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
140 – 160

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?
15 Jan 2023 5PM 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.
12 Jan 2023 5PM 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?
11 Jan 2023 5PM 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…
9 Jan 2023 5PM 4 min

Husband Wonders if He Should Become 'Mr Mom'

It's not every day that you see Dad doing the school run, after school activities, homework, and preparing dinner, but in some cases, this is the role Dads are finding themselves in.
8 Jan 2023 5PM 4 min

Grandparents Filling in for Busy Moms and Dads

In modern society, it has become increasingly common for both moms and dads to work outside of the home, and it’s overwhelmingly evident that busyness has become the norm for so many families. The words: ‘Oh, we’ve just been so busy!’ are almost everybody’s mantra. And with parents adopting this…
5 Jan 2023 5PM 4 min

Disciplining an Uncooperative Child

The subject of discipline is a hot topic among most parents, and it’s an area where parents can feel overwhelmed and underqualified. What a lot of Moms and Dads don’t realize is that effective discipline takes effort and follow-through, and when there’s inconsistency, children end up feeling unsure of their…
4 Jan 2023 5PM 4 min

Cohabiting Boyfriend Has Been Unfaithful

A relationship that ends because of unfaithfulness is always a serious blow, but when there are children involved it makes the situation so much more difficult and devastating.
3 Jan 2023 5PM 4 min

Christian Calling vs Family Commitments

As a Christian, how do I sort out the difference between my obligation to family on the one hand and to the work of the gospel on the other? And what's my responsibility to my extended family as compared with my obligation to my immediate, nuclear family? Is there any…
2 Jan 2023 5PM 4 min

Denominationally Mismatched Romance

Pursuing a serious relationship with someone who you feel is a potential marriage partner is always a big decision. This is because marriage is a lifetime commitment that doesn’t only involve you and your spouse but your respective families too.
1 Jan 2023 5PM 4 min

Understanding teen cutting

How should I respond to my adolescent daughter's cutting habit? I only recently discovered that she's been cutting herself. I've tried to let her know much this concerns me. I've even requested that she let me "monitor" the situation. But she is very sensitive and perceives this as criticism and…
29 Dec 2022 5PM 4 min

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
140 – 160