Focus on the Family Africa Family Matters

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
760 – 780

Wife doesn't get along with husbands friends

What can I do about my negative feelings towards my husband's "buddies"? We are very happy and have a great relationship, except for one thing: I don't get along with his friends. Is there a way to solve this problem? It's leading to arguments and tension between us.
9 Sep 2020 6PM 3 min

Wondering if the spouse is truly repented over affair

How can I be sure that my spouse is really repentant for the pain he has caused me? A year ago, I discovered he'd been involved in an emotional affair with another woman for nearly a decade. He also has a history of explosive anger which has often led to…
8 Sep 2020 6PM 4 min

Divorce and impact on children

We're in the process of getting a divorce, and it seems to be taking a heavy toll on the entire family. Our kids have been acting out in a wide variety of ways. Some of their behavior has been so extreme that I'm becoming seriously concerned about them. What's considered…
7 Sep 2020 6PM 4 min

How dad teach daughters about modesty

How can fathers help their girls learn about modesty? I want my daughter to get a handle on this concept before she becomes a teen, but I feel awkward about raising this subject with her. I realize that as a dad I can either be a big asset to her…
6 Sep 2020 6PM 4 min

Child is afraid of the devil

How can I calm my child's fears of Satan? Over the past few months my five-year-old has become obsessed with this subject. She's always asking questions about the devil, and she seems terribly afraid of what he might do to her. She goes to Sunday school, and we pray and…
3 Sep 2020 6PM 4 min

Attracted to spouse best friend

Should I tell my husband that I'm attracted to his closest buddy? I've heard it said this kind of information should be shared between spouses for purposes of accountability, but I'm not sure that this would be wise. Neither man has any clue of my struggle and I don't want…
2 Sep 2020 6PM 4 min

Unfaithful husband wants to date other women

How should I respond to my husband's repeated infidelities and his blatant request to date other women? We've had a troubled marriage for years. Recently he confessed to extra-marital affairs. I've forgiven him for adulteries, but now he says he wants to develop "outside relationships" while continuing to live in…
1 Sep 2020 6PM 4 min

Three-year-old boy is playing dress up

Should I allow my three-year-old son to play dress-up with his older sisters? He not only enjoys putting on the same frilly dresses they wear, but the costume jewelry as well. This doesn't seem like healthy behavior to me. What can I do to stop it?
31 Aug 2020 6PM 4 min

Importance of marital sex in biblical view

Is sex really that critical to a healthy marriage? Here's why I ask. I'm having a disagreement with my spouse. He tells me that sex is a "sacrament" and "a holy mystery," and that it needs to be central to our relationship. He even uses Ephesians 5:30-32 to support these…
30 Aug 2020 6PM 4 min

Opposite sex friendship in marriage

Is it wrong for a married person to have a friend of the opposite sex? While my spouse was away on a week-long missions trip, I enlisted a male friend from work to come over and help me care for our eighteen-month-old daughter. In the process, we ended up watching…
27 Aug 2020 6PM 4 min

Making time for his and her friends in Marriage

Do you think it's a good idea for husbands and wives to have regular activities apart from each other with their friends of the same sex? My husband feels a deep need to get together with his guy friends a couple of times each month, but I'd rather spend most…
26 Aug 2020 6PM 4 min

Husband Concerned About Wife’s Depression During Pregnancy

Is there anything I can do to help my expectant wife deal with the severe mood swings she's been experiencing? She's about three-quarters of the way through her pregnancy, and lately she's been terribly depressed. It's beginning to take a real toll on our relationship. I've heard a lot about…
25 Aug 2020 6PM 4 min

Grown child has made poor decisions

What can we do to encourage our adult son to grow up? He's made some very poor choices in terms of lifestyle, jobs, living arrangements, and friends. After raising him in the Christian faith, we're deeply disappointed. At the same time we can't help feeling guilty and wondering where we…
24 Aug 2020 6PM 4 min

Recovering alcoholic wants Relationship with Children

As a new Christian who is in the process of kicking a lifelong drinking habit, how can I restore my relationship with my children? A number of years ago my struggles with alcoholism finally destroyed my marriage and family. I really regret the mess I've made, but I've recently found…
24 Aug 2020 6AM 4 min

Gentle and Sensitive boy

Is it okay for a boy to be gentle and sensitive? Our two young sons couldn't be more different. The oldest is a typical boy – loud and in perpetual motion. His four-year-old brother, however, is so quiet I hardly know he's around. While our oldest son and his dad…
19 Aug 2020 6PM 4 min

Husband looks at other women

Do I have reason to feel hurt and upset when I see my husband turn his head and look at other women? He has always been faithful to and affirming of me. I trust him, and he's the last guy I'd characterize as a womanizer. Still, it bothers me to…
18 Aug 2020 6PM 4 min

Recovering from a disappointing affair

How do I move on from an affair that ended in disappointment? I had hoped that my status as "the other woman" would eventually change after my lover left his wife and family, but that didn't happen. Now all I feel is sad, broken, and alone.
13 Aug 2020 6PM 4 min

Dealing with an irresponsible Spouse

What can I do about my spouse's disorganized and scatter-brained behavior? He's extremely irresponsible, and it's making my life impossible. Not only does he misplace things around the house (bills, important personal documents, etc.), but he travels regularly as part of his job, and we're constantly having to replace expensive…
12 Aug 2020 6PM 4 min
760 – 780