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Family Q&A

mom and son washing dishes

Single Mom Seeks Male Role Models for Kids

How can a single mom find a man (or several men) capable of providing the masculine influence and guidance her children need as they approach puberty? I feel it’s important for them to have good male role models to look up to and learn from. Any ideas on how I should go about finding one?

kid hitting baseball in little league game

Surviving Your Kids’ Extra-Curricular Activities

Is it a good idea for children to get involved in sports, dance classes, music lessons, and other commitments outside of their school work and household chores? How much of this kind of thing is too much? Can you suggest any practical guidelines?

boy with fake moustache

Teaching a Boy About Marriage and Fatherhood

When should parents start talking with their sons about what it means to be a God-honoring husband and father? Our boy isn’t even in his teens yet, but we want to be sure to lay a strong foundation before it’s too late. Should we wait until after puberty? Or would it be better to hold …

black and white teen guy depressed sitting on ledge

Teen Suicide: Intervention Strategies

What should I do if I’m convinced that my adolescent child is seriously depressed and could be suicidal?

Father laughs with young son and baby daughter

The Significance of a Father’s Influence

Is there any real evidence that dads really have a uniquely important impact in the lives of their children? Our culture seems to place little value on the role of fathers. I see evidence of this everywhere, from pop culture and media to government policy. My own experience and belief system tell me that fatherhood …

Girl unhappy looking in mirror

Understanding Adolescent Anger

Can you help me figure out where my teenage daughter’s anger is coming from? A few years ago I would have described her as a soft-spoken, contented, happy-go-lucky little girl. Now she seems disgruntled most of the time and lashes out in fury at the drop of a hat. Sometimes I have no idea what …

little girl playing with learning toys

What to Look for in Daycare Options

What factors do we need to consider – what should we look for and what should we avoid – when selecting a daycare facility for our child? Some of our friends and family have had bad experiences in this area. Naturally, we’d like to avoid that if at all possible. Do you have any suggestions?

couple holding blow up world ball, hands in heart around counrty

Church Group Wants to Start an Adoption Ministry

What does our church need to know before launching an adoption ministry? What’s involved in tackling a project like this? Can you suggest any resources?

couple on bed looking at ultrasound pictures

Pregnant Woman With Serious Health Risk Wonders About Abortion

My doctor told me that I’ll be risking my own life by carrying my baby to term. Should I have an abortion? I was so excited when I learned that I was pregnant, but now I’m devastated and confused.

Long winding road with a question mark over it.

Addictions and Marriage Counseling

Will marriage counseling be effective if my spouse has an active addiction and won’t get help?

man and daughter talking in yard

Caring for Aging Loved Ones After a Dysfunctional Childhood

Am I obligated to take care of my parents even though they hurt me in many ways during my growing-up years? Our family was really dysfunctional. Now they’re old, feeble and increasingly unable to look after themselves, and I’m not sure how I feel about getting involved in caring for them given our past. What …

man holding crying toddler son

Divorced With Child, Wants to Reconcile

Should I consider remarrying my ex-spouse for the sake of our child? We are both Christians, but we recently got divorced. Over the past few weeks I’ve become increasingly concerned about the impact of this family breakup upon our preschooler. What do you think I should do?

man woman and female counselor talking

Finding a Good Marriage Therapist

How do we locate a qualified marriage counselor? Do you have any recommendations? My spouse and I need help, but we don’t know who to see or what to look for.

sad woman holding her head in her hand

Husband Looks at Other Women

Is it fair for me to feel hurt and upset when I see my husband turn and look at other women?

upset woman looking at computer

Just Discovered That Spouse Has Had an Affair

I’ve just discovered that my spouse has been cheating on me. As you can imagine, I was devastated when I first learned of his infidelity, and I still haven’t recovered from the shock. I have not confronted him yet and have no idea what I’m going to do. Can you give me some direction?

couple having toilet brush fight cleaning

Masculine and Feminine Roles in Marriage

What’s your perspective on the ideal division of labor and the proper distinction between male and female tasks and roles in marriage? Lately my spouse and I have had disagreements about our respective chores and responsibilities at home.

man and woman's hands with wedding rings

Oral Sex As Appropriate Sexual Expression in Marriage

What’s your opinion of oral sex? Is this a permissible form of sexual intimacy and expression between a husband and wife?

two female college students sitting on edge of building

Preparing for Marriage in a College Environment

How do I, as a student, prepare myself to be a godly wife and mother? I’m a single woman in my mid-twenties, pursuing a graduate degree in literature at a secular university. While I enjoy my studies and view them as important in preparing me for a future career in teaching, there’s another sense in …

couple hugging on beach both looking at phones

Restoring Romance to Marriage

How can my husband and I rekindle the romantic flame that brought us together in the first place? We’re stuck in a rut. The spark has gone out of our relationship. We don’t even seem to have much fun together anymore. How do I raise this subject without seeming to nag?

woman sitting on park bench looking at phone

Social Media Red Flags for Married Couples

Can you offer any guidelines as to how much social media communication is appropriate for married persons when it involves individuals of the opposite sex? Are there any signs that might indicate when an online relationship is in danger of crossing the line of impropriety?