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
40 – 60

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.
4 Jun 2023 6PM 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.
1 Jun 2023 6PM 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.
31 May 2023 6PM 4 min

Married Daughter Is Disrespectful to Husband

If you are the mother of a married child, you’ll understand that the relationship status has changed a great deal. Your adult child is no longer your responsibility in terms of looking after but is now in a family of his or her own. But if there are things in…
30 May 2023 6PM 4 min

Grandparent Concerned About Health Conditions in Grandchild's Home

As a grandparent it can sometimes be difficult to watch from the sidelines as the job of parenting is left to your child. You may feel that you could do a better job or at least you would do certain things differently. But what happens if you are witnessing your…
29 May 2023 6PM 4 min

Sexual Immorality and Physical Intimacy Before Marriage

So many young people who are in romantic relationships find that they’re struggling with keeping themselves pure before marriage. The Bible has clear cut scriptures on the matter, which some try to argue are outdated.
28 May 2023 6PM 4 min

Quality Time vs Quantity Time in Parenting

In this day and age with the increased use of technology and devices, as well as parents working long hours to support their families, time spent with our kids is being greatly affected, and unfortunately, the research is showing the negative impact of this lifestyle on the family as a…
25 May 2023 6PM 4 min

Parents Disagree About Offering Financial Assistance to Grown Child

It’s always tough for a mom to say goodbye to her adult child when he or she decides to fly the nest and begins to tackle life as a grown up. But when that adult child is struggling to support himself and is generally not coping with the responsibility of…
24 May 2023 6PM 4 min

Hopeless, Feels Like a Loser II

I hate myself for who and what I am. I feel like the filthiest person in the world. My love life is a mess, too. I feel broken. I don't deserve to be happy.
22 May 2023 6PM 4 min

Hopeless, Feels Like a Loser I

Have you ever felt as though your life is falling apart and there’s no hope for you? These kinds of feelings are not to be taken lightly and should be assessed by an outsider who can offer a different perspective on the situation.
21 May 2023 6PM 4 min

Blended Family Etiquette

Bringing two families together to form a new family is always tricky. There are all sorts of challenges that go along with blending a family, even down to the labels that are given to the new Mom or Dad.
18 May 2023 6PM 4 min

Biblical Perspectives on Polygamy and Polyamory

The practice of having multiple wives or partners is one that definitely occurred in Old Testament times, however, what does the Bible actually say about what God designed for a man right in the beginning?
16 May 2023 6PM 4 min

Faith Doubt vs Unbelief

In order to believe in an unseen God, we need to have faith. And although we may have faith, as human beings we can still find ourselves doubting God’s power at times. I think that many Christians throughout time have grappled with doubt, in fact, the bible has numerous accounts…
15 May 2023 6PM 4 min

Girls and Women Wearing Pants

Historical cultural norms can have a great influence over family life and choices, but there’s a difference between culture and Biblical truth. When backing up our beliefs with scripture, we need to be careful that we look at the verses in context.
14 May 2023 6PM 4 min

Marriage and Sexuality As Spiritual Symbols

Biblical language can sometimes be difficult to decipher or interpret. It is full of imagery, comparisons, and complex descriptions. Bible scholars have poured over the words with fine-tooth combs to pull out the pearls of what God wants to tell His people through His word. Something that can take time…
11 May 2023 6PM 4 min

Talking to Teen About Suicide of Friend or Acquaintance

Teen suicide statistics have risen substantially over the last number of decades. When a teen commits suicide he leaves a wake of grieving friends and family. How can a parent be there for the grieving child, and what conversations should take place over that time?
10 May 2023 6PM 4 min

Reasons to Pursue Higher Education

In the economic climate we find ourselves in, in this country, the lack of job opportunities has certainly restricted the value and significance of a university degree. There are countless people who have hard-earned qualifications but can’t find well-paying jobs in their field. Do these current circumstances negate the need…
8 May 2023 6PM 4 min
40 – 60