Q: I won't give my exact age, but I'm somewhere "mid-life." My struggle is that I fear I've wasted too much time and won't ever achieve anything worthwhile. Do you have any thoughts or encouragement?

Jim: You might be in your thirties or forties, maybe even into your fifties. Regardless of your age, or what you have (or have not) done yet, keep looking forward. The best may be yet to come.

In fact, many notable people have achieved their greatest work late in life. Ray Kroc was almost 60 when he franchised his first McDonald's restaurant. Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the "Little House on the Prairie" series, published her first book at age 64 and the last when she was 76. "Colonel" Harlan Sanders founded the Kentucky Fried Chicken company at age 65.

Julia Hawkins started bicycling in her 80s and took up running at age 100. She holds multiple 100-meter dash age-group world records, including for those over 105 years old!

Or consider Anna Moses. Arthritis finally forced her to give up her hobby of embroidery, so at 76 she picked up a paint brush for the first time. Before she died at 101, "Grandma" Moses had produced more than 1,500 paintings -- becoming one of the most celebrated artists in American history.

Admittedly, it can be discouraging to think that your young(er) adult years have slipped by without achieving goals important to you. But some people take a little longer to find their true passion and to develop the confidence and skills necessary to achieve their dreams.

So, why not live all of your life and concentrate on finishing well? It's never too late to try -- and learn -- something new. You just might find your niche in the process.

Q: I just found out my teen son has been vaping. What should I do?

Dr. Danny Huerta, Vice President, Parenting & Youth: The latest statistics from the National Youth Tobacco Survey estimate that around 1 in 8 teens use e-cigarettes. In some parts of the country, vaping use continues to rise.

Vaping's purpose for a teen is likely either trying to fit in or seeking a means to cope with life. Most teens say vaping is relaxing and justify using e-cigarettes by claiming they're not hurting anyone. However, they're hurting themselves. Anyone who cares about them should make every attempt to stop them from vaping because it's harmful to their health. Teens are prone to risk-taking, seeking approval, short-term rewards and stress, overriding potential long-term issues.

For teens, the desire to fit in outweighs most other considerations. Research shows that the teen brain views fitting in as part of survival, so they feel intense pressure to be accepted. As a result, the reward of peer acceptance is stronger than their intent to make responsible decisions.

Compassionately explore what your son is trying to solve with vaping -- the momentum of his mental, relational and emotional world. Get curious and implement consistent, strong boundaries to help him discover new coping mechanisms. Ask questions like "Why do you think vaping is a good idea?" or "I understand it helps you relax, but what is vaping solving for you since it's costing you so much?"

As you set boundaries on e-cigarette use, problem-solve together on other (i.e., healthy) coping options. Help him understand that although vaping seems to relieve stress, it actually puts his body into a stress response and makes him more dependent on a false sense of calmness. Stress is inevitable, and your son needs you to help him learn healthy coping mechanisms. Bring patience, clarity and consistency as you guide him toward true freedom and life.

For more helpful insights, see 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.

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Q: I never thought I'd get divorced. I tried hard to save my marriage, but ... well, it's over now. Family and friends are telling me to move on with my children and start fresh. Do you have any thoughts?

Jim: Research shows that the stress and heartache of a broken marriage can be as significant as losing someone to death, especially for children involved. So, it's best if a couple resolves their problems and heals the struggling relationship (and we have many resources to help). But for those who have already reached the point of divorce, it's important to keep from further complicating difficult circumstances.

One of the most common mistakes after a failed marriage is the tendency to leap into a new relationship too quickly. It's somewhat understandable -- since the pain of a broken marriage can be crushing, many people choose to mask their grief behind the excitement of a new relationship instead of facing the hard stuff. But hiding our emotional baggage doesn't resolve it. The junk is simply dragged into future relationships, where it's guaranteed to resurface. That's one reason why the divorce rate for second marriages is significantly higher than for first marriages.

So, take it slow; you need time to recover mentally. Meet with a counselor. Work through your emotional wounds and sort out what went wrong with your first marriage before you open yourself up to another relationship.

Also, the most important need your children have at this time in their life is stability. They need time to grieve the life they once knew before being expected to adjust to a new one. And that's likely going to require sacrifice on your part. They (and you) will eventually be able to move forward, but it's going to take plenty of time and understanding.

Our staff counselors would be happy to help. I invite you to call them at 855-771-HELP (4357) or visit FocusOnTheFamily.com.

Q: I recently got married. One issue that has arisen is that my husband's parents keep making unannounced visits. We've subtly suggested that they call or text first, but nothing has changed yet and they just keep showing up. What should we do?

Dr. Greg Smalley, Vice President, Marriage & Family Formation: In-law relations can be a real eye-opener for newlyweds! Since this situation involves your husband's parents, it's best that he takes the lead in addressing the problem. That's assuming the two of you are on the same page; if you aren't, you'll need to resolve this issue before tackling the in-law problem.

For a marriage to thrive, a couple needs to view and recognize themselves as a family unit -- separate and distinct from their families of origin. The new family unit takes precedence over the old ones, meaning that you prioritize strengthening your marital relationship.

Hopefully, you can explain this position to your in-laws in a good-natured, non-defensive family discussion. I'd suggest your husband start by telling his parents how much you both love them and desire their appropriate involvement in your lives. Then he should explain that, as newlyweds, you're working to establish a new life together and that requires a certain amount of privacy and independence. They're welcome to visit occasionally, but you need advance notice.

If the in-laws react defensively, or continue to drop by unannounced, it's probably time for some necessary boundaries. Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend have written several great books on the subject. You can also speak with one of our staff counselors by calling the number listed above.

The bottom line here is learning to communicate effectively and work together as husband and wife. 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: Our daughter has been married less than a year. Two months ago her husband's job was downsized; they're starting to experience some real financial struggles while he looks for work. We have the means to help them and we're happy to ... but we also don't want them to become (or feel) dependent on us. Do you have any advice?

Jim: I applaud your willingness to assist. That said, I also think you're wise to do it carefully. There are several basic points to keep in mind.

First, extend help in a way that doesn't dramatically change your daughter and son-in-law's lifestyle. It's fine to assist occasionally with the cost of necessary items like groceries or a utility bill. But don't shower them with luxuries -- and avoid offering indefinite monthly support. Routinely handing over money might ease a temporary need, but in the long run it's the surest way for your child to become (or remain) overly reliant on you.

Second, extend assistance with no strings attached. A gift should be just that -- a gift, not an attempt (intended or perceived) to control your child. Don't use money as a way to get more phone calls or visits during the holidays. And don't include a list of requirements for how you expect them to spend the money. That just makes your kids feel manipulated, which could damage your relationship. So, if you give, do it without conditions.

Finally, respect your child's home and relationship. Don't undermine their desire to provide for themselves. It's important that your support doesn't cause (or amplify) conflict in their marriage.

Remember, the goal -- and challenge -- is to balance your desire to help with what's best for your kids' long-term well-being, while protecting your relationship along the way. Like so many other areas of life, communication is key.

Q: How can I get my young kids to stop fighting or competing with each other for my attention and affection?

Dr. Danny Huerta, Vice President, Parenting & Youth: This dynamic is common -- especially with young, social, anxious or "leader-type" children. However, there are ways to manage this in healthy and productive ways with each child.

First, recognize that most kids deeply desire to feel seen and heard -- especially by those they admire or love. The challenge is helping each child feel this way while teaching patience, self-control and respect.

One idea is to use a "waiting box" -- a container filled with games, art, books or toys (no electronics). When you notice affection- or attention-seeking behaviors in your child, minimize the competition by offering them the "privilege" of timed access to the box's contents. When the time's up, your child gets your attention.

Second, children want to feel wanted. Instead of waiting for your kids to seek after you, initiate connections using a number game for a fair and balanced way to share your attention. Gauge how much time you have, then assign each child a number. Next, draw numbers out of a bag to randomly select one at a time. The number that comes up is the one that gets some undivided time with you first ... or they can wait to be last and get a longer time with you. Everyone wins!

Third, kids long for reassurance that you love them equally. Examine your parenting for any signs of favoritism that might create insecurity and magnify sibling rivalry.

Fourth, all kids struggle with jealousy and selfishness. Help them recognize and practice patience and self-control; highlight these positive traits and praise them when displayed.

Patience and consistency are key as you address the deeper needs driving their competition for your attention and affection. For more helpful tips, see 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.