Family Matters

Marriages are under threat in an even more terrifying way than ever before with the introduction of cybersex and other online portals to sexually explicit material. So many people are falling prey to the lure of sexual encounters online without realizing the serious nature of such practices.

Can you tell us what changes we should expect as our child goes through puberty and enters adolescence – and how we should deal with them? I realize that this is likely to be a challenging time in our son's life. I'm also assuming that my spouse and I will have to bear a large part of the burden of his insecurity and anxiety as he navigates this delicate transition. Do you have some tried-and-true strategies for weathering the storm?

It’s sometimes difficult to get a sense of really counting for God when your everyday life tends to feel quite mundane. Christians often question how effective they are being in God’s kingdom, trying desperately to pursue their ‘calling’ and ending up resenting their career.

When a couple decides to get married, there should be no secrets between them that may surface in their marriage and trip them up. So, what happens if you have chosen to stay sexually pure before marriage but your partner is no longer a virgin?

What did Jesus mean when He said, "Go, sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven"? I became a Christian about a year and a half ago, and for the most part I've been very happy in my new-found faith. Sure, I've had my ups and downs, but the Lord has changed my life dramatically and blessed me in many ways. But when I met a man who showed me that Bible verse, it filled me with confusion and doubt. Do I have to give up my home and live on the streets in order to follow Jesus?

How effective are "time outs"? Our son is entering toddlerhood and I'm not sure what type of discipline is best for different behaviors. My friends all seem to rely on "time outs" regardless of the nature of their kids' behavior. I'm not sure this is always the best method. When are "time outs" an appropriate means of discipline? When are they not? How can I tell the difference?

What's your opinion of oral sex? Is this a permissible form of sexual intimacy and expression between a husband and wife?

Is it reasonable for a husband to look for sexual stimulation in pornography if his wife doesn't care about her appearance and lets herself go? I'm in a miserable marriage. Since our wedding, my wife has put on a lot of weight and isn't concerned about doing anything to address the problem. I don't want to divorce her, but I still have sexual needs. Any ideas?

How do I answer my child's difficult questions about her absent father? I broke up with her dad almost eight years ago – when she was just a baby – and she has never met him. But lately she's been asking things like, "Do you still love Daddy?" and "Why doesn't he call – doesn't he love me? " and "Can I try to find him someday?" What do you think I should say?

How can I tell if my child is having trouble with a bully? Are there any tell-tale signs? And if he is, how can I help him deal with the situation?