Q: I thought Christmas was -- is -- supposed to be about "peace on Earth." But when I look at the world, all I see is conflict, hatred and suffering. Where's the peace?... more

Q: It's almost impossible to buy presents for my father. He has virtually everything he wants and insists we shouldn't get him anything for Christmas. But I want our kids to learn generosity -- and we... more

Q: My marriage fell apart this past year. It's been a bitter divorce and very painful for my two children. They're angry. All three of us are dreading the possibility that their dad might ask at the l... more

Q: We usually travel to see relatives at Christmas, but this year we'll be staying home as "just" our immediate household. Do you have any suggestions for making the season especially meaningful?... more

Q: Our son is in the military. The past few years he's been stationed close to us, so we've enjoyed seeing our grandchildren fairly often. But now their family is being rotated overseas for several ye... more

Q: I was recently shocked when a coworker said he's heard that having an affair can actually spice up your marriage. I'm sure that's wrong, but I'm at a loss as to what to say in response. What's your... more

Q: I've been struck recently by how our kids seem so ... self-centered, I guess. I really want to steer them in the right direction. Do you have any advice?... more

Q: My mother-in-law habitually plays favorites with my husband's sister and her family. Whenever I call my mother-in-law (well in advance) about visiting on various holidays, the answer is always she'... more

Q: Our daughter had a 4.0 GPA all through high school. Now she's off to university, living in the dorms, and her grades are plummeting. We don't see any evidence of partying or other troubling behavio... more

Q: I got married this past spring. My husband and I had a great summer and loved doing things together on weekends. But then the college football season started. I knew my husband was a fan, but I'd r... more

Q: Our family is crazy busy; the only time we're (usually) all in one place is at dinner. How can we get the most out of our household mealtimes?... more

Q: I own my own business, and I admit I'm something of a workaholic. I want to be more involved with my wife and kids and less distracted by business concerns. But I struggle to get off the treadmill ... more

Q: Our daughter started attending a new school this year and she's struggling to develop healthy friendships. What can we do to help her seek out connections with kids who will be positive influences?... more

Q: My wife and I have decent incomes, but neither of us has ever been all that great at making informed financial decisions. I feel like most of the time we're just winging it. Do you have any practic... more

Q: My grandfather has been battling cancer, but unfortunately is in the final stages -- it won't be long. He wants to see my two young children. But the illness and treatments have dramatically affect... more

Q: My wife and I love our three children. But with all the activity surrounding the kids, our marriage isn't as fun as it used to be. Is that normal?... more

Q: My husband and I work hard to teach our kids to be content with what they (and we) have. But whenever they visit my parents, that concept just flies out the window. Grandma and Grandpa fill them wi... more

Q: When I was a teen girl, I was concerned about my appearance. But our 13-year-old daughter seems almost obsessed about how she looks. She locks herself in the bathroom until she gets makeup, hair an... more

Q: Whether I'm just talking to other people, or especially watching social media, it seems like their families are perfect. The kids are happy and always behave, everybody's loving and nobody has any ... more

Q: How's a parent supposed to connect with teens when life is always crazy? My husband and I both work, while our kids have school, jobs, friends and all sorts of activities. Everybody in our house is... more

Q: I've tried every sort of diet -- and more than a few weight-loss gimmicks -- but I just can't seem to drop even a few pounds. I know I'm overweight. It's very discouraging and affects how I view my... more

Q: Our daughter is in middle school. One of her classmates (although not a close friend) recently took her own life. The family is wracked with guilt, and all of us who know them are devastated. We're... more

Q: My wife and I have two school-age sons. I'm looking forward to teaching them about the various sports and hobbies I enjoy; I think that will keep us close as they grow up. Do you have any advice?... more

Q: I have a good career going, which helps me provide the best for my wife and kids. I have been presented with a couple of potential opportunities that would involve relocating across the country. As... more

Q: My adult daughter is 35 years old; I haven't spoken with her since she was 17. I definitely wasn't the best father, but I've made positive changes in recent years. I long for our relationship to be... more

Q: I get so discouraged with constant streams of "news" highlighting how people fight about politics, moral beliefs, race, religion, etc. Honestly, I despair that there can ever be peace in our societ... more

Q: My husband and I did our best to raise our son into a mature adult. But now that he's finished college and out on his own, he's making very poor choices. We're discouraged, and struggle wondering w... more

Q: My wife and I are expecting our first child. I'm excited but terrified. My relationship with my father was awful and I'm afraid I'll be a lousy dad just like he was.... more