Q: Another year, another Christmas when the whole extended family comes to our house. And every year my wife's stress level skyrockets as the holiday gets closer. I don't even know what to say or do t... more

Q: I never experienced any real traditions and good Christmas memories as a child. It was just transactional -- once the presents were opened and the wrapping picked up, Christmas was done. Now that w... more

Q: I’m dreading Christmas this year. The whole extended family will be in the same place together, and there’s a lot of unresolved conflict simmering just beneath the surface (some of it involving my ... more

Q: I have always struggled with insecurity. It leaves me feeling stuck in destructive patterns and unhealthy relationships. How can I gather the courage to break free?... more

Q: Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Do you have any suggestions for emphasizing that it's more than just food, football, shopping and days off from school?... more

Q: My husband and I are struggling with my mother's behavior. My parents' marriage recently ended in divorce because Mom had an affair; now she's moved in with the other man and plans to marry him ver... more

Q: My childhood was difficult, largely due to my father being an alcoholic. Now that I'm out of college and on my own, I'm concerned about how that past could affect me as an adult. Do you have insigh... more

Q: My father died recently. He was a huge influence on me, and it hurts to think that my kids will miss out on his wisdom and encouragement as they grow. I know we can't replace Grandpa, but do you ha... more

Q: I've been married for over a decade, and I'm finally starting to realize that I basically take my wife for granted. How can I begin honoring her better?... more

Q: We've taught our children that physical violence is never acceptable. Unfortunately, our son has been getting picked on, and even physically threatened, at school this year. Should children be taug... more

Q: I recently heard a news report about human trafficking and sexual slavery right here in my own city. I was horrified. But I don't know what I, just a normal person, can do to help. Do you have any ... more

Q: I've known since I was a small child that I was adopted. Now, as an adult, I'm generally happy with my life. But I can't get away from nagging thoughts and doubts about my birth mother. I don't kno... more

Q: I'll admit that I often butt heads with my teenage son. He claims that I don't "respect" him as I should, but I honestly don't think I've ever done anything to demean him as a person. What does it ... more

Q: We recently moved, and we're afraid our son is being bullied at his new school. Do you have any advice?... more

Q: Every year at this time, I think about the 9/11 attacks. None of my three kids were born yet then, so they've never known a world without that history. My son has been reading about 9/11 and variou... more

Q: My elderly father is struggling on his own, so we're arranging to have him come and live with us. We're even open to remodeling our house if necessary. Can you offer any suggestions to make our hom... more

Q: My wife and I have been talking about the importance of helping each of our four children feel more connected and secure. I guess that really means strengthening our family as a whole. So -- what's... more

Q: It seems like everybody in our household has lost the ability to communicate -- none of us spend time talking anymore. I don't know how this happened or what to do about it. Help!... more

Q: As a recently remarried stepparent, what can I do to smooth the transition to blended family life for my children, stepkids and everyone else?... more

Q: I'm concerned about how our daughter treats her husband. Most of the time she is disrespectful and mean to him. He's a good, kind man but somewhat passive, so he just takes it from her. This situat... more

Q: I've heard some things about foster care and adoption, and I'm curious -- but hesitant because our family is already so busy. Somebody told me that your organization strongly supports foster adopti... more

Q: I'm in my late 40s and feeling burned out in my job. But whenever I think about changing career paths, I feel overwhelmed and mentally paralyzed. Do you think I should just ride it out in my curren... more

Q: My divorce was finalized recently. But over the past few weeks, I've become concerned about how this family breakup is impacting our preschooler. I wonder if maybe we could have made a better go of... more

Q: My husband just received a promotion that involves a short-notice relocation to another state. I'm concerned about the impact on our kids -- how can we help them adjust to the move?... more

Q: My husband and I frequently take care of our grandchildren for our son and his wife. They both work full-time and have extremely busy lives -- probably too busy. We love being with the kids. But do... more

Q: I have to admit that my temper gets the best of me. When my husband or kids push my buttons, I just "let it out" (with words, not violence). That's how my parents lived and how I was raised. Is the... more

Q: I'm pretty cynical about Father's Day. My dad never told me he loved me or that he was proud of me. He finally just abandoned our family completely; these days I have almost no contact with him. Wh... more

Q: I worked hard for decades and retired three years ago. My wife and I planned to travel extensively -- but with (first) the pandemic and then some related health concerns, we've set that idea aside.... more