Q: Our preschooler recently walked in on us while we were having sex. Should we be concerned that this will have any negative long-term effects on him? I tried to cover up as best I could, but I could... more
Q: How can we parent effectively when so many of our friends and relatives have values that conflict with ours? This is especially tough when we're all together for the holidays.... more
Q: Do you have any suggestions for how I can help a good friend whose husband just died? I'd like to support her in any way we can -- especially during the holidays.... more
Q: How can we enjoy Christmas when we have to spend so much money on presents? We're stressed over our finances all year, but it gets worse during the holidays.... more
Q: My spouse doesn't get along with my parents and siblings. The situation has gotten so bad that he doesn't even want to travel to attend our annual Thanksgiving celebration at my parents' home. I'm ... more
Q: I feel like my daughter's slipping away. I want to be a great dad, but I don't know how to connect with her now that she has reached the "tween" years.... more
Q: Our teenage son's girlfriend is pregnant. He's 17 and she's 16. It's difficult to admit this to anyone. What does he most need to hear from us?... more
Q: How do I handle conflicts with my ex-husband over parenting styles? I'm a firm believer in structure and discipline. But that goes out the window every time the kids spend a weekend with my ex, who... more
Q: Our daughter's first semester away at college was an academic disaster. We haven't seen evidence of any other troubling behaviors, so we're not quite sure what to think. Should we threaten to withd... more
Q: What's the best way to handle grandparents who play favorites? My parents are partial to our oldest child, and our youngest child has noticed and is beginning to ask questions.... more
Q: How can I help my 14-year-old son turn his grades around? I used to tutor him when he was younger, but lately he's refused my help. Right now the only thing he's into is basketball. I don't want to... more
Q: We're only two months into the school year and already we're drowning in extracurricular activities. How much is too much? Can you suggest any practical guidelines?... more
Q: I've never gotten along with my in-laws. Three years ago, there was a huge argument and we haven't spoken since. At that time, they told my wife they'd pay for a divorce if she would end the marria... more
Q: My husband told me a month ago that he has started to eat lunch with a single lady in his office. He says they're only friends and feels sorry for her since she is new to the company. I told him I ... more
Q: My husband and I just moved to another state so he could get his MBA. Last night, he told me that he's been having an affair for a few months. He says he doesn't love me any longer, but feels oblig... more
Q: I've never kept tight controls on my teenagers. I don't enforce strict curfews or get uptight when they come in late at night. But recently, I read an article about sexual slavery and human traffic... more
Q: Our son graduated from high school last spring and is still living at home. Should we still have a curfew for him as long as he is living under our roof, or should we just ask that he always tell u... more
Q: As first-time parents, we've been overwhelmed by all the advice we've received from people. Though they are well-meaning, I feel like telling them to mind their own business. Is that wrong?... more
Q: Our son is heading off for his first year at college and wants to pledge to a fraternity. Is this a good idea for a freshman? I don't know much about fraternities.... more
Q: What can we do about our teen's use of marijuana? When we confronted him, he said that it's now socially acceptable and on the verge of being legalized. He's refused to stop, and we're not sure how... more
Q: Am I obligated to take care of my parents even though they hurt me in many ways when I was growing up? Our family was really dysfunctional. Now my parents are old, feeble and increasingly unable to... more
Q: After the Boston Marathon bombings, I'm feeling more anxious about world events and the possibility of terrorist attacks in our country. Do you have any suggestions for dealing with these fears?... more
Q: How can I motivate my two lazy teenagers? They won't help me around the house. As a single mom, I don't have the energy to make them get to work. Is there a way to break this negative pattern?... more
Q: My grandson is going to be 2 years old next month. Whenever he doesn't get his way, he screams at the top of his lungs and throws a tantrum. My daughter says it's a stage, but I don't remember my k... more
Q: My mother-in-law won't leave us alone. My husband and I were just married a few months ago, and she comes by all the time and calls constantly. My husband is afraid to talk to her because he doesn'... more
Q: My wife was just diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety. She rarely engages in conversation, and even though she's on medication, she acts like she doesn't want to have anything to do with me... more