Family Matters

Mental Disorders in Kids

What should I expect from a child with a mental disorder? How can I know which behaviors he's capable of controlling and which behaviors I should simply accept and make allowances for? We're facing this situation with our teenage son, and we have no idea how to handle it. Can…

1 Jul 2019 11PM 4 min

Husband-to-Be Has Been Sexually Active Before Marriage

As a bride-to-be, how can I get past the struggle and disappointment I'm experiencing due to the fact that the man I'm marrying isn't a virgin? I don't hold this against him. In fact, I almost feel guilty for having these feelings because he is a devoted Christian, gentle and…

30 Jun 2019 11PM 4 min

How to Help a Depressed Spouse

How can I convince my spouse to seek help for possible depression? I have reason to believe that he's struggling in this area, but he refuses to admit that this might be true or to take my concerns seriously. I'm not sure if it's pride, fear, or something else that's…

27 Jun 2019 11PM 4 min

Homemaking and the Biblical View of Work

Where does homemaking fit into the Bible's teaching on work and labor? I've always been happy in my role as a stay-at-home wife and mother. Then I heard a series of messages about the role of productive labor in God's plan for mankind. Since then I've been having doubts. I…

26 Jun 2019 11PM 4 min

Conflict With Parents Over Wedding Plans

How should we handle a potentially explosive disagreement with my parents over our upcoming wedding? They've expressed strong objections to our serving wine and having dancing at our reception. My husband-to-be and I are financially independent, and we'd be willing to cover the wedding expenses ourselves. But this wouldn't really…

25 Jun 2019 11PM 4 min

Children's Nervous Habits

Are ongoing nervous habits potentially harmful to children? My child has one, and I've done everything I can think of to put a stop to it, but so far nothing has worked. It's driving me crazy. What should I do?

24 Jun 2019 11PM 4 min

Becoming a Successful Blended Family

As a recently remarried stepparent, what can I do to make the transition to blended family life as smooth as possible for my children, my spouse's kids, and everyone else concerned?

23 Jun 2019 11PM 4 min

Affair With a Member of the Extended Family

Should I tell my husband about the one-time sexual encounter I had with his brother? It happened over a year ago in a moment of weakness. Both of us immediately acknowledged that this was wrong and nothing further has happened since. Our families see each other regularly and are very…

20 Jun 2019 11PM 4 min

Adult Child Living at Home Disregards Parents

What kind of standards of conduct and behavior should parents impose upon an adult child living in their home? Our single 29-year-old daughter lives with us in separate quarters off of the main house. She knows how deeply we feel about marriage as the only appropriate context for sexual expression,…

19 Jun 2019 11PM 4 min

When Not to Submit to Your Husband

Is it ever appropriate for a woman to question her husband's judgment or to oppose his decisions when she believes he's in the wrong? If so, how does this fit in with Ephesians 5:22, where Paul says, "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord?" Are there any…

18 Jun 2019 11PM 4 min

Special Needs of a Compliant Child

How is a mild-tempered, cooperative child likely to be impacted by the presence of a defiant and strong-willed sibling in the home? My oldest daughter is a model child – pleasant, cheerful, and agreeable. Her brother is the exact opposite. I may contact you about him some other time; believe…

17 Jun 2019 11PM 4 min

Repeatedly Straying Christian Wonders if He's Beyond God's Forgivesness

How many times will God forgive me and take me back again? I'm a Christian, but my walk with the Lord has been an on-and-off thing for a number of years. There have been many occasions when I've walked away from the Lord only to return to Him again after…

16 Jun 2019 11PM 4 min

Moving Forward After the Pain of Divorce

How do I deal with the brokenness of divorce and make a new life for my kids and myself? I'll admit that I've made some bad choices. One of the worst was walking away from my family when my marriage got too tough to deal with. I realize now that…

13 Jun 2019 11PM 4 min

Addictions, Choosing an Accountability Partner

As a recovering addict, how can I find someone to walk with me through the difficult beginning stages of the healing process? Do you have any advice on choosing an accountability partner and what this relationship should look like? I'd really appreciate any suggestions you can offer.

12 Jun 2019 11PM 4 min

A Christian's Relationship With a Godless Government

Why should I "submit" to a government that I believe is moving in the wrong direction? I love my country and want to cooperate with the political system, but I'm struggling to understand what the Bible says on this subject. How in the world can the apostle Paul tell Christians…

11 Jun 2019 11PM 4 min

Creating An Atmosphere Of Affection

This is a 60-second daily feature looking at most critical issues facing the family today. In these features, Focus on the Family offers practical advice on variety of subjects of interest for the whole family. Subjects include: marital, medical, emotional, parental and many more.

11 Jun 2019 11PM 1 min

Sex At Its Best

Is marital sex really more satisfying? I'm in a difficult marriage, and one of the biggest sore spots between me and my wife is the whole issue of sex. I feel deprived. Sometimes I'm even tempted to explore the possibility of getting my needs met somewhere else. I read an…

10 Jun 2019 11PM 4 min

Sorting Out Obsessive Compulsive Disorders

What's the difference between obsessive-compulsive disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder? I'm confused about the terminology, which complicates my efforts to find help for my spouse, who (in my opinion) exhibits a number of obsessive compulsive traits. Can you clarify the difference for me?

9 Jun 2019 11PM 4 min

Struggling With Same-sex Attractions

Is there any way I can overcome my life-long struggle with same-sex attraction? I've tried to resist, but it seems inevitable that I will eventually act on these feelings. What should I do?

6 Jun 2019 11PM 4 min

Talking to Children About Tragic Events

As a parent, how should I deal with my children when mass shootings, natural disasters, and other tragic events involving loss of life occur? Should I do my best to shield them from this information – an almost impossible task in the face of today's constant news media cycle? Or…

5 Jun 2019 11PM 4 min