Q: My husband and I have been looking forward to the freedom of an "empty nest." But suddenly our adult daughter has decided that she needs to come back and "get her life together before moving on to the next step." We have no idea what that means, exactly, or how long she's planning to stay. Do you have any advice?

Jim: You're certainly not alone. Census figures show that millions of "almost-empty-nesters" now find themselves with at least one grown child living at home. In fact, experts call it the "boomerang generation." Some come back hoping to save money. Others return so they can take time to search for the perfect job. Still others may need a refuge from personal problems and career or relational setbacks.

There isn't necessarily anything "wrong" or "abnormal" about accepting a previously launched child back into your home. Take comfort in the thought that it's just a temporary situation -- and be thankful that your daughter likes you enough to want to come back. She clearly sees home as a safe, accepting place to be while she regroups, and that's a positive thing.

That said, there are several practical measures you can and should implement to minimize conflict -- and maximize the opportunity to strengthen family bonds while she's with you.

Start by clarifying your household standards. Do this as early as possible to prevent friction later on. You might even want to spell things out in a brief contract for everyone to sign. Make sure that the contract specifies consequences for crossing boundaries. At the same time, don't forget that these rules should be different than the ones you put in place when your child was a minor. For example, curfews aren't appropriate for an adult. As long as your grown child acts responsibly -- holding a job if she can, contributing financially or helping with meals and household chores -- she deserves the same freedom to come and go as any adult. Respect her personal preferences and boundaries.

Don't be afraid to ask straightforward questions during this conversation. How long does your daughter envision staying with you? What would you both consider reasonable rent? If rent isn't an issue, how will she specifically contribute to the cost of food and household expenses? What chores will she be expected to carry out?

You didn't mention any specific concerns or problems, but common sense says that you shouldn't enable a grown child who's merely trying to avoid adult responsibilities. Obviously, if your daughter is dealing with more serious issues -- addictions or mental and emotional illness -- then you'll probably need to seek intervention or enlist professional help. But if she just seems a little too comfortable at home, I'd strongly suggest setting a move-out deadline (and sticking to it). Knowing the clock is ticking at the "Mom and Pop Hotel" may be exactly the motivation she needs to get serious about "moving on to the next step."

Finally, a few things to keep in mind as you interact with your daughter:

-- Trust her to make wise choices -- even when she doesn't. After all, she is an adult now.

-- Resist the (perhaps natural) impulse to give advice, unless it's requested.

-- Remember, communication is key. Set a regular time to discuss issues, clarify expectations or simply clear the air.

-- Give each other space and grace. Three or more adults living in one house is a challenge, whether you're related or not!

If you need further assistance in sorting all this out, our staff counselors would be happy to provide a one-time free consultation. Call 855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays. I wish you the best.

Jim Daly is a husband and father, an author, and president of Focus on the Family and host of the Focus on the Family radio program. Catch up with him at jimdalyblog.focusonthefamily.com or at Facebook.com/JimDalyFocus.

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Q: As a husband and father, I know I should be spending more time with my family. I really want to -- I just don't see how I can fit more in when I'm so busy working to provide for them. Do you have any suggestions?

Jim: There eventually comes a point where we have to face a hard truth: We can (and will) always make time for whatever is most important to us. Once you decide what comes first, you'll be surprised how easy it is to make adjustments.

One way to make more family time might be to alter your daily schedule. If you can go into work early, that might enable you to leave earlier and get home sooner. Doing this consistently could free up several extra hours a week -- time that could be spent with your wife and kids.

Also, if you can, avoid going out to lunch. When you factor in driving, parking, ordering and then eating, the lunch "hour" can easily stretch to double that time -- or more. Instead, pack a lunch and take just a 30-minute break. Besides being cheaper, it might clear enough extra time to catch your daughter's soccer game later in the day.

Finally, honestly evaluate your lifestyle. Don't be so quick to accept that promotion -- especially if it's going to require even more work or extra travel. Your family needs you more than they need extra income or more stuff. And you can't buy back the time you lose.

I'm certainly not suggesting that you shirk your responsibilities at work. Just make sure your job isn't all-consuming. There's a big difference between putting in an honest day's work and being a workaholic. Focus on what matters most -- those you love -- and you'll find a healthy balance.

Q: My boyfriend and I have been dating for a while and we're seriously considering our future together. If we continue to move toward marriage, we want to do everything we can to strengthen our relationship. I've heard people talk about pre-marital counseling; is that a good idea?

Dr. Greg Smalley, Vice President, Marriage & Family Formation: I agree with many other experts that one of the most important things you and your fiance can do before getting married is to get pre-marital counseling. But let's take it a step further: What about pre-engagement counseling?

Realistically, getting counseling before you're even engaged is a fantastic investment in the future health of your relationship. Think about it: By the time a couple actually gets engaged, they're largely predisposed against undertaking an in-depth, objective assessment of the relationship. They've already invested so much, and there's often a social stigma associated with breaking off an engagement. So, many engaged couples would rather just coast along instead of honestly admitting and dealing with their own (and one another's) character flaws ... along with other things that could cause trouble down the road.

So, here's my suggestion: If you've been dating someone for more than six months and feel that your relationship could be headed toward engagement and marriage, it's a great idea to set up a few counseling sessions with a qualified marriage and family therapist.

Note that this is NOT an admission that there's something seriously wrong with your relationship. Instead, it's a proactive commitment on both of your parts to make your relationship the best it can possibly be before taking the next step. Consider it this way: Investing in pre-engagement counseling now could save you the pain and expense of a divorce later on.

We offer many resources (including a national counseling referral network) to help couples at any stage -- dating, engaged and married. See FocusOnTheFamily.com.

Jim Daly is a husband and father, an author, and president of Focus on the Family and host of the Focus on the Family radio program. Catch up with him at jimdalyblog.focusonthefamily.com or at Facebook.com/JimDalyFocus.

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Q: Leading up to Father's Day I've been somewhat contemplative, thinking about what marks "true masculinity." What's your take on the subject?

Jim: I think at a certain level, pretty much every man wants to feel like a hero. We're built to be warriors and adventurers. The problem is that most guys don't feel like they get a chance to use their true strength on behalf of their family very often. Really, how often does a dude march in from the front yard on a Saturday and puff out his chest to announce: "I mowed the lawn!" That just doesn't quite hit it for most of us.

Perhaps that's why so many young men feel that they have to prove their manhood through power or brute strength -- how much weight they can lift or how hard they can punch. That might be the Hollywood (or sports bar) standard for heroes. But in everyday life, true masculinity is defined by a man's inner strength.

A real man lays his life down for his family every day. It's when a dad plays catch in the front yard even though he's tired from a long day at work. Or when he talks his daughter through her first heartbreak -- even though he'd rather she not grow up at all. Sometimes it's as simple as a husband skipping the game on TV to run an errand for (or with) his wife.

Those things may not sound very heroic. But that's because guys usually think masculinity is found in the big things. The truth is it's mostly found in the inner strength that enables a man to serve his wife and kids in the small ways every day. And there's no greater adventure than successfully guiding and protecting your small tribe through the jungle of this crazy mixed-up world. Dads: Stand tall.

Q: My teen son, daughter and their friends are constantly guzzling energy drinks. Am I right in thinking this has to be bad for them?

Dr. Danny Huerta, Vice President, Parenting & Youth: Your concerns are valid. It's really not healthy for anyone to consume beverages that are so high in sugar and caffeine. But there's increasing evidence that energy drinks can be harmful to teens, including their mental and emotional health. Researchers are finding increased risks of anxiety, panic attacks, mood issues and ADHD-type symptoms in teens who consume large amounts of these kinds of energy drinks.

Many teens see energy drinks as a way to help manage fatigue, social pressure, stress, and things that seem overwhelming -- or to find an edge in sports or academics. However, they just end up creating more problems for themselves in the long run, such as the possibility of ongoing dehydration, heart issues, jitteriness, insomnia and emotional issues (including a higher risk of suicide and addictions).

Since your teens are most likely trying to solve something through these drinks that jolt their brain and body, it's important to explore what they are trying to address. Instead of simply saying "no" and moving on, learn what your teens are wrestling with physically, emotionally and mentally -- and help them find healthier options.

Many different natural supplements and healthful drinks can give your teens an energy boost. Discuss healthy boundaries and explore other beneficial options, including stevia or monk fruit as sweeteners and organic green tea or coffee bean extract for the caffeine. These drinks usually contain a fraction of the caffeine that's in conventional energy drinks. Researchers affirm that 100 mg to 200 mg of caffeine throughout the morning hours can have some benefits. However, consuming caffeine past noon, and in amounts over 300 mg, can have adverse effects.

For more practical parenting answers and tips, visit FocusOnParenting.com.

Jim Daly is a husband and father, an author, and president of Focus on the Family and host of the Focus on the Family radio program. Catch up with him at jimdalyblog.focusonthefamily.com or at Facebook.com/JimDalyFocus.

INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT SECURED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.