Should I be worried that my daughter might be “transgendered” because she likes to dress and act like a boy and spends a lot of time playing sports with her dad? After watching a television talk show on this subject, I’ve begun to wonder whether there might be something more to her behavior than mere …
Family Q&A
How should we parent a grown child when there are also two younger children in the home? We have three kids altogether: a boy and a girl who are still in high school, and an older son in his mid-20s. The oldest has had some tough luck recently and needs to move back home for …
How can we possibly get past the guilt, shame, confusion, fear, and pain that have overtaken us in the wake of our teenage son’s suicide? Not only are we blaming ourselves and wondering where we went wrong. We’re also dealing with the toxic effect this is having on our entire family. Can you help us?
How can we best relate to our grown child who has completely rejected his Christian faith and upbringing? After graduating from high school he moved in with his girlfriend and became involved with drug and alcohol abuse. Our hearts ache to reach out to him, but we don’t want to appear to be condoning his …
How can I know if my teen is likely to engage in premarital sex? My spouse and I have tried to raise our kids in the right way, but we’re keenly aware that the culture is working against us. Promiscuity is fashionable nowadays and sexual temptations are everywhere. How can we guard against it? Are …
What is your opinion about overnight group activities for elementary grade children? We want our kids to have fun and participate with their friends, but we’re concerned about exposing them to inappropriate influences. Are we overreacting?
Is it a good idea to expose children to the reality of death, disease, and mortality by taking them to visit terminally ill relatives? My grandmother is in the final stages of cancer and her illness has dramatically altered her physical appearance. Recently she expressed a desire to see my two young children. Should I …
How can I help my 7-year-old daughter understand the proper use of prayer? I’ve tried to teach her that talking to God is simply a way of staying close to Him, but lately she’s been using prayer to ask for everything she wants, such as getting a new toy, going to the movies, or winning …
Should I allow my 14-year-old son to smoke electronic cigarettes? He’s been hounding me about it and claims that they are medically safe and that there is no reason I should not let him engage in and enjoy this activity. I’ve been telling him “no” even though I know nothing about e-cigarettes and have no …
How effective are “time outs”? Our son is entering toddlerhood and I’m not sure what type of discipline is best for different behaviors. My friends all seem to rely on “time outs” regardless of the nature of their kids’ behavior. I’m not sure this is always the best method. When are “time outs” an appropriate …
As a parent of a teenager, is “sexting” something that I need to be concerned about? I’ve heard a few stories about this on the news, but I’ve never felt that my daughter would be susceptible to temptations of this kind. We haven’t talked about it because I’m really not up to speed on the …
When should I tell my children that we’re having a baby? We have two daughters, ages 2 and 4, and my husband and I are anxious to share the news with them. At the same time, we have reasons for being concerned about the possibility of another miscarriage (I had one about six months ago). …
How can I deal with the guilt I feel over a past abortion? I thought I’d get over it quickly and move on with my life, but my regret has gotten worse over the years. I feel trapped, isolated, and desperate.
Is it possible to reverse or block mifepristone or Mifeprex once a woman takes it for an abortion? My friend recently went to a clinic for an abortion, and she was given a prescription for this drug. I talked with her this morning, and she told me she had just taken the drug. But she …
Is it wrong for me to be dating a woman who is much younger than I am? I’m 41 and she’s 25. We’ve been together about six months and have a great relationship. We also share a strong faith and have many goals and interests in common. The subject of marriage has come up, but …
What should I do about my boyfriend who recently cheated on me? We’ve been living together for the past couple of years, but I recently found out that he’s been sexting a “friend” of mine. When I confronted him, he said it’s my fault. Then he left me and our baby and is now staying …
How can I get my husband to forgive me for being so harsh with him in the past? I know I’ve been overly critical of him, and as a result we’re now sleeping in separate rooms and living separate lives under the same roof. Can you help us turn this situation around and move forward …
Do you have any advice regarding the care of an aging spouse with serious health challenges? My husband and I are both getting on in years. I’m still healthy, but he isn’t. As a result, I’ve become his caregiver, and we’ve lost a lot of our social life. Other couples our age are still able …
Is it okay to connect with former dating partners on Facebook? While browsing around online I ran across an old boyfriend from my high school and college days. It’s been years since we’ve been in touch and I’m curious to know what he’s been up to. I’m very much in love with my husband and …
How exactly does Satan destroy families? I’ve heard it said many times that he is out to wreck marriages and families. I’m not denying this – I realize that the unseen spiritual battles that surround us are very real – but I don’t have any clear idea of precisely how the devil might try to …