Should I teach my child about the importance of self-denial? We don’t hear much about it in the modern American church, and contemporary secular culture doesn’t value it at all. But I’m not sure how our kids will understand what it means to follow Jesus if we neglect this aspect of the disciple’s calling.
Family Q&A
Can you help us with our adolescent daughter who is having doubts about God? She has been raised in a solid Christian home, and her faith has always been very important to her. But recently she seems to be struggling with doubt. Last week she asked me how Christians can be sure they’re right when …
What’s it like to go through labor and childbirth? I’m in the last trimester of my pregnancy, and I’ve been getting a little anxious. I’ve heard horror stories about incredible pain, fainting husbands, and screaming wives. Is it really that bad?
Is it normal for a pre-teen child to suddenly put on a lot of weight? Our child has gained quite a few pounds recently, and we’re not sure whether we should be concerned. What is the technical definition of “obesity” in children and teens?
As a parent of teenagers, I understand the importance of distinguishing between what I can and can’t control and granting my kids the freedom they need in order to make their own choices and learn by their own mistakes. Unfortunately, I have reason to believe that my teens are in serious danger of choosing wrong …
Do you have any advice or suggestions for funding the adoption process?
How do I reconcile my pro-life beliefs with capital punishment? I’m extremely committed to upholding the sanctity of human life. As a result, I’ve been active for years in the pro-life movement, defending the rights of the unborn and speaking out against euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. The other day, however, a friend caught me up …
My parents recently divorced because my mom was having an affair. Since then, she’s moved in with this other man and plans to marry him within a few weeks.
How should I respond when my child tells me that my ex-spouse has been making some very critical and unkind statements about me? What’s the wisest way to handle this situation?
What should I do about an adulterous affair that my spouse had immediately prior to being deployed overseas by the military? He left recently for an extended tour of duty. Just before his departure I found out that he’s been involved with another woman. It’s difficult to communicate with him now that he’s overseas. How …
Is it wrong of me – especially in a family setting – to keep silent when others want me to converse? I’m an introverted person, and there are times when I just don’t feel like talking. My spouse understands, but my kids get upset. Can’t I just be quiet if I want to?
How can I get my spouse to forgive me for the ways I’ve hurt her over the past couple of years? She’s withdrawn from me emotionally, and I’m not sure how to convince her I’ve changed. Where do I begin to address this problem?
What can I do to support my husband now that he’s lost his job? He’s been unemployed for three months, and though he’s searched long and hard he still can’t find a new position. Meanwhile, he’s becoming bored and depressed, and I can tell that he’s beginning to feel worthless. How do I come alongside …
Is it normal for a man who has been deeply involved with sexually explicit material to have no desire for marital intimacy?
Can you help me and my spouse learn how to control our arguments so that they don’t become overheated? Usually we are pretty good at having constructive disagreements, but sometimes things have gotten out of hand. What can we do to keep a lid on things?
As a married person, is it okay to chat online or send private messages to Facebook members of the opposite sex?
How can I prevent memories of childhood sexual trauma from having a negative impact on my relationship with my spouse? I was abused a long time ago and though it wasn’t easy, I’ve forgiven the people who violated me. But after twelve years of marriage I still can’t enjoy sex with my husband without feeling …
Do you have any advice for a woman whose husband is on the verge of getting out of jail? My spouse has been serving a three-year sentence and is scheduled to come home next month. I’m eager to have him back and resume a normal relationship, but at the same time I can’t help feeling …
How can we restore trust to our relationship?
How can I tell if my involvement with social media – Facebook, Twitter, etc. – is detrimental to my marriage? I don’t think this is the case at present, but I don’t want to be taken by surprise either. Do you have any words of wisdom for me?