Family Matters

What are some meaningful and practical ways we can ease the burden of a family who has a child with special needs? My husband and I have friends from church with a child who was recently diagnosed with cerebral palsy. We know this family is juggling a lot of things at once and we want to help them. Any good ideas on how we can do this?

If God is both genders - or contains both genders - shouldn't people be free to choose their own gender identity? Let me explain what I mean. Focus on the Family claims that its views on gender identity are based on a Scripture verse that says, "God created man in His own image" and then goes on to assert that this "image" includes both "male and female." Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't this mean that God is androgynous - male and female at the same time? If this is true, wouldn't it further suggest that human beings made "in His image" have the prerogative of being either male or female - or perhaps both male and female - according to personal preference?

Can I really "do all things through Christ?" Besides being a strong Christian, I'm young, full of energy, and enthusiastic about life. As a result, I have big plans and want to do great things for God. When I talk like this, my family and friends tell me I've got stars in my eyes. When I quote Philippians 4:13 – "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" – they just laugh and brush me off. I know I'm right, but haven't yet figured out a way to convince them. Can you help me?

As grandparents, how should we approach discipline with grandchildren who live under our roof? Our divorced daughter and her children recently moved in with us, and this has already led to some tense situations. What's the best way to handle this?

As a parent, how can I tell when a child's normal curiosity about sex has crossed over into something inappropriate or unhealthy? My kids are at the age where they're starting to ask questions. That's fine in and of itself, but they've also been showing other signs of interest. For example, I walked in on them “playing doctor” the other day, and it was a pretty awkward experience for all of us.

Why doesn't my son want me to teach him things? From the moment he was born I've been looking forward to the time when I could teach him how to do all kinds of fun "guy" stuff. But now that he's old enough, he doesn't want me to teach him anything. When I try, he just says, "Dad, I can do it myself!" This isn't how I envisioned fatherhood. Any advice?

Is it wrong that I don't want to have sexual intercourse as often as my husband does? Is my libido unhealthy or deficient? I try to accommodate him as often as I can, both out of love and a sense of duty, but there are times when I simply can't respond no matter how hard I try. We're both frustrated.

Should I continue a relationship with a man who seems to have a real problem with obscene and sexually explicit material? I've been dating him for some time now, and recently we've begun talking about engagement and marriage. On the whole he's a fantastic person, but I'm wondering whether his porn addiction is a red flag. Do you think we should move forward in our relationship?

Do you have any advice for a woman who is about to leave a high-profile career in order to devote all her time to parenting and homemaking? My wife is on the verge of taking this momentous step. How can we make it a smooth transition? We've reached this decision together after hours and hours of prayer and discussion, but I still have questions and doubts. For one thing, how can I be sure that we'll be able to make it financially?

How soon should a parent start responding to behavioral problems in the early childhood years? I'm especially interested in hearing your thoughts on the issue of timing – when do you think I should begin disciplining my child? As a new mom I could use some guidance and advice in this area.