Archives

Q: We want to help our kids learn how to handle money in practical ways. Do you have any suggestions?... more

Q: I struggle every year when Thanksgiving approaches. I know I should be more grateful than I am; I just don't know how to get a better handle on it. Help?... more

Q: With a recent change in my job, I'm finally going to be able to spend more time with my family. My kids aren't used to having Dad home much. How can I build and keep up relational momentum with the... more

Q: I generally try to avoid conflict, especially with my spouse. But we still occasionally argue. That worries me; is it a sign that our relationship is struggling more than we know?... more

Q: I am getting SO sick and tired of all the negative news in the world. It just never stops. I'm trying to find ways to shift my thinking to positive things. Do you have any suggestions?... more

Q: Long (sad) story short: My husband and I have recently been granted long-term custody of our two young grandkids. Do you have any advice for us as an older couple having to become "parents again"?... more

Q: I have to be creative in my job, but some days I'm just too worn out or uninspired. That stresses me and only makes things worse. Do you have any "hacks" for generating good ideas under pressure?... more

Q: My 15-year-old son seems to be thinking seriously about career choices and wondering what to do with his life as an adult. What can I do now to help him settle on a path and make wise plans for the... more

Q: I'm a high-energy person; being busy keeps me happy. I get bored if I'm not doing something -- career, church, socializing, hobbies, volunteer work, etc. A well-meaning friend suggested I slow down... more

Q: I recently became an instant stepparent when I married a relatively young widower with two children. I'm doing my best to learn how to be "mom" for my stepkids. But it's a LOT harder to connect tha... more

Q: Now that my husband and I are empty nesters, we have more time on our hands and want to invest it in something else meaningful. Can you offer any suggestions?... more

Q: My two kids are in elementary school. They're both really smart and seem to get along well with peers and teachers. But occasionally they go through rough patches where they're moody and just not k... more

Q: Our 14-year-old son convinced us to let him play tackle football this year. My husband is "all-in," but I'm super worried about the injury risk. What's your take?... more

Q: My son is about to start college in another city. However, we've just discovered that he has also gotten his girlfriend pregnant. They're both 18, and neither one of them wants to consider an adopt... more

Q: I really struggle with worrying about ... well, basically everything. I want to learn to better control my anxiety and keep a good perspective. Do you have any practical ideas?... more

Q: My son is engaged to be married soon. What's a piece of "go-to" advice that you would give him and his fiancée for building a solid relationship?... more

Q: We're perplexed by our 5-year-old son's behavior. Recently he's taken to shouting when he gets angry and using words that seem beyond his usual vocabulary; not swearing, just different. We're not s... more

Q: Our family has been through a few challenges but overall I think we're pretty healthy relationally. Still, our day-to-day lives together seem a little flat and mundane. Do you have any advice?... more

Q: My teenagers are good kids. There are many things I want to communicate to them before they go off to college in a few years. But I can't get them to respond when I try to share what's on my heart.... more

Q: Following my retirement, I used to have time to volunteer. I've tried to make a point of being a positive influence on people. But since my wife got sick last year, most of my energy goes to caring... more

Q: I have some big goals in life. But sometimes I get almost overwhelmed by the scale of the things I want to accomplish. How can I keep my momentum and focus?... more

Q: My wife and I both experienced similar wounds in our respective pasts. That's part of what drew us together and we thought it would help us relate. But now we're actually really struggling. Do you ... more

Q: Our teen son seems fixated -- almost obsessed -- about how he looks. It's not just filtering or editing his selfies. He seems almost panicky about his physique. Is that normal?... more

Q: Is it too much to ask for a simple existence without pain and struggles? I don't want much -- just a comfortable life. I work hard and want to enjoy the fruits of my labor without hassle.... more

Q: I take satisfaction in filling a number of important roles: husband, father, breadwinner, church leader, youth sports coach, etc. But I often feel like I'm running behind -- and I know my family su... more

Q: In the not-too-distant future, I'm going to have to assume a large portion of care for my aging parents. What should I expect? And how do I know when to step in and take on personal responsibility ... more

Q: My kids' friends are all excitedly talking about their families' summer vacation plans. Unfortunately, we're in a tight spot and can't do anything substantial. I know my children are disappointed. ... more

Q: Our daughter is about to graduate from high school. We're somewhat concerned that she doesn't seem to be overly enthusiastic about the values we've tried to teach her. This is discouraging to us as... more