PODCASTS

Tag: #realanswers

Real Answers – Young People and Those Devices – 7/17/24

Real Answers – Young People and Those Devices – 7/17/24

Real Answers – Children, Families, Cell Phones – 7/17/24

Today: Questions about “questionable” content coming across the mobile devices of children and teens.

New York-based Counselor Christopher Anderson offers some advice for parents and families. Particularly this week, many children were viewing images, videos and reports about the shooting of Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign rally — often without perspective or support from an adult.

Beyond that immediate incident, young people who use cell phones have access to media files and content which families may consider inappropriate — or at least, not fitting for the age or maturity level of a child or teen.

Anderson walks, step by step, how to shepherd your kids and teens from social media, difficult images, and hard news.  Anderson says families need open communication, good standards on the use of electronic devices, and — most importantly — an ongoing assurance that the child or teen is valued and loved, by the parent and by the Lord.

 

“Real Answers” is the Family Life News feature which helps people tackle the tough topics families face. Licensed Mental Health Counselor Christopher Anderson offers his perspectives twice a month, Wednesdays during the Noon Report and on this Family Life News podcast.  Sarah Harnisch is your host.

 

 

 

An additional resource: Research from Stanford Medical

Real Answers: How To Talk to Your Kids About Hard Things in the News

Real Answers: How To Talk to Your Kids About Hard Things in the News

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Family Life’s Sarah Harnisch sits down with Licensed Christian Counselor Chris Anderson and asks how to handle tough news stories, like the near-assassination of former President Donald Trump. Anderson walks, step by step, how to shepherd your kids and teens from social media, difficult images, and hard news.

Real Answers – Reducing Anxiety in our Children – 6/05/24

Real Answers – Reducing Anxiety in our Children – 6/05/24

Real Answers” on Family Life

How parents can reduce stress and anxiety in our children and teens

“You are the parent. You will be your child’s strongest influence, and that is a mantle you really need to take up.”

 

Christian counselor Christopher Anderson explores how your family be a positive influence on young people who are facing social anxiety, cultural stresses, and the everday growing pains of growing up.

Some of his recommendations:

  • Spend intentional quality time with children (even as young as toddlers). Do meaningful activities and have meaningful conversations with your children and teens
  • Ask them specifically if there are any matters that are raising internal concerns for them — from school, with friends, anywhere
  • Choose the information intake flooding into their lives:  reduce the clutter of e-device information, and increase age-appropriate emphasis on Scriptures

 

Real Answers is one of our Wednesday News Features from Family Life News — from our radio broadcasts, app streaming, and website downloads.

Real Answers – continuing our conversation about “Raising Sons” – 5/15/24

Real Answers – continuing our conversation about “Raising Sons” – 5/15/24

Raising children is a delight and a challenge. Parenting is one of the most important tasks in all of life for those who are given this privilege.

Daughters also rely on uplifting upbringings, yet today we focus on boys.  What is unique about raising sons?

 

On this edition of Family Life’s “Real Answers“, therapeutic counselor Christopher Anderson offers Christian areas of emphasis for parents. These apply, whatever your son’s/sons’ age, whether you are married or a single parent, and whether you are a dad or a mom or a grandparent:

  •  The urgency of giving your children, especially sons, a deepening understanding of Jesus and of grace
  •  How vital it is for male and female parents to visibly live out your faith, and explain why the Lord improves your own life
  •  Connect your son with other men who are faithful adult role models
  •  The story of a valuable $50 bill

 

 

This podcast is the second of a two-part series on this important topic

Chris Anderson and Sarah Harnisch also talked about encouragement and advice for raising sons on our “Real Answers” feature earlier this month. Hear part one of that interview here.

 

 

“Real Answers” is one of our extended interviews on Wednesdays from Family Life News. Listen for it online, on our app and on the radio during the Family Life Noon Report

Podcast versions of all Family Life News Features are available for 24/7 listening, sharing, subscribing and downloading. You can find them on our website or search “Family Life News” on your favorite podcast app.

Raising Boys – Family Life’s Real Answers – 05/01/24

Raising Boys – Family Life’s Real Answers – 05/01/24

It’s “Real Answers” on Family Life

Raising boys affects sons, families and cultures.

Christian counselor Christopher Anderson offers tangible, specific areas of emphasis for parents — which also apply to other influential males in these families, churches and community groups:

  • Control the role of tech in the child’s or teen’s life
  • Connect with a congregation which sees ministry to growing boys and young men as a vibrant priority
  • Adult men lead as role models, so set a Godly example with your own life
  • “Nudge instead of judge”

 

First is the first of a two-part series on raising sons. Hear more about this important topic on Part Two, which aired May 15.  That is also available on our News Podcasts page.

 

 

“Real Answers” is a Wednesday news feature from Family Life News. In addition to airing during the Family Life Noon Report, a podcast version is available for 24/7 listening, sharing, subscribing and downloading.

 

 

 

Real Answers – Remarriage, after a spouse’s death – 4/17/24

Real Answers – Remarriage, after a spouse’s death – 4/17/24

The “Real Answers” podcast from Family Life

Christian counselor Christopher Anderson offers insights for a unique group: those whose spouse has died. There is new research on how often those people get remarried. It happens more often later in life, and he says some of the most fruitful second marriages occur when both partners have lost their spouses.

If a widow or widower does feel a sense that a new marriage might be in their future, Anderson raises three key points:

  • Wait until you have properly processed the grief from the loss of your original spouse
  • Get advice from a pastor, counselor or Godly friend who knows you and your unique situation
  • Have a “non-negotiable list” on your values, background and goals

Anderson says those who do not feel a calling to get remarried don’t need to feel any pressure or need to go that direction. They will do well to get socially and religiously connected for other areas of their lives.

“Real Answers” tackles the tough topics facing Christians and Christian families. Christopher Anderson is an experienced licensed professional counselor in private practice in the Twin Tiers. This feature is among our Wednesday News Features on the air, online, and on the podcast. 

Sarah Harnisch is your host.

Real Answers – Making Friends – 3/20/24

Real Answers – Making Friends – 3/20/24

“Real Answers” about: making friends

In an age of social media, online connections, and political divisiveness, it can be hard to find a good friend. The same challenge is also true of being a good friend.

Our “Real Answers” commentator Christopher Anderson offers perspectives and advice on why adult friendship are so valuable, as well as steps to maintain friendships.

 

Christopher Anderson is a licensed professional counselor who works with clients through his private practice in the Southern Tier region of New York.  “Real Answers” is one of our Wednesday News Features on Family Life. It airs during the Noon Report on air and online, and a podcast version is available 24/7/365 (or 366) from the Family Life website.

3/20/24

 

Real Answers – How to Fight, Right – 2/21/24

Real Answers – How to Fight, Right – 2/21/24

Real Answers – How to Fight, Right – 2/21/24

New research discusses factors that lead to divorce. How people fight is an important dynamic.

Christian counselor Christopher Anderson joins Family Life’s Sarah Harnish to talk about how to fight in our relationships. He is not (obviously) encouraging spouses to seek out arguments, but to be able to handle disagreements well.

Attentive listening matters, he says. So does awareness on when to take a timeout to allow emotions to settle, so that the people involved can avoid increasing the tensions when differences arise. Anderson also suggests another good practice: writing out questions and responses ahead of time, when a problem needs solved.

 

 

“Real Answers” is a Wednesday Family Life news feature which helps Christians tackle the tough topics in our everyday lives. Check out our archives for more advice and encouragement — on relationships, parenting, work place issues, faith dilemmas and more, seeking a Biblical perspective on how to cope with and thrive in life.

Real Answers – Overcoming Feelings of Loneliness – 1/17/24

Real Answers – Overcoming Feelings of Loneliness – 1/17/24

The “Real Answers” feature on Family Life tackles the tough topics facing Christians.

In this edition, Christian counselor Christopher Anderson talks about how loneliness happens, and how to address those dilemmas.

There are answers like simply reaching out to connect with other people. That does mean that a person will develop ways to “push through” perceived fears or social anxieties. The more often someone initiates those interactions, the easier and more comfortable that process becomes.

To have a daily reminder visible helps — be that a bedside Bible, a devotional book, or something like a poster or some symbol.  Anderson says a mindset of worship and connection with the Lord woven into our daily practices helps to focus us more positively, whatever our circumstances may be.

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