What should I do if I fear my teenage son may be too withdrawn? When he was younger we thought it was just a phase and assumed he would gain more confidence as he matured and interacted more with his peers. So far those expectations haven’t panned out. He doesn’t seem to have any interest …
Parenting Q&As
As parents of a child with special needs, how can my husband and I manage all of the difficult emotions and added stress that comes with our situation? There are times when the job seems like more than we can handle.
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?
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?
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?
Can a one-time viewing of a violent or sexually explicit film or TV show have negative long-term effects on children? I just learned my grade-schooler saw an inappropriate cable movie while spending the day at a friend’s house. What should I do and how can I prevent this happening in the future?
How can we implement a more consistent bedtime schedule for our children, ages 8, 6, and 4? We haven’t been very successful in this area. How many hours do kids this age need to sleep? Do you have any tips for ways to improve bedtime and make it more pleasant?
Do you have any advice for dealing with a teenage daughter who’s recently gotten involved in premarital sex and other destructive activities? While hunting for an extra set of car keys in my daughter’s purse I came across a condom and a cigarette lighter. Needless to say, I was devastated. Should I confront her about …
How should I deal with the tension that has arisen between my child and his sports coach, who also happens to be his father? The season is starting up again, and I’m dreading the inevitable fights between them. My son doesn’t want to disappoint his dad, but he’s getting nothing out of this particular sport. …
Is there a way to put a stop to the constant state of conflict I’m in with my school age child? I’m spending a lot of time trying to promote harmony and maintain a little order in our home, but when I ask my son to pitch in, I get either passive indifference or outright …
Can you help us deal with the with the issue of sexually suggestive teenage dancing? My teens have been asking to attend parties and school dances, but when my wife and I got a glimpse of some of the lewd activity that goes under the name of “dancing” nowadays we told them “no.” Are we …
Will my sarcastic style of humor hurt my children? I’ve always tended to express myself in a wry, ironic way. It’s all a joke, and I don’t mean any harm by it. But now my spouse is telling me that this is going to be damaging to our kids, especially as they move into the …
How should I help my unwed pregnant daughter?
What can we do to encourage our adult son to grow up? He’s made some very poor choices in terms of lifestyle, jobs, living arrangements, and friends. After raising him in the Christian faith, we’re deeply disappointed. At the same time we can’t help feeling guilty and wondering where we went wrong. Is there anything …
Does your emphasis on the importance of a father’s presence in the home imply that the mother’s role is less crucial in raising children? There are many single moms raising children by themselves, and I can’t help wondering if you view these families as “inferior” or “second-class.” Doesn’t your high regard for the father’s role …
What’s your opinion of babies sleeping with their parents? A friend of mine believes that the so-called “Family Bed” is beneficial for every member of the household. She even claims that this practice can prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and provide other health benefits. Is she right?
