Family Matters

Anxiety disorders: An overview

I'm a worrier, and the problem is getting worse. I've heard people talk about "anxiety disorders," but I don't know what that means. How can I tell if my worry is normal or if I have an anxiety disorder? And what should I do?

15 Dec 2019 5PM 4 min

Anorexia and "Pro-Ana websites

Are "pro-ana" websites helpful for those with anorexia and other eating disorders? I recently discovered that my teenage daughter, who has struggled with an eating disorder (anorexia), has been visiting one of these sites on a regular basis. When I questioned her about it, she said that it's designed to…

12 Dec 2019 5PM 4 min

advice on teens and online chat rooms

What's your opinion on teens getting involved in social networking and online chat rooms? I've read some of the teen conversations on the sites my daughter wants to visit, and they seem relatively harmless. But I'm still afraid of losing control over my child's interactions with her peers. Should I…

11 Dec 2019 5PM 4 min

Adolescent Daughter Involved With an Older Man

Should we let our 16-year-old girl spend time with an older guy? He's 25 and very involved in our church praise band. For the last year he and my daughter have had a fun brother-sister type relationship. He's very likeable and held in high esteem at our church, but for…

10 Dec 2019 5PM 4 min

The Effects and Impact of Divorce on Children

Will my divorce have any serious long-term effects on my kids? Our marriage has been very difficult, and I recently contacted a divorce attorney in order to discuss and explore my options. My children are still young – between 8 and 14 – and sometimes I become extremely depressed and…

9 Dec 2019 5PM 4 min

Using Tithe Money to Help Aging Parents

Would it be wrong to use part of our tithe to pay for a nursing facility for aging parents? We're finding out what the term "sandwich generation" really means. Just as our kids are entering college we're faced with providing some kind of care for my wife's mom and dad…

8 Dec 2019 5PM 4 min

Stopping a Toddler From Hitting

How can I keep my 2-year-old daughter from "beating up" on her 10-month-old brother? She kicks him, punches him, bites him, screams at him, and whacks him with toys. It all began when he started crawling. This kind of thing goes on every day, several times a day. We've done…

5 Dec 2019 5PM 4 min

Wives Who Initiate Sex

Is it healthy and appropriate for wives to take the lead when it comes to lovemaking? My husband and I enjoy a fulfilling and satisfying sex life, but that's one thing I've wondered about: There are times when I desire physical intimacy, but I have doubts about whether it's right…

3 Dec 2019 5PM 4 min

Parents Blocking Grandparents' Relationship With Grandchildren

We really want to develop a meaningful relationship with our grandchildren, but over time our daughter and son-in-law have pushed us away to the point where it seems they don't want much to do with us. As a result, we have very little interaction with the grandkids. When their parents…

2 Dec 2019 5PM 4 min

Infertility Testing During Engagement

Would it be okay for me to ask my bride-to-be to get tested for infertility before we're married? I can't understand the current trend toward "intentional childlessness" or the apparent devaluation of children in our culture – in fact, I've wanted kids for as long as I can remember! I…

1 Dec 2019 5PM 4 min

Faith, Works, and Salvation

Am I saved by faith or good works? As a new Christian, I was relieved to hear that salvation doesn't depend on works, but solely on God's gift of grace. But then someone told me that "faith without works is dead" and that God cares as much about my actions…

28 Nov 2019 5PM 4 min

Dealing With Overindulgent Grandparents

How can I encourage my parents to stop spoiling our children? Grandma and Grandpa give my kids whatever they ask for, sometimes in complete disregard of my wishes. I don't want to alienate my parents, but I've got to do something. Any ideas?

27 Nov 2019 5PM 4 min

Dads and influence they have on their daughters

As a father, what are some of the key roles that I play in the life of my daughter? What areas in her life should I focus on and what are some things I can do to create a healthy relationship between us?

26 Nov 2019 5PM 4 min

Clinging Mom afraid to release a college aged child

Can you help me "let go" of my son who is heading off to study at university? I'm worried about the challenges he'll be facing on his own – challenges to his faith and his moral values, not to mention the practical challenges of living on his own for the…

25 Nov 2019 5PM 4 min

Alcoholic Sicking help

Do you have any assistance to offer to someone who seriously wants to stop drinking? Where do I find the professional help I need? I'm desperate to overcome my problem with alcohol, but hard experience has convinced me that I can't beat this addiction on my own. Now my wife…

24 Nov 2019 5PM 4 min

Achieving a balanced lifestyle

How can I adjust my schedule so as to bring about a healthier equalization between the time I spend at work and the time I devote to the rest of life's activities and demands? I've really tried to do this, but it seems that something suffers no matter what I…

21 Nov 2019 5PM 4 min

Christian Has Deep Doubts About Their Salvation

How can I know that I'm saved when I don't feel saved? I know that many people struggle with doubts about this – it's a problem I've had throughout my Christian life. I've talked to many pastors over the years, and nearly all of them have told me the same…

20 Nov 2019 5PM 4 min

Preparing for Marriage in a College Environment

How do I, as a student, prepare myself to be a godly wife and mother? I'm a single woman in my mid-twenties, pursuing a graduate degree in literature at university. While I enjoy my studies and view them as important in preparing me for a future career in teaching, there's…

19 Nov 2019 5PM 4 min

Responding to a Gay Christian in the Family

What should we say to our college-age son who claims to be a "gay Christian?" He believes God has told him that there's nothing wrong with homosexuality and that interpretations of the Bible to the contrary are in error. Worst of all, he's been sharing these ideas with his brother…

19 Nov 2019 3AM 4 min

Finding a Good Marriage Therapist

How do we locate a qualified marriage counselor? Do you have any recommendations? My spouse and I need help, but we don't know who to see or what to look for.

18 Nov 2019 5PM 4 min