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A note to our readers
The Focus on the Family column, which has been a regular fixture in this space for many years, is being replaced with a new column on apologetics
Monitor grandparents' excessive gift buying

Holidays can be a time to grieve rather than celebrate

Gift-giving a source of tension for couple

Parents can help kids learn to handle schoolyard bullies

The viewing of porn can have devastating effects on adults

Kids need stability during 'earthquake' of divorce

Woman must learn to trust again after husband's affair

Don't be afraid to 'wage war' when disciplining children

Son's divorce difficult for parents to witness

Girl's shyness may be caused by anxiety

Woman's teen son challenging stepdad's parental authority

Parents concerned about toddler's night terrors

Parents try balancing needs of sick child with others

Couple needs to get to the 'core' of their relationship

Husband's angry outbursts source of family stress

Parents of recent grad not sure if he should move back home

Dad's control over son becomes less influential over time

Adoption a deeply rewarding choice for many parents

Dad concerned son will make same marital mistakes he did

Financial secrets can dissolve couples' trust

Dad concerned son will make same marital mistakes he did

Bullies making school difficult for child

Dad's lack of engagement with son has mom worried

Withholding dessert won't change daughter's behavior

Assessing talent doesn't have to be cruel exercise

Working mom feels guilty having child in day care

First Christmas after divorce not very merry for children

Find balance when planning new baby's sleep schedule

Mother must protect kids from ex-husband

Dating can be damaging to young teens' self-esteem

Man's Internet flings could destroy marriage

Woman questions future with older boyfriend

Make a commitment before making a move

Smart, achievable goals lead to student success

Young adults can't succeed if living with mom and dad

Girls with ADHD may not be hyperactive

Family must unite when loved one has a drinking problem

Kids misbehave in public, testing parents' composure

Family must unite when loved one has a drinking problem

Rewards can be a useful way to influence children

Anxiety about children's future can spoil the present

Forcing a little one to eat is always a losing battle

Kids' bed-wetting can often be treated with medication

Fathers' influence key to daughters' self-esteem

Parents: Pick your battles with your teenagers wisely

Parent-child separation can be devastating for family

While some might think ADHD is overdiagnosed, it is real

Learning how to converse is like a game of catch

Home schooling may be the right choice for your kids

Children deserve plenty of quality time with parents

Women must look to each other for emotional connection
Hormonal changes are start of tumultuous teen years

Holidays are hard on those who've experienced tragedy

Sometimes responsibility is learned the hard way

Holding your child back a grade may not improve development

The key to good parenting is beyond scientific explanation

Don't let small grievances ruin relationship with parents

Intellectual stimulation has good effect on kids' brains

Routine whining can be eliminated by ignoring it

Violent shows, toys should be a concern to parents

Parents must guide stubborn kids into making smart choices

Men must be brought out of their shells, encouraged to talk

Men must be brought out of their shells, encouraged to talk

Children must be allowed to learn through busy exploration

With strict oversight, video games can be fun for children

Children raised with discipline, appreciation turn out best

Violent kids are often victims of poverty, abuse
Strong-willed kids must be given caring, firm discipline

Single mom feeling anxious about kids' summer vacation

Men must be brought out of their shells, encouraged to talk

Too much pressure on kids is counterproductive to success

Manipulative children are driven to be their own boss

Moving back home brings new, yet familiar, challenges

Daughter's bad attitude will get better as she matures

Unrealistically high expectations threaten new marriages

Parents must take control at the beginning of child's life

Woman struggling to accept husband's reserved behavior

HPV epidemic plagues young people

Letting go of kids is hard, but has many rewards

Early stimulation promotes children's learning ability

Parents question future with strong-willed child

Consistent discipline is key to fixing child's attitude

Teach your children to do the 'Write' thing

Confronting problems is better than the alternative

Boy's reading trouble has developmental explanation

Perfect marriage is too much to ask for

Couples' contrasting assumptions lead to nasty arguments

Children's television exposure must be limited

Raising healthy, loving kids is a father's greatest challenge

Don't ever take your anger out on your children

Spanking is responsible discipline for unruly children

'Commitment of will' in marriage outlasts emotional turmoil
Television has power to destroy civility, society

Parents need to reply 'yes' as often as they can

Physicians need to respect parents' authority

"Commitment of will" in marriage outlasts emotional turmoil

Prolonged depression requires active professional treatment

Marital troubles outside bedroom harm sexual relationship
Principles of 'tough love' lead to healthy relationships
Parents must screen outside influences on their children
Courtship, not dating, can foster proper teenage behavior

Parents must shape the will of their children

Remember to rekindle romance in long-term relationships

Kids need assistance to establish their own identities

Child's discovery: leads to parents' discomfort

Teach facts and concepts for a well-rounded student

Family relationships defy scientific study

Parents question future with strong-willed child

Rambunctious toddlers not suited for church

Lack of support system worries mother
Focus On The Family

Responsibilty training best prepares children for life

Parents walk fine line in teens' struggle for independence

ADHD is a lifelong condition that must be managed

Understanding bed-wetting leads to remedy

Get counseling before giving ultimatum to straying spouse

Fathers play critical role in their sons' lives

Son seeks parent's advice on pending engagement

Son seeks parent's advice on pending engagement

Respect for dad impresses kids

Quantity and quality both vital when spending time with kids

Forgive parents for their flaws; they won’t be around forever

Transfer of blame and guilt follows infidelity
Children gain maturity when freedom comes step by step

Parents who set reasonable limits create happy homes

Men vs. women: long may they differ

Trend toward early puberty may be changing course

Financial struggles lead to day-care question

Challenges surface when two families come together

Communicating with teen tries everyone's patience

Give your children the gift of independence

Noise and roughness inherent in young boys

Teach facts and concepts for a well-rounded student

Good-natured child needs share of parents' attention

Calculating your child's misbehavior

Most adolescents overwhelmed by hormones

Teen's hard times can help build character

Coping techniques help keep stress levels in check

Overprotective parents not necessarily off base

Daughter's small stature baffles parents

Changes in family structure jeopardize child's moral code

Sibling rivalry can get ugly where beauty is concerned

Apologies are necessary when parents err

Teenage behavior often linked to hormonal changes

Mom and teen daughter are in constant battle

Overcoming common ‘marriage killers’ is serious work
Try a little kindness if you know single parents in need
Large inheritance can be threat to responsible living

Meeting six requirements will help you find right occupation

Today's teenagers have more dangers to avoid

Teen’s discovery has parent hunting for right words

Solid base for sex ed should be in place before puberty

Don’t allow your child ’s physician to take over your role

Don’t rock your child’s boat unless he’s ready to founder

Advocating condom usage to teens can be dangerous

Violent screen images have measurable impact on kids

Following these guidelines creates consistent discipline

Parents must steer lightly through adolescent turbulence

The difficult task of letting go

Separate Sex-Ed classes make sense for boys and girls

Children learn civility through example set by adults

Creative action can motivate your child ’s behavior

Single parenting is the challenge of a lifetime

Stay-at-home moms are essential part of workforce

Students and parents benefit from school choice

Disrespect from 6-year-old is tactic of defiance

Teach your sons through your example

Look for these symptoms to diagnose A.D.D.

Parents who avoid dinner table arguments can get kids to eat

Successful marriages fight against ‘natural distancing’

Struggle for power dominates adolescent society

Alcoholism is the entire family's problem

Parents fear and cherish the terrible twos

Children naturally push the limits of adults' power

School uniforms help teach kids about standards

Fathers and sons must find common ground

Older sibling of new baby needs attention, too

Make discipline a game for child with split personality

Gradual transfer of responsibility prepares daughter for life

Adopting children is one of life's greatest privileges

Child's destiny not guaranteed by personality 'type'

Parents need to reply 'yes' as liberally as possible

"Commitment of will" in marriage outlasts emotional turmoil

Distraction often the best discipline for toddlers

Prolonged depression requires active professional treatment

Adults must respond swiftly to cruelty among children

Parents Fear Their Children's Teen Rebellion

First Person: Why we must back the marriage ammendment

Motivated alcoholics can be successfully treated

Explore treatment options for attention deficit disorder

Childhood trauma can inspire greatness

Good teachers create classrooms free of ridicule

Parents must screen outside influences on their children

Help your children achieve balance between work and play

Constant togetherness can challenge a relationship

Education is inefficient, but its importance is beyond doubt

Confronting an alcoholic requires careful maneuvering

Trend toward early puberty may be changing course

Nagging wife and overworked husband equal troubled marriage

Patient parents typically rewarded after teen years

Appeasement is rarely successful in relationships

Communicating with teens tries everyone's patience

Kids need assistance to establish their own identities

Difficult adopted daughter needs attentive parenting

Time spent with kids can reduce need for discpline

Discipline your son according to his intent

Family, friends sacrificed when focus is solely on career

Lack of support system worries Mother

Temper Youngster's Defiance by Demanding Respect

Strong-willed daughter tests parents' patience

Try a little kindness if you know single parents in need

Sibling rivalry can get ugly where beauty is concerned

Singles looking toward marriage can use these practical tips

Today's children are deluged with harmful influences