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Angry toddler girl

Toddler Is Negative and Contrary

How do I handle 2-year-old who opposes and contradicts me at every turn? says “no” to everything? I’m exasperated! If I offer him a cracker or a cup of water, he says “no!” If I set the cup aside, he cries and begs for it. He acts the same way with other children at the …

Little girl getting bandaid on arm after vaccination

Vaccination and Immunization

What’s your perspective on the safety and advisability of child immunization? Several of our friends, who are also new parents, have very strong feelings against vaccinating children. I want to do what’s best for our baby. Can you give me some guidance in this area?

mom on phone flanked by two young kids

Working Mom Struggling to Make Time for Kids

With everything it takes to work at the office and run a household, how can I find quality time to spend with my children? It seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything that needs to be done. Do you have any suggestions?

multi-racial family hugging adoption

International Adoptions

Can you help me understand the ins and outs of adopting a child from outside the United States – possibly from a developing country? How does the international adoption process work? I’m concerned about children around the world. Do you have any advice or suggestions?

woman hugging sad female friend

Understanding a Post-Abortal Friend

Why won’t my friend talk about her abortion? It’s obvious that she’s in bad shape emotionally, and I’d like to help her. But every time I try to broach the subject, she clams up. Do you have any insights into what she might be thinking?

parents waiting on bridge for four young children

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?

mom hugging college age daughter

College Student Concerned About Over-Anxious Mother

How can I help my mom prepare for my upcoming departure for college? I’ll be leaving in a few weeks, and I’m afraid she won’t be able to handle it when I go. Like any good mother, she’s very protective and worries about me. But it seems to me that her worrying is getting out …

man in suit upset looking at watch

Dealing With a Chronically Late Spouse

How do I deal with a chronically late spouse? He’s late for everything except work. I know I’m not responsible for this behavior, but it makes me late too when we’re going somewhere together, and that reflects poorly on my reputation. More importantly, this constant tardiness inconveniences and is disrespectful to the people we invariably …

couple dressed lying together under sheet on bed

Engaged Couple Wants to Know Why Premarital Sex Isn’t Okay

Now that we are committed to be married, why should we wait to have sexual intercourse? How can there be anything wrong with our love-making when we’ve already promised to spend our lives together?

couple standing in front of college wearing backpacks

Getting Married in College

Should my girlfriend and I get married before I graduate from the university? We’re both mature Christians and we’ve both made a commitment to sexual purity before marriage. We’ve been dating about five months, and after much prayer, we’ve decided to get married in two years. Our parents approve of our plans, but mine disagree …

man on bench sunset head bowed

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 standing in the way, but …

dad and little kids

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 the beginning, but lately I’ve …

couple arms around each other looking at house

Marriage and Finances: Buying a House

When should a couple start thinking about purchasing a home? My spouse and I have been talking about this possibility. We both agree that we want to own our own home — eventually — but we’re not on the same page when it comes to whether we’re ready now. Do you have any recommendations?

abuse can feel hopeless

My Spouse Is Verbally and Emotionally Abusive

How should I deal with my spouse’s unkind words, mind games, and put-downs? This has been a problem for most of our marriage. I’ve never been physically hurt, but the constant verbal and emotional abuse has made my life miserable. Some of my friends say I should get a divorce, but others say I should …

back of couple walking down street

Planning a Wedding With Acrimonious Divorced Parents

How do we keep my divorced parents from spoiling our wedding? I’m engaged, but as the wedding approaches my husband-to-be and I are beginning to fear that our big day may become an occasion for major family strife. My parents haven’t been on speaking terms for years. It’s a terribly awkward situation, and it’s filling …

guy and girl talking on bench

Pursuing a Relationship With Victim of Dating Break-Up

How long should I wait before pursuing a young lady who has recently gone through a difficult break-up with a boyfriend? I realize that she’s in a place where she needs time to deal with the hurt and loss. At the same time, I don’t want to wait around too long and possibly lose out …

man woman shadows on beach at sunset

Sexual Expression and Fantasy in Marriage

How can I tell the difference between what’s appropriate and what’s not appropriate in my sexual relationship with my spouse? In particular, is there any place for sexual fantasy in a marital relationship? What’s your perspective on this subject?

messy room

Spouse Is a “Messie”

How can I get my husband to help keep the house clean? I never noticed that he was a “messie” before we were married because his roommates were neat and tidy. Since I’m the one who likes the house clean and orderly, I’m the one who picks up after him and does all the housework. …

snake on leaves

Temptation, Prayer, and Spiritual Vigilance

Won’t God protect me from temptation if I pray? Here’s my reason for asking. Though I’m unaware of any immediate threat to the health and well-being of my marriage, I’m still afraid that, somehow, someday, I may trip up and fall into an adulterous affair. I recently heard a man confess that this very thing …

couple talking outside close together

What It Means to Be “Unequally Yoked”

Is it a sin to marry a non-Christian? I’m dating a woman who isn’t a believer, and my parents and friends keep quoting the Bible: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” But the context and original Greek language of that verse suggest that Paul is writing specifically about believers’ avoiding idolatry.