As a single mom with three young children, is it okay for me to want another person around to help carry the load? I used to feel pretty self-sufficient, but the burden of doing it all by myself is getting heavier. I work full time, take online college courses, and I’m active in church. Do …
Parenting Q&As
How do we deal with a defiant teenager? For some reason, our son has recently gone off the deep end. He’s skipping out on school, drinking, smoking, and making all kinds of dangerously bad decisions. Nothing we say makes any difference in his behavior. The last straw came when we had to bail him out …
How can I teach my children good manners? It seems etiquette has become a thing of the past, both for children and adults. This is something I’m determined to instill in my kids, but I can see that it won’t be easy. How do I teach them to treat people respectfully when the rest of …
Does a pattern of persistent depression indicate that my adolescent son may be in danger of taking his own life? I’ve been hearing a great deal about the rising problem of teenage suicide, and I’m wondering whether my son might be at risk. What exactly is the connection between depression and suicide? Where can I …
When it comes to parenting children effectively, are there any truly meaningful distinctions between the contributions of the mother and those of the father? As a dad, I’m actively involved with my kids on the weekends and evenings, and I even go to school meetings when I can. Is there something special I’m supposed to …
Are there times, occasions, and situations when I should simply “chill out” and refrain from “getting tough” with a kid who misbehaves? I’m fairly new at the parenting game, and I need all the help and advice I can get in this area. When should I not discipline my child?
How do we come alongside our daughter now that she’s in the hospital after trying to take her own life? We’re wrestling with feelings of guilt, shame, confusion, and fear. We can’t understand how something like this could have happened to one of our own children. Do you have any advice for us?
How do I know when my disciplinary methods have crossed an inappropriate line? I was disciplining my five-year-old last night and feel that I got out of control in the way I handled the situation. I’m terrified this morning that I may have gone too far. How can I know for sure? What should I …
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, …
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?
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?
What does it take to be a good father? I grew up without a dad. Now I’m married with kids of my own, and I’m not sure I’m leading my family in the way God intended. Do you have any advice?
How should I discipline a pre-teen whose behavior is characterized by a serious lack of maturity? He’s not disobedient or defiant – just irresponsible. For example, he doesn’t put things away. He leaves his bike out in the front yard where it could easily be stolen, and I’m constantly tripping over his clothes, shoes, and …
How do we deal with a small child who takes off and has to be chased down every time he misbehaves and suspects that he’s about to be punished? He tends to run away whenever any kind of problem surfaces, and we have to run after him just to talk to him, let alone correct …
Is there any hope for the parent of a defiant, strong-willed child? I go through life feeling frazzled, dazed, and tired to the bone. Every day – almost every hour! – brings another confrontation, and sometimes I feel as if I don’t have the strength to go on. Any suggestions?
Should we put off having kids and starting a family until we’re more mature and established? My wife and I are in our late twenties. She’s in grad school and I’m working to get my new business off the ground. We’re extremely busy, and to be honest, I’m not sure I’m ready to be a …
At what age do you recommend that we start introducing our child to the worship service at church? What’s the best way to go about it?
How can I help my teens deal with the fallout of my divorce? It’s been painful for everyone, but I’m especially concerned about my oldest son. Ever since my ex-husband left a year and a half ago, he seems to be putting himself under a lot of pressure to assume the role of the “man …
How do I prevent my teenagers from using marijuana now that it’s been decriminalized? My state recently passed a measure decriminalizing the possession and recreational use of pot. Needless to say, this is all very disturbing for me. As a parent who is fighting hard to keep my children on the straight and narrow, I …