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Family Q&A

What are some of the traits seen in people with ADHD?

What are some of the traits seen in children and adults with ADHD?

little boy standing by front door

Young Child Has Never Known Dad

How do I answer my preschooler’s questions about his father who left the family when I was three months pregnant and hasn’t been in touch since? Lately my son has been asking why his dad doesn’t live with us. What should I tell him?

pregnant woman in background baby shoes in foreground

Wondering Whether to Abort a Child Diagnosed With a Disabling Medical Problem

Should I have an abortion if my baby is likely to be born with a serious – potentially disabling – medical condition? My doctor has assured me that this is the case, and I’m at a loss to know what to do. I’m devastated and overwhelmed.

man and woman talking close together

Boundaries in Marriage: Helping the Opposite-Sex With Problems

What’s the proper protocol for spouses when it comes to helping other people of the opposite sex with problems – especially problems of the marital variety? Sadly, my brother and his wife are in the process of divorcing. My sister-in-law called my husband the other night to see if he would meet with her to provide counseling …

guys hanging out

Concerns About Husband’s Old College Buddies

I have some serious reservations about the friends my husband keeps in touch with from his college days. Some of these guys are married and some aren’t. They plan frequent “boys’ weekends,” and they also organize a lot of parties for special occasions. What concerns me is what goes on at these events. On a …

hands of couple with paperwork and calculator

Dealing With the Strain of Debt in Marriage

Do you have any recommendations for couples who find themselves owing a lot of money to a lot of different creditors? I’m not quite sure how it happened, but my spouse and I have come to the realization that we’re in deep debt and serious financial trouble. As you can imagine, this is putting a …

guy with hand on sad girl's shouldee

Husband-to-Be Has Been Sexually Active Before Marriage

As a bride-to-be, how can I get past the struggle and disappointment I’m experiencing due to the fact that the man I’m marrying isn’t a virgin? I don’t hold this against him. In fact, I almost feel guilty for having these feelings because he is a devoted Christian, gentle and kind, and a man of …

woman talking to daughter having coffee

Grown Woman’s Mother Is Jealous and Possessive

Do you have any advice on how to deal with a relationally jealous and possessive mother? Though I’m a grown woman with young children of my own, my mom is still trying to control my life. I’d love to have a close, healthy relationship with her, but she demands more. In fact, she insists that …

pregnant woman frowning holding belly

Husband Concerned About Wife’s Depression During Pregnancy

Is there anything I can do to help my expectant wife deal with the severe mood swings she’s been experiencing? She’s about three-quarters of the way through her pregnancy, and lately she’s been terribly depressed. It’s beginning to take a real toll on our relationship. I’ve heard a lot about post-partum depression, but is it …

couple woman looking away man upset

Infidelity: Distinguishing the Difference Between Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Is there a difference between forgiveness and reconciliation in a case of marital infidelity?

sign with arrows pointing opposite directions

Marriage Between an Atheist and a Christian

Can an atheist and a believer build a strong, lasting marriage? My girlfriend and I are terrific together. Her family loves me and everyone else says we’re the perfect couple. There’s just one catch: she’s a strong Christian, but I don’t believe in God at all. Do you think the religious differences between us pose …

people gathered in a restaurant

Non-Christian In-Laws

Can you give me and my spouse some tips for relating to family members who don’t share our Christian faith? My in-laws aren’t believers, and this has sometimes led to awkward or difficult situations at family gatherings.

Young couple backs looking through trees at sun path

Pre-Engagement Counseling

Is there anything a couple can do to strengthen their relationship prior to engagement? There’s a lot of material out there on pre-marital counseling, but not much on the pre-engagement process. How can you be sure you want to say “yes” when the person you’re dating starts to talk about marriage? What should a couple …

older couple hugging near water

Rekindling a Marriage As Empty Nesters

Now that our kids are gone, what can we do to revitalize our relationship? I thought our marriage was healthy and vibrant — that is, until the last of our three children left home. I realize now that it was the kids who brought life into the house, and that so much of our marriage …

two women talking one crying

Sharing Marital Frustrations With Family

Should I share my marital frustrations and problems with my parents and siblings? We’ve always been a very tight-knit family, and there are few people I trust more. Our marriage isn’t in crisis, but there are times when I need some support or simply want to vent. Is that okay?

couple sitting apart on couch, man questioning woman sad

Spouse Makes Insensitive Comments

What can I do to stop my spouse from hurting my feelings with careless and cutting remarks? He’s always making what I consider extremely insensitive comments, and when I protest, he laughs and says he’s only teasing or tells me I’m too sensitive. I can assure you it’s no joke to me. Any suggestions?

A couple sits on a rock looking at a high mountain range

The Importance of Marital Sex: A Biblical View

Is sex really that critical to a healthy marriage?

man and woman business meeting

Wife Concerned About Husband’s Private Meetings With Female Boss

How should my husband relate to his female boss? Occasionally, she needs to discuss a business matter with him that requires privacy and so she will schedule a lunch appointment with him alone. I’m uncomfortable with this, but he sees no alternative since this kind of practice is common and expected in his line of …

couple talking outside in park

Wondering If Spouse Is Truly Repentant Over Affair

How can I be sure that my spouse is really repentant for the pain he has caused me? A year ago, I discovered he’d been involved in an emotional affair with another woman for nearly a decade. He also has a history of explosive anger which has often led to verbal abuse. On a number …

sad young woman looking out window

Christian Morality vs. Sexual Repression

Is Christian sexual morality unhealthy or unnatural? I’m young woman who is trying to live a chaste life, but my boyfriend is always pressuring me. He says that my concerns about sexual morality are just an expression of an unhealthy “fear”-that in trying to live by God’s standards, I’m basically rejecting the beauties of creation …