Family Matters

Avoiding Extremes in Child Discipline

How do I know when my disciplinary methods have crossed an inappropriate line? I was disciplining my five-year-old last night and feel that I got out of control in the way I handled the situation. I'm terrified this morning that I may have gone too far. How can I know…

1 Sep 2019 6PM 4 min

Christian Calling vs Family Commitments

As a Christian, how do I sort out the difference between my obligation to family on the one hand and to the work of the gospel on the other? And what's my responsibility to my extended family as compared with my obligation to my immediate, nuclear family? Is there any…

29 Aug 2019 6PM 4 min

Biblical Instruction and Expectations for Christian Giving

Are Christians really obligated to keep the "law" of the tithe? I hear a lot about tithing from the pulpit of my church, and quite frankly it angers and frustrates me. How does all this fit in with everything Paul says about the new covenant of grace and the Christian's…

28 Aug 2019 6PM 4 min

Denominationally Mismatched Romance

Should I pursue a serious relationship with someone of another denomination whose theological framework is radically different from my own? While serving on a short-term mission this summer, I met a young lady for whom I have developed deep feelings and great respect. We've been corresponding since we returned to…

27 Aug 2019 6PM 4 min

Biblical Perspective on Homosexuality and Same

Is it true that the Scriptures don't really have anything to say about homosexuality and the legalization of gay marriage? I've heard this argument advanced many times – so often, in fact, that I've become seriously confused about the issue. What's your perspective?

26 Aug 2019 6PM 4 min

Dealing With the Discouragement of Unemployment

How do I survive unemployment? It's been two years since I lost my job. After exhausting every possibility in my search for work, I no longer have any hope that my situation will ever change. My wife has gone back to work, but her income isn't enough to cover our…

25 Aug 2019 6PM 4 min

What to Do About Long Hours on the Job

How much time should I devote to my work? My job requires me to put in long hours every week. As a result I'm not able to give as much attention to other things – including my family – as I'd like. In your opinion, how much time is too…

22 Aug 2019 6PM 4 min

Tips for Developing Relationship With Stepchild

What's the best way for a stepparent to form strong bonds with his or her stepchildren? I recently got re-married to a wonderful man who is planning to adopt my three children. Unfortunately, my middle child, a preschool-age boy, has had a hard time warming up to him. What can…

21 Aug 2019 6PM 4 min

The Spiritual Side of Eating Disorders

Could my struggle with bulimia and anorexia stem from a lack of understanding of my identity in Christ? A friend recently suggested this possibility, and I'm not sure what to think of it. I've been struggling with eating disorders ever since I was a teenager, but I never considered it…

20 Aug 2019 6PM 4 min

Still Can't Sleep in the Same Bed with Unfaithful Spouse

Does the fact that I'm not ready to sleep in the same bed with my husband since learning of his affair mean that I haven't forgiven him? Several months ago I discovered that he had been involved with another woman for more than four years. He's sorry about it now…

19 Aug 2019 6PM 4 min

Spouse Uses Marijuana

Do you think it's wrong for my spouse to smoke marijuana? He's been a fairly regular user for most of our married life, and I've never seen it as a big problem since many people have assured me that pot isn't addictive. But he's been using it more often lately,…

18 Aug 2019 6PM 4 min

Signs of Video and Computer Game Addiction

How do I know if I have a serious problem with electronic and online games? I'll admit I'm an avid player. I go straight to the computer every night after work and spend the rest of the evening there. It's a way to rest and relax after a hard day…

15 Aug 2019 6PM 4 min

Replacing Porn With Sexual Photos of Wife

Is it okay for a man to use sexually suggestive cell-phone photos of his wife as substitutes for illicit pornographic material? I'm in the process of recovering from a long-term addiction to pornography, and I thought this might help me get over the problem. What you do you think about…

14 Aug 2019 6PM 4 min

Preschooler Is a Picky Eater

How can we get our finicky four-year-old to eat what we put in front of her? Her highly selective eating habits are driving us up the wall. We never allow between-meal snacks, yet dinnertime has become a major pain. I see this refusal to eat as disobedience, but my spouse…

13 Aug 2019 6PM 3 min

Leaving Job to Become a Stay at home mom

Do you have any advice or suggestions for a mother who wants to make the transition from full-time career woman to stay-at-home mom? What can I do to make this change as smooth as possible for the entire family?

12 Aug 2019 6PM 4 min

Help for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Do you have any advice for an older couple who have long-term custody of their grandchildren? Our two young grandkids are living with us and probably will be for some time. How do we provide them with a loving home without losing our sanity?

11 Aug 2019 11PM 4 min

Healthy Family Humor

How can we enjoy the lighter side of life and encourage laughter in our home but do it in an appropriate and edifying way? Many of our friends find amusement in things that I personally consider offensive. Can you suggest any helpful guidelines for healthy humor within the family?

8 Aug 2019 6PM 4 min

Focus on the Familys Position on Divorce and Remarriage

A listener wrote to us asking what Focus on the Family's position is on divorce and remarriage?

7 Aug 2019 6PM 4 min

Girlfriend Is Pregnant, Marriage as a Possible Solution

Should I marry my pregnant girlfriend? Our relationship has always been fine, but I've never really thought we'd be together for the rest of our lives. This changes everything. She will be keeping and raising the baby, and I'd like to do my fair share, as well. My girlfriend has…

6 Aug 2019 6PM 4 min

Scriptural Basis for Defending Human Life

Where does the Bible speak about the "sanctity of human life?" I've noticed that the more widely a phrase or slogan gets thrown around, the fuzzier its meaning seems to become. This one is a good example. I'm forever hearing Christians talk about "the sanctity of human life" – in…

5 Aug 2019 6PM 4 min