma and Grandpa give my kids whatever they ask for, sometimes in complete disregard of my wishes. I don't want to alienate my parents, but I've got to do something. Any ideas?
28 Apr 2022 3AM 4 min

Dads and influence they have on their daughters

As a father, what are some of the key roles that I play in the life of my daughter? What areas in her life should I focus on and what are some things I can do to create a healthy relationship between us?
27 Apr 2022 3AM 4 min

Clinging Mom afraid to release a college aged child

Can you help me "let go" of my son who is heading off to study at university? I'm worried about the challenges he'll be facing on his own – challenges to his faith and his moral values, not to mention the practical challenges of living on his own for the…
26 Apr 2022 11AM 4 min

Alcoholic Sicking help

It’s often extremely difficult for an alcoholic to admit that they are an addict and that they need help. Most people who have an issue with alcohol will deny the problem and continue on a downward spiral until perhaps it is too late to hold on to the relationship with…
25 Apr 2022 11AM 4 min

Achieving a balanced lifestyle

How can I adjust my schedule so as to bring about a healthier equalization between the time I spend at work and the time I devote to the rest of life's activities and demands? I've really tried to do this, but it seems that something suffers no matter what I…
22 Apr 2022 11AM 4 min

Christian Has Deep Doubts About Their Salvation

One of the most common tactics of the enemy is to undermine the word of God and to play havoc with our minds, casting doubt and fear wherever he can. As Christians, we need to be aware of this tactic and the know-how to stand firm against it. We want…
21 Apr 2022 11AM 4 min
312 – 332