How should I respond to my son’s questions about his dad, a convicted felon who is serving a long prison sentence? We’re living with my parents until I can raise enough money to move out. He has some great role models in my father and my brothers, but I’m worried that he will somehow end …
Parenting Q&As
At what age should I start discussing topics like abortion and homosexuality with my children? They’re still in elementary school, and I have no wish to violate their innocence any earlier than I have to. At the same time, I’m also aware that they’ve probably already encountered talk about these subjects. As I’m sure you …
As parents, how should we deal with a dismissive and smart-alecky adolescent? Our son says that we don’t treat him with respect, but from my perspective the shoe is actually on the other foot – his behavior towards us is extremely disrespectful. What can we do to resolve this conflict?
Is it important for families to eat together? Everyone in our household is busy with outside activities – school sports, church youth group outings, committee meetings, late nights at the office, ballet lessons, band practice, etc., etc. We rarely have time to sit down at the dinner table together. Meals are usually squeezed into the brief …
How do I know whether my child’s fever is serious? It’s the middle of the night, and he’s running a high temperature. What should I do to treat the fever until we can get him to a doctor?
What can I do to bolster the self-esteem of my teenage daughter who is feeling crushed after not being asked to the prom? I’ve never seen her this low before, and I’m feeling like I need to take steps to build her back up again. Can you help me?
Are “pro-ana” websites helpful for those with anorexia and other eating disorders? I recently discovered that my teenage daughter, who has struggled with an eating disorder (anorexia), has been visiting one of these sites on a regular basis. When I questioned her about it, she said that it’s designed to provide girls in her situation …
How can we help our daughter adjust to the stress and strain associated with my husband’s new job in another city? We only see him on weekends, which makes her very angry and depressed. Despite our reassurances, she insists that her Daddy doesn’t love her anymore. What should we do?
How can I stop my child from swearing and using “dirty words?” It’s a bad habit he’s developed, and I’ve confronted him about this several times. But the problem only seems to be getting worse. I’m frustrated. Do you have any advice for me?
Why doesn’t my son want me to teach him things? From the moment he was born I’ve been looking forward to the time when I could teach him how to do all kinds of fun “guy” stuff. But now that he’s old enough, he doesn’t want me to teach him anything. When I try, he …
Where can we turn for help with the challenge of confronting our adolescent son’s problem with substance abuse? It might even be fair to say his abuse has escalated into a full-blown addiction. We’re devastated and don’t know what to do. Any suggestions?
Is a gluten-free/casein-free diet helpful in treating autism? Our son was diagnosed as autistic several years ago. We’ve been using behavioral therapies with him, but a friend suggested that this kind of diet might also be helpful.
Will my sarcastic style of humor hurt my children? I’ve always tended to express myself in a wry, ironic way. It’s all a joke, and I don’t mean any harm by it. But now my spouse is telling me that this is going to be damaging to our kids, especially as they move into the …
How should I help my unwed pregnant daughter?
What can we do to encourage our adult son to grow up? He’s made some very poor choices in terms of lifestyle, jobs, living arrangements, and friends. After raising him in the Christian faith, we’re deeply disappointed. At the same time we can’t help feeling guilty and wondering where we went wrong. Is there anything …
Does your emphasis on the importance of a father’s presence in the home imply that the mother’s role is less crucial in raising children? There are many single moms raising children by themselves, and I can’t help wondering if you view these families as “inferior” or “second-class.” Doesn’t your high regard for the father’s role …
What’s your opinion of babies sleeping with their parents? A friend of mine believes that the so-called “Family Bed” is beneficial for every member of the household. She even claims that this practice can prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and provide other health benefits. Is she right?
Can you give me some basic tips and pointers for “child-proofing” my house? Our toddler is highly energetic, extremely curious and unbelievably mobile. I’m wearing myself out just chasing her from room to room, trying to keep her from hurting herself.
Can you offer any guidance to parents whose child has recently become a member of a cult? Our family has been completely blindsided by this. We have no clue what our options are or what we ought to do, practically, legally, and otherwise. We really need your help!
How can I tell whether my toddler has a serious case of stuttering or stammering, or whether it’s just a normal part of speech development when he has difficulty getting his words out?