How can I have a better relationship with my stepchild? She resists my attempts at friendship and even screams, “You’re not my dad! Leave me alone!” Have I done something wrong? How do I get past this barrier?
Parenting Q&A
Is there some way to work breastfeeding into my schedule once my maternity leave ends and I return to the office? I’ve heard that I might be able to manage it by pumping and saving my own milk, but this sounds like a lot of work and trouble. What would you suggest?
What should I expect when my child starts teething? Can you help me recognize the signs that this process is about to begin? How about suggesting some simple strategies for making it as easy and as painless as possible?
Why is it so difficult raising adolescents nowadays? I understand that it’s supposed to be a process of gradually letting go, granting them more independence, and setting them free to become the adults God wants them to be. But while I know all this in my head, there are days when I just can’t put …
Now that my adolescent son has his learner’s permit, how can I adequately prepare him to drive? I have to admit that I’m more than a little apprehensive about him becoming a driver at such a young age. Can you offer any pointers or advice?
Should we allow our struggling grown child to move back in with us? Our son recently got divorced. Then he lost his job and started drinking heavily again. He seems to have no sense of direction and now he wants to move back in with us. We’re not sure if this would be the best …
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 should I handle my adolescent’s emotional instability? In particular, how can I tell the difference between ‘normal’ teenage moodiness and serious clinical depression? My teen seems to have more “downs” than “ups.” Is this a normal part of adolescence, or should I be concerned?
How can I tell if my child is having trouble with a bully? Are there any tell-tale signs? And if he is, how can I help him deal with the situation?
As parents, how should we respond to a teenager who argues that the recreational use of pot is socially acceptable, that the authorities aren’t concerned about it anymore, and that it’s on the verge of being legalized. We know he’s been using marijuana, but when we confronted him about it he flatly refused to stop. …
How should I respond to my adolescent daughter’s cutting habit? I only recently discovered that she’s been cutting herself. I’ve tried to let her know much this concerns me. I’ve even requested that she let me “monitor” the situation. But she is very sensitive and perceives this as criticism and lack of trust. I promised …
How do I talk to my pre-teen daughter about the danger of date rape? I’ve heard date rape is becoming more common, and this worries me as a parent. My daughter is approaching adolescence, and I want to know what I can do to prevent her from becoming a victim. How should I bring this …
If there are identifiable gender distinctions – psychological and emotional as well as physical and sexual – do they have practical implications for parents? What do moms and dads need to know about this subject, and how will such knowledge help them do a better job of raising their kids?
How can we persuade our son and his girlfriend to think more seriously about what they’re going to do with the baby they’ve conceived?
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?
How can we help a young child who is struggling with his faith? Last night during our prayer time my young son tearfully confessed that he’s having trouble believing in God. How should I address this?
How can we raise our kids effectively when so many of our friends and family members hold perspectives and values that conflict with our beliefs? We’re a strong Christian family and we require our children to live by Christian standards of behavior. But not everyone shares our faith, and it’s frustrating to feel as if …
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 …
As a working mother, should I be worried about placing my child in a daycare facility? Personally, I have some serious misgivings about this option, but my husband thinks it’s fine. Are you aware of any research on this subject or other choices we might consider?
What should I do about the constant fighting that goes on between my daughters? Our house is the scene of perpetual sibling battles. My mother says I should intervene, but my husband thinks this is normal for kids their age. Should I be worried?