Family Matters

Understanding teen cutting

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…

26 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Teen seeking help after sexual assault

I've just become a victim of rape. I desperately need help and don't know where to find it – what should I do now? So far, I haven't told my parents, and no one else knows. I'm ashamed to admit it to friends and family, and I'm afraid I'll only…

25 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

How to approach a marital seperation - (Part 2 of 2)

Does it mean I'm gay if I'm attracted to someone of the same sex? There have been times when I've experienced strong emotional connections with individuals of my own gender. On occasion I've even felt myself physically drawn to them. I'm confused and don't know what to think of this…

24 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

How to approach a marital seperation - (Part 1 of 2)

Can you provide some guidance on how to navigate a marital separation? Our marriage has been plagued by conflict and emotional pain for a long, long time. As a result, we've come to the conclusion - sadly and reluctantly - that we need to get away from each other for…

23 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Same-Sex Attraction and Sexual Identity- (Part 2 of 2)

Does it mean I'm gay if I'm attracted to someone of the same sex? There have been times when I've experienced strong emotional connections with individuals of my own gender. On occasion I've even felt myself physically drawn to them. I'm confused and don't know what to think of this…

22 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Same-Sex Attraction and Sexual Identity- (Part 1 of 2)

Does it mean I'm gay if I'm attracted to someone of the same sex? There have been times when I've experienced strong emotional connections with individuals of my own gender. On occasion I've even felt myself physically drawn to them. I'm confused and don't know what to think of this…

20 Sep 2019 9AM 4 min

Parent-Child Separation for a Short Time

Should I feel uneasy about leaving my little one with a babysitter or dropping him off at the church nursery for an hour or so? I'm a new parent, and I don't know if it's healthy for my child to be separated from me, even for relatively short periods of…

18 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

STD Testing for Unfaithful Spouse

Should a spouse who has had an affair be tested for sexually transmitted diseases and infections? My husband recently ended an affair, and we are working toward reconciliation. It's a touchy process and I don't want to do anything that might suggest a lack of trust or indicate that I…

17 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Recovering Emotionally From a Traumatic Experience

How can I find healing from the effects of disaster and trauma? Over the past month our community has been devastated by a terrible flood. The impact to my family has included the loss of our home, interruption of work and school, loss of income, physical deprivation, and overwhelming anxiety…

16 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Preparing for the Empty Nest

What can we do to get ready for the departure of our youngest child? He'll be going off to study after the end of this year, and my spouse and I will be left "on our own" as empty nesters. I've heard that many couples in our position face serious…

15 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Reasons to Pursue Higher Education

Why should I go to University? The way I see it, college isn't shaping the next generation into productive adults and leaders, and it doesn't help individual students achieve their personal goals. Why bury yourself in debt just because everyone else expects you to pursue "higher education"? Why waste several…

12 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Parent Concerned About Tomboyish Tendencies in Daughter

Should I be worried that my daughter might be "transgendered" because she likes to dress and act like a boy and spends a lot of time playing sports with her dad? After watching a television talk show on this subject, I've begun to wonder whether there might be something more…

11 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Use of Contraceptives in Marriage

All married couples face the enormous decision of if and when they would like to have children. There are various different methods for preventing pregnancy, which, of course, allows a couple to wait for a while after marriage before starting a family, in between having more kids, or when choosing…

10 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Husband Wonders if He Should Become 'Mr Mom'

Is there anything wrong with men being stay-at-home dads? I'm currently out of work, and since my wife earns a good salary we decided that it might be best if I simply stay home and take care of the kids for a while. It seemed like a good idea in…

10 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Husband Recovering From Porn Addiction - No Sexual Desire

Is it normal for a man who has been deeply involved with sexually explicit material to have no desire for marital intimacy? My husband and I haven't had sex in eight months. He knows that I desire a physical relationship, but he isn't interested. I suspect it has something to…

9 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Grandparents Filling in for Busy Moms and Dads

Should we as grandparents assume the responsibilities of parents? Our son and his wife both work and have extremely busy lives - probably too busy. My husband and I frequently find ourselves taking care of our grandchildren so that their mom and dad can keep up with the demands of…

8 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Eliminating the Stress of Potty Training

Is potty training a child always such a difficult and challenging experience? We've been trying to potty-train our son since he turned two years old. So far we haven't had much success, and the stress level in our household is at an all-time high. After several months, we're still not…

5 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Disciplining an Uncooperative Child

How can I get my child to obey and do as he's told? Our young son is defiant and talks back. He won't do his homework and refuses to clean his room. When we try to discuss these issues with him in a calm, mature way, we usually end up…

4 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Considerations for Working Mothers

Do you have any encouragement for moms who are employed outside the home? I'm aware that Focus on the Family spends a lot of time affirming stay-at-home moms in their role, but I'm wondering if you can offer any support to those of us who have to leave home every…

3 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Cohabiting Boyfriend Has Been Unfaithful

What should I do about my boyfriend who recently cheated on me? We've been living together for the past couple of years, but I recently found out that he's been sexting a "friend" of mine. When I confronted him, he said it's my fault. Then he left me and our…

2 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min