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
340 – 360

Am I an alcoholic?

It commonly believed that to be an alcoholic you have to drink excessively and consume alcohol almost everyday but this isn't necessary true, in fact it possible to be an alcoholic without even knowing it. We'll discuss what we mean in this episode.
11 Apr 2022 6AM 4 min

Biblical Basis for Giving to the Poor

What does the Bible have to say about poverty and giving to the poor? I want to have a God-honoring attitude on this matter, but to be honest, as a new Christian I've been confused by some of the differing opinions and ideas I've heard. Do you consider this kind…
7 Apr 2022 6PM 4 min

Depression and Suicide: Risk Factors and Warning Signs

If you know of someone close to you who is depressed you are going to want to listen in to the next Family Matters where we’ll be discussing the risk factors and warning signs of depression and suicide.
6 Apr 2022 6PM 4 min

Adult Child Struggling With Parent's Affair and New Partner

My parents recently got divorced because my mom was having an affair. Since then, she's moved in with this other man and plans to marry him within a few weeks. My husband and I live out of state, and it's been very difficult to deal with all of this. My…
5 Apr 2022 6PM 4 min

Strong-Willed Child Exhibits Biting Behavior

What do you do about a kid who attacks other people with his teeth? Our strong-willed toddler has been displaying this negative behavior with increasing frequency over the past couple of months. How do we put a stop to it?
4 Apr 2022 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…
3 Apr 2022 6PM 4 min

Adoption: Treating Sensory Processing Disorder

What kind of treatments or therapies are available to kids who suffer from Sensory Processing Disorder? We're fostering a boy from an abusive, high-risk background. After several consultations with an occupational therapist we've come to the conclusion that many of his most aggravating behavioral problems can be traced to sensory-based…
31 Mar 2022 6PM 5 min

Grandparent Concerned About Health Conditions in Grandchild's Home

Is it my place to get involved if I'm convinced that the physical environment in my son's house has become unsafe and unhealthy for my grandchild? I love my son and daughter-in-law, but I'm worried about their ten-month-old daughter's health. The house is piled with trash, the floors are filthy,…
30 Mar 2022 6PM 4 min

"Teasing" in the Family

Is your family one of those that loves to joke and laugh a lot? Do you find yourselves making fun of other family members to entertain everyone? Poking fun at others for a laugh can nurture your family bond. However, if dealt with in the wrong way, teasing one another…
29 Mar 2022 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 Mar 2022 6PM 4 min

Reaching Out to Someone Who Has Lost a Loved One Through Suicide

Teen suicide is on the rise, as youngsters fall prey to negative thinking and find themselves in a vicious cycle of depression and feelings of hopelessness. We’ll talk about how you can come alongside a grieving friend who has lost a loved one to suicide.
27 Mar 2022 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…
24 Mar 2022 6PM 4 min

Parents Estranged From Son and Daughter

Maintaining healthy relationships with your adult children and their new spouses can be tricky. On the next Family Matters, we’ll give guidance to a couple who have become estranged from their son and daughter-in-law and are unsure how to proceed with making amends to the rift in the relationship.
23 Mar 2022 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…
22 Mar 2022 6PM 4 min

Kids and Healthy Friendships

For a parent, it’s difficult to stand on the sidelines and watch your child make poor choices in their friendships. Your child’s social environment is a big deal because those that surround you are able to influence you.
21 Mar 2022 6PM 4 min

Key Differences Between Male and Female

Aside from the obvious physical distinctions, what are the essential differences between male and female? I'm disturbed by all of the gender-bending and -blending that's been promoted in society over the past few decades. I believe there are unique differences between the sexes that should be affirmed and celebrated. At…
20 Mar 2022 6PM 4 min

Infant Sleeping Arrangements and the "Family Bed"

What's your opinion of babies sleeping with their parents? A friend of mine believes that the so-called "Family Bed" is beneficial for every member of the household. She even claims that this practice can prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and provide other health benefits. Is she right?
17 Mar 2022 6PM 4 min

Hopeless, Feels Like a Loser (Part 2 of 2)

Last time on Family Matters we were responding to a cry for help from one of our listeners who feels like a loser and has lost hope in this life. A plea like this really touches our hearts at a deep level and we always want to step in and…
16 Mar 2022 6PM 4 min

Hopeless, Feels Like a Loser (Part 1 of 2)

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.
15 Mar 2022 6PM 4 min

Dad Concerned About Preteen Girl's Interest In Boys

Is twelve years old too young for a girl to be expressing a keen interest in boys? My husband and I have a difference of opinion on this point. Our daughter and her best friend like to talk about "cute" boys and often tease each other about who has a…
14 Mar 2022 6PM 4 min
340 – 360