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Parenting

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Risk Factors for Teen Premarital Sex

How can I know if my teen is likely to engage in premarital sex? My spouse and I have tried to raise our kids in the right way, but we’re keenly aware that the culture is working against us. Promiscuity is fashionable nowadays and sexual temptations are everywhere. How can we guard against it? Are …

hands of teen girl on phone

Teen Daughter Obsessed With Texting

Am I right to be concerned about my 16-year-old daughter’s obsession with texting? In the past two weeks she has sent or received over 3,000 text messages. So far it hasn’t affected her school grades, but I worry that this much texting is excessive and unhealthy. What should we do?

little girl praying in church

Instilling Moral Values in Children

What’s the best way to teach young children the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, and appropriate and inappropriate behavior? We understand the importance of early spiritual training, and we’ve been praying with our child and reading her Bible stories ever since she was old enough to listen and understand. But the challenge …

two teen girl and boy talking

Teenage Child Is Questioning Faith

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 …

girl sleeping with cat

Child Seems to Sleep Too Much

Should I be concerned about my six-year-old sleeping too much? She does not want to wake up in the morning, even though she goes to bed early and sleeps through the night? Is this normal? Do you have any suggestions?

dad reading to baby girl

Dads and the Influence They Have on Their Daughters

As a father, what are some of the key roles that I play in the life of my daughter? What areas in her life should I focus on and what are some things I can do to create a healthy relationship between us?

little girl writing

Educating a Gifted Preschooler on a Limited Budget

How can we encourage and promote our young child’s love for learning when we don’t have the money for preschool? She already knows how to read and she’s curious about everything. I’m not sure that I’m equipped to homeschool a child of her ability. What do you suggest we do?

Father and child touching hands

Help for an Overly Critical Parent

How can I undo the damage I’ve caused by being too harsh with my children? I realize that I’ve been overly critical in my attitude toward them, and the results are now beginning to surface. How do we turn this around?

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?

teen moving a box

Parenting Teens Through a Major Move

How can we help our adolescent daughter, who is depressed and angry as a result of our recent relocation to a new town and a new school? The move has taken a heavy toll on all of our kids, but our teenager is particularly upset. She won’t talk about anything but our old home, and …

Little girl writing

Schooling Options

Can you help us decide on a strategy for giving our child the best possible education? Our daughter is ready to start school, and we want her to get her moving in the right direction. What kind of options and alternatives are available to us?

Teens three guys two girls walking down street

Teaching Girls to Be Discerning About Relationships

How can we teach our girls to be more discerning about relationships? I understand that girls are more relational than boys, but sometimes I worry that my two “tween” daughters are over the top and out of control in this area. Honestly, they soak up new “friendships” like a sponge, seemingly without any discernment or …

dad holding two kids, kissing son's head

Why Sons Need Their Father’s Affection

Why do dads need to get involved with their sons on an emotional level? My father was a no-nonsense man who did not share much with me in the way of his feelings. He basically taught me how to work hard, be responsible and make my own way in life. My wife gets upset with …

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?

young boy feeding snack to baby at table

Starting Baby on Solid Food

What should I give my baby when he’s ready to start eating solid food? How can I know when he’s reached that stage of development?

Dad talking to sad or angry child

Disciplining the Elementary School Child

Can you provide me with some general principles and guidelines for responding to behavioral problems in a school-age child? What are some effective methods for disciplining kids at this stage of development?

sad teen girl sitting by window

Parenting a Pregnant Teen

How should we respond to our teenage daughter who doesn’t want to be part of our family after becoming pregnant?

mom reading bedtime story to two young sons

Single-Parent Adoption

Should I, as a single parent, be thinking seriously about adopting another child? How does your ministry feel about this?

sullen looking teen girl

Dads and Moody Teenage Daughters

As a father, what can I do to improve my relationship with an emotionally erratic adolescent girl? This past year has been difficult for me. I’ve watched my daughter make the transformation from a kind, joyful, cooperative little girl to a sullen, argumentative, hard-to-get-along-with teen. Our relationship used to be a source of enjoyment for …

Boy sitting on ground upset

My Spouse Physically Abuses Our Children

My husband has never been violent with me, but it is an entirely different story where our children are concerned. He is frequently lashes out at them physically, and has seriously injured them on more than one occasion. I want to protect them, but I’m terrified of how he may react if I challenge him. …