Q: I always hear "peace on earth" this time of year, but I'm beginning to wonder if that's even possible -- there's so much conflict in our world. I want to teach my children (and learn myself) to be ... more

Q: We're traveling for Christmas with our two small children; it will be their first airline flight. Do you have any suggestions to make it easier?... more

Q: We're still a few weeks out from Christmas and (once again) we've already blown our budget. I sometimes wonder if it will take until next Christmas to get this Christmas paid off! I guess this year... more

Q: I have been through some very difficult experiences in life. For the most part, I've been able to set them aside and move on, but sometimes I still struggle with my emotions. Do you have any advice... more

Q: I always struggle this time of year with the whole Thanksgiving thing. I know I should be more grateful than I am. How can I get a better handle on this?... more

Q: I've always wanted to be a positive influence on people. I used to have time to volunteer, but since my wife got sick last year, I just don't have the margin. How can I still make an impact when mo... more

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

Q: I have a lot of big dreams. But sometimes I get almost paralyzed mentally and overwhelmed by the size of the things I want to accomplish in life. How can I keep my focus and momentum?... more

Q: How do I get my teenagers to engage in conversation? They're good kids; still, there are so many things I want to communicate to them before they go off to college in a few years. I just can't get ... more

Q: Part of what drew my wife and me together is that we experienced similar wounds in our respective pasts. We thought that would help us relate, but now we're actually struggling. Do you have any adv... more

Q: I really struggle with my inadequacies as a mother. I try my best, but I never quite measure up to all the other moms who do everything right. I'm so afraid that my kids will be damaged in some way... more

Q: My job requires me to be creative, but some days I'm just too tired or uninspired. And then I get stressed, which only makes it worse. Do you have any tips for generating good ideas under pressure?... more

Q: My parents are getting older, and I know I'm going to assume a larger portion of their care in the near future. What should I expect, and how do I know when it's time to take on more personal respo... more

Q: I fill a lot of important roles: husband, father, breadwinner, business owner, church leader, youth sports coach, etc. But I usually feel like I'm running behind, and I guess I vent my stress on my... more

Q: It seems like every time I try to make some improvement in my life, like learning a new skill or developing a good habit, I fall short of my goals. I might make some progress, but never as much as ... more

Q: I want to prepare my 11-year-old to resist the peer pressure I know she'll experience in her teen years. How can I help her develop the confidence to do that?... more

Q: My kids (2nd and 4th graders) are both really smart, and they seem to get along well with peers and teachers. But occasionally they go through rough patches where they're moody and just not keeping... more

Q: I have a not-so-distant relative who is an extremely difficult person to be around. "Chris" can spot a flaw from across the room and never wastes an opportunity to criticize. I know I shouldn't car... more

Q: Once again, I couldn't afford to give my kids the memorable summer vacation that their friends all seem to experience. It's discouraging. Do you think they'll resent me for it?... more

Q: I'm very discouraged about what I see in our country. So many problems; so much animosity and negativity. But it's all so big -- what can one person do?... more

Q: I feel overlooked and unappreciated in my job. I'm surrounded by people with more talent, skill and/or education who get all the attention. It gets pretty discouraging. How can I keep my attitude u... more

Q: Our teen son seems obsessed with how he looks. He doesn't just try to Photoshop his selfies; he's actually almost panicked about his physique. Is that normal?... more

Q: I'm adjusting to being a single mom, but I'm really worried about raising my 9-year-old son on my own. I feel inadequate. Do you have any advice?... more

Q: Our son is being held back a year in school -- we feel we've failed as parents. How do we help him adjust to repeating his grade level? What should we do if the other kids start to tease him about ... more

Q: After 20-some years of marriage, my wife and I know each other pretty well -- and I think we have a good relationship. We also each have our respective friends and hobbies to help us maintain our i... more

Q: My son just graduated from high school and is planning on leaving for college. However -- he has also gotten his girlfriend pregnant. They're both 18, and neither one of them wants to give up the c... more

Q: As much as I wish that racial tension would diminish in America, it seems like it just won't go away. I'm concerned about the effect this has on my young children. What's your advice?... more

Q: For Father's Day, I'm curious -- what would you say is the mark of true masculinity?... more