Parents Ask
May 03 Protecting Your Child Online
Question: “It is not easy being a parent. I want to keep my child safe, but I feel like I am always telling her “no.” Of course, in response, I hear about how her friends have a YouTube account, a Facebook account, etc. I feel like the lone holdout….help! Answer: Am I old enough? (Saying “NO” to your child is still in fashion). Recently a video went viral when a | read more…
Apr 01 How Divorce Affects Children
Question: “Do you have any information on how divorce affects children?” – Kenneth from Houston Answer: I’m in the divorce generation. I know so many people that have gotten divorced, remarried and divorced again. It’s interesting what people say when they talk about their divorce. They focus on the fighting, the betrayals, and the lonely nights. Rarely do they ever talk about the kids. If they do, they may mention | read more…
Mar 01 How Much Praise is Too Much Praise?
Parents Ask — March 2012 I was on my run the other day and stopped at the park to get some water. While I was there, I sat on a bench, drank my water, closed my eyes, and listened. The happiest sounds in the world are made by children at play. In addition to the sounds I expected to hear—squeals, yells, and bargaining for more playtime—I also heard a lot | read more…
Feb 01 Marriage Isn't Natural--Another Reason to Commit
Parents Ask — February 2012 Question: “My daughter is getting married this year. With so many people getting divorced, I was wondering if you have any advice for her.” -Beth from Katy Answer: I didn’t marry you because you were perfect. I didn’t even marry you because I loved you. I married you because you gave me a promise. That promise made up for your faults. And the promise I | read more…
Jan 01 Helicopter Parents Raise Kids Who Cannot Fly Alone
Parents Ask — January 2012 Question: “I am really involved with everything my kids do…is that a bad thing?” -Rachel from Houston Answer: Recently, I read an article on “helicopter parenting” and the way cell phones and the Internet have allowed modern parents to spend far more time hovering over their children than parents in previous generations. As I read, I couldn’t help but think of my own childhood. I | read more…
Dec 01 What If Santa Can't Afford Christmas?
Parents Ask — December 2011 Question: “I usually answer a question from a reader, but this month I decided to answer a question from my daughter instead. Happy holidays!” -Mary Jo I had just turned off the evening news and was on my way to the kitchen to begin dinner when Lizzie ran up to me, grabbed my waist, and, with very serious eyes, looked up at me and asked | read more…
Nov 01 What Kinds of "Bad Behavior" Are Normal for Middle Schoolers?
Parents Ask — November 2011 Question: “I have a daughter who is in middle school. One moment she will do something sweet and caring, and the next she will turn around and do something that makes me think, “I haven’t taught you anything!” How do I know what is normal teenage behavior and what is a red flag?” -Erika J., Houston Dear Erika, There is nothing more challenging in a | read more…
Sep 30 Romance at Home: Advice for Couples Who Are "Growing Apart"
Parents Ask — October 2011 Question: “My husband and I have grown apart, like so many other couples I know. This is not the life I imagined. How do I get the storybook ending I’ve always wanted?” Answer: Some of the most popular books on the shelves are romance novels. Women buy them by the millions, yet I often see couples in my office who have grown apart, have low | read more…
Sep 01 Marriage Between Parents with Special Needs Children
Parents Ask — September 2011 Question: Our son was recently diagnosed with ADD, but I knew there was a problem long before we got the results. It’s been really difficult parenting our child, and it has definitely taken a toll on our marriage. Now that our son is starting to take medication, I am hoping that not only will he get better, but that our marriage will too. Do you | read more…
Jul 29 Who Benefits from Tots' Beauty Pageants?
Parents Ask — August 2011 Q: “There’s a new show on TV about beauty pageants for toddlers. Do people really do this and why?” A: Beauty pageants for toddlers: who are they really for? The show you are talking about is on TLC Network and is titled Toddlers and Tiaras. It covers girls ages four to eight who are participating in beauty pageants. Moms are pushing their daughters to drink | read more…
