How do we deal with a small child who takes off and has to be chased down every time he misbehaves and suspects that he’s about to be punished? He tends to run away whenever any kind of problem surfaces, and we have to run after him just to talk to him, let alone correct …
Parenting Q&As
Is there any hope for the parent of a defiant, strong-willed child? I go through life feeling frazzled, dazed, and tired to the bone. Every day – almost every hour! – brings another confrontation, and sometimes I feel as if I don’t have the strength to go on. Any suggestions?
Should we put off having kids and starting a family until we’re more mature and established? My wife and I are in our late twenties. She’s in grad school and I’m working to get my new business off the ground. We’re extremely busy, and to be honest, I’m not sure I’m ready to be a …
At what age do you recommend that we start introducing our child to the worship service at church? What’s the best way to go about it?
How can I help my teens deal with the fallout of my divorce? It’s been painful for everyone, but I’m especially concerned about my oldest son. Ever since my ex-husband left a year and a half ago, he seems to be putting himself under a lot of pressure to assume the role of the “man …
Is it okay not to have kids? My spouse and I have been doing some serious thinking about the whole parenting thing, and we’re not sure we want to get involved. How do you feel about childlessness as an intentional lifestyle choice?
If my spouse and I argue and disagree a lot, will this have a negative effect on our kids? Though our relationship is still intact (for the most part), we have what I can only describe as a “high-conflict marriage.” Is this likely to hurt our children?
My husband has never been violent with me, but it is an entirely different story where our children are concerned. He is frequently lashes out at them physically, and has seriously injured them on more than one occasion. I want to protect them, but I’m terrified of how he may react if I challenge him. …
Are we right to be worried about our daughter’s decision to move in with her boyfriend? When we found out she that she was living with him, we told her we felt it was immoral. She said our values were “old fashioned” and argued that living together is the best way to test a couple’s …
How do we manage our deep sense of failure as parents after learning that our son is being held back a year in school? How do we help him understand why he didn’t pass his grade level? What should we do if the other kids start to tease him about it?
As parents, how should we respond to a teenager who argues that the recreational use of pot is socially acceptable, that the authorities aren’t concerned about it anymore, and that it’s on the verge of being legalized. We know he’s been using marijuana, but when we confronted him about it he flatly refused to stop. …
What are some of the child-rearing disagreements most likely to arise between first-time parents? We’re expecting our first child, and we’re trying to do everything we can to prepare ourselves before the fact. Can you give us some good advice?
What should we do if we suspect that our adolescent son is making plans to run away? Is there something we can do to prevent this from happening?
How do we relate to an adult child in prison? It’s painful to admit this, but through a series of unfortunate circumstances and poor choices, our grown son has been incarcerated. I can’t even begin to describe how horrible we feel. How can we reach out and support him without enabling or appearing to condone …
How can a single mom find a man (or several men) capable of providing the masculine influence and guidance her children need as they approach puberty? I feel it’s important for them to have good male role models to look up to and learn from. Any ideas on how I should go about finding one?
Is it a good idea for children to get involved in sports, dance classes, music lessons, and other commitments outside of their school work and household chores? How much of this kind of thing is too much? Can you suggest any practical guidelines?
When should parents start talking with their sons about what it means to be a God-honoring husband and father? Our boy isn’t even in his teens yet, but we want to be sure to lay a strong foundation before it’s too late. Should we wait until after puberty? Or would it be better to hold …
What should I do if I’m convinced that my adolescent child is seriously depressed and could be suicidal?
Is there any real evidence that dads really have a uniquely important impact in the lives of their children? Our culture seems to place little value on the role of fathers. I see evidence of this everywhere, from pop culture and media to government policy. My own experience and belief system tell me that fatherhood …
