What should I say to my daughter whose boyfriend is pressuring her to have an abortion after getting her pregnant? She’s looking to me for support and guidance, but I’m so upset that I don’t know what to tell her.
Parenting Q&As
How do my husband and I know when it’s time to stop having children? We’re expecting baby number five in a few weeks. That will make a total of five kids within the space of five years! I’ve seen a lot of Christian literature on the subject of starting a family, but how can we …
Do you have any advice for disciplining and training strong-willed teenagers? I hear a lot about dealing with strong-willed toddlers, but if you think it’s tough managing a defiant two-year-old, imagine what it’s like when the kid is seventeen and six feet tall! I need help.
How can we help our adolescent son find biblical answers to his deep questions about social justice, the meaning of life, the existence of God, and his own purpose as an individual? We want to point him in the right direction on these important issues and equip him with a solid Christian worldview. Can you …
As a dad, what are some of the key roles that I play in the life of my son? What areas in his life should I focus on and what are some things I can do to cultivate a healthy relationship between us?
How can we help our 6-year-old son, who we adopted, overcome his fears? He recently fell off a raft into the shallow water of the lake where he and his brother were playing. Now he says that he’ll never go in the water again. Part of me thinks we need to get him back in …
How can I instill a solid Christian character into my child? Most of the parenting materials I’ve seen have a great deal to say about discipline, mental and emotional health, obedience and order in the home. Unfortunately, there isn’t much out there on the subject of character development, especially from a Christian perspective. Do you …
How can I stop feeling guilty and resist the temptation to be “Superwoman”? I’m a working mother with a preschooler and a couple of school-age kids who are also involved in lots of extra-curricular activities. I have to admit that I feel bad whenever I’m not doing something “productive.” My family’s schedule is so tight, …
How can I help my kids make wise media choices? I’m extremely frustrated with the growing toxicity of so-called “entertainment,” but short of moving to the Amazon jungle or the middle of the Sahara desert, I can’t completely shield my children from all of it. It seems the only answer is to equip them to …
Do you think that couples having trouble conceiving should see an infertility specialist? We’ve tried to get pregnant for over a year, so my spouse and I wonder if it would be worth seeing a doctor.
What’s your perspective on high school proms? They sure have changed since my day, and I’m a little nervous about allowing my teenager to go. Can you offer me any practical guidance?
How can we make family prayer a priority? We’re a Christian family and my spouse and I are eager to raise our kids in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Can you give us some helpful pointers in this area? Our children are small, and it’s been a real struggle to make prayer times …
Do you have any suggestions for more effective ways to worship and study the Bible together as a family? We’ve tried hard to have regular devotions at our house, but it’s been difficult and discouraging because our children seem so bored and uninvolved. Can you help us?
How do I give my teenager the respect he deserves? I’ll admit that we butt heads pretty often – he’s the type that requires a lot of correction and guidance, and as a result ours isn’t the most peaceful household on the block. But I honestly don’t believe that I’ve ever done anything to denigrate him …
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 …
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 I be concerned that my son is still sucking his thumb? It’s an embarrassing habit in a boy his age. I’ve done everything I can think of to get him to stop, but nothing seems to work. Can you help?
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 soon should a parent start responding to behavioral problems in the early childhood years? I’m especially interested in hearing your thoughts on the issue of timing – when do you think I should begin disciplining my child? As a new mom I could use some guidance and advice in this area.
