Archives

Q: This year, my father's dementia reached the point where we had to place him in a local care facility. This will be the first Christmas when Grandpa isn't part of our family celebration. I'm concern... more

Q: I've been a bit concerned recently about my kids' tendency toward self-centeredness. This Christmas season I'd like to encourage them to be more thoughtful and aware of the needs of others. Do you ... more

Q: I'm a busy mom with young children. I have to take them with me when I go shopping -- but this time of year especially, sometimes they drive me crazy in the stores! Help!... more

Q: I'm sure we're like most parents -- we want our children to learn well and develop good character. We also want to protect them from ever getting hurt. There's so much pain in the world; I believe ... more

Q: This year we moved into a new (larger) house. So, for the first time at Thanksgiving and Christmas, the entire extended family will be under one roof: ours. How can we manage the stress of hosting?... more

Q: My wife and I are committed to helping our kids explore their natural talents in sports, music, and other areas as they grow up. But every time we try something new, the kids seem to hate it. I'm p... more

Q: My husband and I are classic examples of "opposites attract." We deeply love each other even though we hold different spiritual and social beliefs. We're expecting our first child, and we plan on a... more

Q: My adult nephew seems to have lost his way in life; he's behaving in ways that are completely foreign to our family's values. This situation grieves me deeply and my inclination is to just cut him ... more

Q: My husband and I love our young children -- but it often seems like we can't even find two minutes to have a meaningful conversation as a couple. Still, we feel guilty about wanting a break from th... more

Q: My two "tweens" tell me they love school with all of the activities they're involved in and seeing their friends daily. But this school year they seem to be increasingly irritable; every morning is... more

Q: My cousin and his wife recently adopted a child. My husband and I had never thought about doing that, but now we're curious. I've heard you're a big proponent of adoption -- why?... more

Q: I want to be a good dad to my two young kids, but I struggle relating with them. I've got a successful career in sales and have no problem connecting well with my clients on an adult level. Do you ... more

Q: I'm a firm believer in budgeting, but my husband doesn't think it will work in our situation. How can I convince him that this approach is important?... more

Q: As a dad, I definitely want to make my kids a priority. But I just don't have time! What can I do?... more

Q: My husband and I have been married for about two years. We're both already unhappy, and frankly we'd each have plenty of other options. What would you say to us before we split up?... more

Q: I have a co-worker who doesn't carry her share of the load. She's constantly on the phone, scrolling social media or talking with friends, and passing work off on other people. It's frustrating! Bu... more

Q: The other day, my seven-year-old son came home crying after watching a kids' movie at a friend's house. He was upset because one of the film's characters was mistreated by other children throughout... more

Q: I recently heard a speaker say that we should set goals for our relationships. I understand setting specific objectives for finances, career or health. But I'm not really tracking with how this cou... more

Q: We have two teenagers (son and daughter). They seem to have difficulty finishing things, like school projects or chores at home. They both say they get overwhelmed. Do you have any advice?... more

Q: I get really frustrated with my husband. He's always willing to play with our children, but when it comes to the practical side of parenting -- diapers, bath times, dinner -- I don't think he pulls... more

Q: I'm a dad who could use some advice. I've always been close with my pre-teen daughter, who is a "hugger." But as she approaches puberty, I'm suddenly paranoid about how I can interact with her and ... more

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?... more

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 thoug... more

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 mea... more

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 ... more

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 a... more

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?... more

Q: Our baby girl has been a delight. But when she hit the "terrible twos," everything changed. We've heard this is fairly common and know it's "just a stage" that we'll get through. But right now it's... more