Focus on the Family Commentary

We believe what we perceive to be true about our marriages – not what is actually true. Jim Daly explains why open, honest communication is so crucial for building a strong marriage.

Dads, do you understand the role you have in your teen daughter’s life? Here’s a question to help you decide: Are you her friend … or her parent? Jim Daly shares the difference.

Millions of people feel anxious about their finances. And most think the reason for their troubles is that they don’t have enough money. Jim Daly shares why more isn’t always the answer to your money problems.

Do you believe people can read minds? If you said no, then ask yourself why you expect your spouse to read yours. Jim Daly explains why it’s so important to tell your spouse what you need.

The word “no” teaches children how to apply the brakes. But kids can’t navigate life with their brakes on. Jim Daly explains how to equip your children with an accelerator: the word “yes.”

Father’s Day can be a tough holiday if your dad wasn’t involved in your life. Jim Daly explains how to overcome your father’s mistakes to help you chart a new course for your own parenting.

When teenagers rebel, they can be hard to talk to. That’s why the best thing to do is listen. Jim Daly shares why the more you listen to your children, the less they’ll want to fight to be heard.

Here’s a simple idea that will help you build a great marriage: Laugh together. Jim Daly explains why finding the humor in everyday life is one of the best things you can do for your marriage.

Do the people who rub shoulders with you every day know the real you? Jim Daly explains the benefits of letting other people get to know the real you by taking off the emotional masks you wear to protect yourself.

You probably discipline your children when you catch them doing wrong. But what do you do when you catch them doing right? Jim Daly shares how to encourage your children when they do well.

Every parent could use a good tip to motivate their kids to do their best. Jim Daly shares ideas that will help you help your children be the best they can be.

Albert Einstein once said, “There are two ways to live your life. One is as if nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is.” Jim Daly explains why our beliefs either diminish the miraculous or transform everyday life into something spectacular.

The potential for enemies to become allies is good news if you feel like you’re at war in your marriage. Jim Daly shares how to build a relationship that can open the door to a whole new future for your family.

When it comes to passing on your values to the next generation, moms and dads are a lot like an Olympic relay team. Find out how and discover what it means for your parenting.

We can all do something to make our little corner of the world a better place to be. Jim Daly shares a story about an over-the-road trucker who did something small to change his world in a big way.

Do you have a hard time talking to others about your pain? Jim Daly explains why sharing your pain with others opens the door to healing for your soul.

Have you suffered the death of a dream? Jim Daly explains how the death of one dream can open the door for even better ones to come along.

Is your marriage everything you hoped it would be? Jim Daly shares why the secret to a strong marriage is doing what’s right even when it takes longer to see results.

Is truth important? Jim Daly explains that when the bottom falls out of life, truth is the hand that reaches in and pulls us to safety.

Covid-19 has impacted everyone financially. Jim Daly shares practical steps your family can take to protect your bottom line.

Most Americans have been on virtual lockdown since March. Jim Daly shares ideas for turning quarantine into an opportunity for your family to deepen its roots.

Do you feel like you play second fiddle to others? Are you surrounded by people with more talent, skill, or education? Jim Daly shares why your contributions are more important than you think.

Are you making the most of your extra time at home during the coronavirus pandemic? Jim Daly shares three simple ideas for enriching your life before your schedule fills up again.

How do you respond when life doesn’t work out the way you hoped? Jim Daly explains how Silly Putty can help you learn from your failures and discover unseen potential.

Happy Memorial Day! Do you know what this holiday is all about? Jim Daly shares the history of how our nation has honored the men and women who have given their lives for freedom.

Hollywood loves to portray the story of Samson and Delilah as a romantic whirlwind. But it’s actually a cautionary tale about the dangers of inner weakness. Jim Daly shares why.

In movies, it’s easy to spot the bad guys. In real life, people are a lot more complicated. Jim Daly explains what happens when you look past a person’s failures to see their deeper value.

What’s a good age for your child to own the newest technology? Jim Daly helps parents make technology a positive influence on their children.

Most of us text, email, and engage in social media. But digital communication can feel hollow. Jim Daly shares how to infuse your digital communication with a little humanity.

Americans are buried in clutter. Jim Daly explains how freeing up physical space makes room for what really brings meaning and purpose in life.

Most couples get married thinking that they speak the same language as their spouse. Jim Daly explains why couples may use the same words, but they don’t always mean the same things.

A woman once asked Picasso to sketch her portrait. By the time he finished, he had taught her an important lesson about seeing the worth of other people. Jim Day shares the story.

What can you learn from an old watch that appraised at nearly 2,000 times its original value? Jim Daly shares why you can’t always see something’s true value at first glance.

When you’re faced with an important decision, do you know how to insure that the choice you’re making is the right one? Jim Daly shares the key to making good life choices.

Studies show that boys are much more likely to grow into competent men when someone teaches them how to harness their strength and to channel it properly. Jim Daly explains the important role mothers play in shaping men of character.

How could a life-sized “Where’s Waldo?” game benefit sick children in a pediatric unit? It was built by a man who knows all about turning life’s challenges into blessings. Jim Daly shares his story.

Jim Daly shares an encouraging story about an entire senior class from one high school who sacrificed what was rightfully theirs to help another person in need.

When we experience tragedy, “Why?” is the most common question we ask. But is there an answer? Jim Daly offers a bit of wisdom to one of life’s biggest questions.

Have you ever felt trapped with no way out? Jim Daly shares how to find freedom when you feel stuck.

Sometimes life throws a curveball. Jim Daly explains the secret to overcoming life’s most difficult challenges.

Language barriers are a natural part of the parent/child relationship, but that doesn’t make it any easier for parents. Jim Daly will help you scale the language barrier and communicate with your children in ways they’ll understand.

No one would drink warm milk and eat canned food if they were offered a delicious banquet. Jim Daly shares how to create a rich home life, instead of settling for leftovers.

Where does your heart belong? Jim Daly shares a story about pioneer and missionary David Livingstone that will help you live your life with purpose and focus.

Skyscrapers are amazing feats of engineering. So are marriages. Jim Daly explains the two ingredients your marriage needs to be as strong as a skyscraper.

Nobody hopes for problems. But there is a good side to our difficulties. Jim Daly explains why struggles often bring out the best in us.

We all suffer. And the question we face when we do is the same: How do I overcome this? Jim Daly explains the two things you’ll need to overcome every difficulty you face.

The Great Wall of China is an architectural marvel, but there’s one glaring flaw that made it a defensive failure. Find out what it is and transform your family.