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Parenting Q&As

Dad holding book talking to son

Talking With Kids About Abortion and Homosexuality

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 …

unhappy teen

Teen Is Disrespectful but Wants Respect

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?

family having dinner

The Benefits of Family Mealtimes and How to Make Them Happen

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 …

little boy in bed with thermometer adult hand on his head

Treating a Child’s Fever

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?

sad teen girl watching sunset over water

What to Do When Your Teen Girl Isn’t Asked to the Prom

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?

Boy standing by tree with fall leaves looking down

Adolescent Son Is Shy and Awkward Around Girls

How can I help my 15-year-old son feel more confident around girls his age? He’s still very shy and nervous in mixed company, and I’m looking for ways to give him a boost in this area. Any suggestions?

sheets hanging on clothesline

Bedwetting

How can we stop our child from wetting the bed? What do we need to know about the causes of this behavior? Our son is well past the age of potty-training, yet I still have to change his bedding several times a week. I’ve lost my patience with him more than once, and I can …

boy lying on couch

Child Gets Stomach Ache When Stressed

How can I tell if my child is faking it or not when he complains of a “stomach cramps?” These ailments have a suspicious way of arising when it’s time to do chores or get ready for school. Is this pain real, or is it just a ploy? Should we take him to the doctor, …

Picture of woman holding a remote control toward TV screen that reads Breaking News

Children and Violence in the News

Can the nightly news reports about war, murder, rape, and urban gang activity have a negative effect on kids? I try not to let my children watch too much of this, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Am I right to be concerned?

Confronting Abusive Language Between Teen Boyfriend and Girlfriend

Am I being too sensitive about the put-downs and insults my daughter and her boyfriend toss back and forth at each other? She acts like it’s no big deal, but I’m alarmed and don’t consider this to be healthy behavior. What do you think?

two girls and a boy backs to camera looking at water

Dad Wants Relationship With Children He Abandoned

How can I reconnect with my children after divorcing their mother and abandoning them? I regret to say that I walked out on my wife and family several years ago. Since then, I’ve found the Lord and realized my mistake. Now I’d like to get back in touch with my kids, but they don’t want …

little girl lying on bed looking sad

Dealing With Attachment Disorder in Adoption

How can I bond with a disconnected child? Our daughter is newly adopted, and we’re excited to have her home. But she’s struggling with attachment issues. We don’t know all the details of her history, but some of her behavior indicates she may have been abused. Can we reverse the damage and move in a …

boy playing hand held video game

Discerning Video Game Addiction in Kids

How can I tell whether or not my child is actually addicted to video and computer games? He spends a lot of time gaming, but it’s hard to know whether it’s really that serious of a problem. Should I be concerned?

baby on training potty

Eliminating the Stress of Potty Training

Is potty training a child always such a difficult and challenging experience? We’ve been trying to potty-train our son since he turned two years old. So far we haven’t had much success, and the stress level in our household is at an all-time high. After several months, we’re still not making any progress. Is this …

dad lying next to baby on his back

Facts About Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

What exactly is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and what are its causes? Is there anything I can do to reduce the risk of losing my baby to this mysterious killer?

man and woman not looking at each other argument antry

Grown Child in Difficult Marriage After Cohabitation

How can I help my grown-up son who is in an unhappy marriage after living with his wife for several years prior to the wedding? It’s a difficult and complicated situation, and lately he’s been talking about getting a divorce. Is there any way I can reach out to this young couple?

feet of baby and toddler lying down

Helping a Toddler Adjust to a New Baby

How can we help our two-year-old get used to the idea of having a new baby sister? He whines and cries for Mommy all the time, and lately he’s been misbehaving as a way of getting our attention. How can we help him feel loved and secure?

teen standing back to camera looking at mountains

How Can I Make Sure My Teenager Turns Out Right?

It’s frightening to be a parent of teenagers today. I’ve been lying awake nights worrying about the challenges and temptations my kids face every day at school, in our neighborhood, on the streets, and in all kinds of social situations. Even the church youth group isn’t immune to the influences of secular culture! Is there …

teen boy holding video game control raising hand in annoyance

Instilling a Sense of Respect in Teenagers

How can I get my adolescent son to see that it’s important to show appropriate regard for other people? He has developed what I consider a “smart-alecky” or “mouthy” way of responding to other members of the family. Last night, when I asked him to take out the trash, he said, “I’ll do it later, …

family parents and kids having a picnic fun

Making Family Memories

How can we be more intentional about doing things together that will strengthen relational bonds and family ties in the future? I know it’s important to make good memories, but it’s tough to find time for it with so much going on in day-to-day life. Do you have any suggestions or advice?