How should I talk with my adolescent son about a friend of his who recently took his own life? The boy was hardly more than an acquaintance, but I know that this incident has impacted my teenager deeply. Can you help me figure out the best way to approach the subject with him?
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What should we do about our teen’s sudden academic struggles? He’s always been an excellent student, but since entering high school his grades have dropped significantly. When we ask him what’s going on, he just shrugs his shoulders and says, “My teachers don’t like me.” How can we get to the bottom of this?
When and how should we tell our child about her adoption into our family? What’s the best and most sensitive way to approach the subject?
Is there a way to get concerned friends and family members to back off and stop telling us how to raise our child? My spouse and I are new parents and are overwhelmed by all the tips we’ve been receiving. Sometimes people even contradict each other. I feel like telling them to mind their own …
What are some of the traits seen in children and adults with ADHD?
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?
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.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Is there a difference between forgiveness and reconciliation in a case of marital infidelity?
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 …
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.
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 …
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 …
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?
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?
