| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| parental co hesion | 8/25/2008 |
Q: I have an almost 4 year old son, next month is his birthday. My son goes to his fathers nearly every ...
A: First, thank you and your ex for not spanking the child. Now with that said, accidents are not ...
|
| my teenage sister | 8/22/2008 |
Q: My younger sister (9 years younger)dated a guy for 2 years and found out she was pregnant with his ...
A: Your sister sounds like she is a very strong person and I hope for the best for her and her child. ...
|
| Paying child support but not getting visitation | 8/21/2008 |
Q: They never went to court and had a court order to indicate what the visitation plan would be. When ...
A: My best suggestion is for your boyfriend to seek legal advice in the state where you live. Since ...
|
| Husband/StepFather | 8/15/2008 |
Q: My husband and I have been married for almost 2 years/been together for almost 4 years total. I ...
A: My first thoughts were "Whoa - hang on here!" First, you are in a blended family. The word "blend" ...
|
| Meddlesome stepdad | 8/3/2008 |
Q: Today my mom came to me with a comment my stepdad made about me being in my room with the door ...
A: I am assuming from your letter that you are somewhere around 23/24? So, that has a lot to do with ...
|
| Only wants seasonal work | 7/29/2008 |
Q: Rebecca My husband, 45, has held a seasonal job in horticulture (spring-fall for seven months) for ...
A: Well, I have several thoughts regarding issues you brought up in your letter. So, let's start with ...
|
| addict friend | 7/24/2008 |
Q: My friend who I grew up with and like a sister is addicted to pot and nicotine. She has a good job ...
A: As I am reading your letter, I have to wonder about your relationship with your friend. It appears ...
|
| How do I put my feelings first and not feel quilty? | 7/15/2008 |
Q: I am an only child, 50 year old female, married, no children of my own that lives next door to my ...
A: I know what you are talking about! I am an only child too with an elderly mother. My difference is ...
|
| Family and school | 7/14/2008 |
Q: I just read a response you gave to a young mother 2/2/2006 "Going back to school" and it gave me the ...
A: Personally, I already see you as a success! What a challenge it must be to live on a day-to-day ...
|
| Help | 4/27/2008 |
Q: I will try to give you a general synopsis here...I am 21. I have 2 girls, ages 10 months and almost ...
A: You seem to have a lot of maturity for your age. You have already experienced a lot of adult life ...
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| FAMILY | 4/25/2008 |
Q: I am going through a custody and domestic violence issue. I provide fo my child everything under the ...
A: I cannot give you a "yes" or "no" in response to your question. I trust you have evidence to the ...
|
| Daughter influenced by wrong people | 4/17/2008 |
Q: My 21 yrs old daughter didn't finish her senior year at college. She works at Walmart full time. ...
A: It sounds to me that your daughter may have a substance abuse problem. Whether it is alcohol or ...
|
| Stressed from lack of time to myself | 3/26/2008 |
Q: Im a college senior and everytime i go home to visit my mother she always has some "project" she ...
A: here is my last advice for you, what will happen if you say "No" to her requests? Are you ...
|
| Stressed from lack of time to myself | 3/25/2008 |
Q: Im a college senior and everytime i go home to visit my mother she always has some "project" she ...
A: Well, I have a couple of thoughts about your mom. Her projects may just be a way of spending time ...
|
| Help I have a way too Overprotective mama | 3/23/2008 |
Q: My mother has always been very overprotective of me. You would figure that as I got older she would ...
A: So, I have to ask...did you/will you share this letter with your mother? You are correct - you are ...
|
| Husband will not help with kids or anything | 3/20/2008 |
Q: I am a stay at home mom of a 4 & 5 y.o, my husband works 12 hour days 5am to 5pm when he is home he ...
A: S.; Thank you for writing. Well, I'm thinking there are a lot of red flags waving to me. So, I'll ...
|
| Estranged Adult Child | 3/19/2008 |
Q: My husband is the step father of a 40 year old grown daughter which I had from a previous marriage. ...
A: I am sensing a lot of different issues going on from your letter. First, I am sensing that your ...
|
| jealous to death | 3/16/2008 |
Q: .through the computer since i read some of ur comments and suggestions to whom who asked a favor to ...
A: Jocelyn - Unfortunately, the ex-wife will always be a part of this family especially since there is ...
|
| family problem | 3/15/2008 |
Q: My wife and I were single parents for 14 years. I have 3 daughters, 36, 31, and 25. She has 2 ...
A: First, I understand your sensitivity to your work that you do with the mentally handicapped. I have ...
|
| jealous to death | 3/15/2008 |
Q: .through the computer since i read some of ur comments and suggestions to whom who asked a favor to ...
A: Jealously is a terrible emotion to bring into a relationship. It mainly shows a lack of trust with ...
|
| Daughters choice and anger | 3/6/2008 |
Q: I am struggling with a issue with my daughter who is now 30. When she was 18, she came to me ...
A: I am having a difficult time trying to understand why she would be this angry over a conversation ...
|
| What rights do i have ?? | 1/27/2008 |
Q: Ok im 14 years old ill be 15 in march and im going to have a baby in June.The father and I are ...
A: I am sorry to say this but you and your boyfriend are TOO YOUNG to think about moving in together ...
|
| parents | 1/25/2008 |
Q: Well my dad moved away a long time ago, after he got out of jail. And he never sends us any money ...
A: Your mother is correct! He can be placed in jail for not paying court ordered child support. If ...
|
| how to deal with 4 year olds meaness | 1/23/2008 |
Q: My grandson Connor was located in Cali away from his father & me "Nana" and in a situation where his ...
A: Unfortunately, this child is going to have to undergo some counseling for his problems to be ...
|
| Please help | 1/14/2008 |
Q: I need your help to try and figure something out. Even if you have never been through anything like ...
A: I understand how difficult this letter must have been for you to write. Unfortunately, there are a ...
|
| Where have I gone wrong? | 1/8/2008 |
Q: I don't really know where to begin ..... I split from my husband 7 years ago after 20 years of ...
A: Whew! I am exhausted after reading this! All kidding aside, there are a lot of issues here and I ...
|
| Stepdaughter | 11/14/2007 |
Q: This is my second marriage.He has a 9 year old Daughter.Mine are all grown and out of the house.We ...
A: I hope your bags are packed!!!! PLEASE don't think of spending any more of your precious life with ...
|
| Issues with Mother in law | 11/13/2007 |
Q: I cant stand her nomore ive done everything i can and its just her character im not the only one ...
A: It is the age old problem of mother-in-laws and what is acceptable behavior and what isn't. First, ...
|
| MY FAMILY IS A DISASTER! | 11/12/2007 |
Q: I HAD BEEN MARRIED 17 YEARS, MY 2 BOYS 15, AND 11. MY HUSBAND AND OLDEST SON FIGHT A LOT, JUST ...
A: M; Thank you for writing. Sounds like there is a lot going on in your family. An adolescent having ...
|
| Mother--Medicare | 11/6/2007 |
Q: I am not sure you can answer this but with your expertise in Social Services, I thought I would give ...
A: First, if your mother has dementia that is causing her to forget that your father is deceased, she ...
|
| midlife stress | 11/3/2007 |
Q: Right now, I'm a mess: Separated two years, unemployed, career is in tatters, brother in jail on sex ...
A: I am assuming from your letter that you have been to a physician and had a check-up? Depression ...
|
| How do I deal with my fathers alcoholism? | 10/31/2007 |
Q: Well it all started 5 years ago when my 17 year old nephew passed away.. my father went off the deep ...
A: I could sense the pain you feel from your letter. Losing a loved one, particularly a child, can ...
|
| mother and younger sis | 10/28/2007 |
Q: "I wrote in 3 weeks ago about my72 yr.old mother almost dying December 06, my 46 year old sister ...
A: First, I don't have all the facts when people write to me and all I have to go by is what is in a ...
|
| Miss My Family... | 10/26/2007 |
Q: I'm 30 years old and have always had a fairly good relationship with my mother. We were never ...
A: Yes, I can understand your feelings about this relationship your mother has involved herself in with ...
|
| What to do | 10/25/2007 |
Q: I have been dating my boyfriend for 2 years now,I have become very close to his 8 year old son,his ...
A: My best advice to you is to talk with your boyfriend about this situation. I'm not sure if he is in ...
|
| Stepson Boundaries | 10/22/2007 |
Q: I am beginning to have marital problems with my husband of 5 years. His son, 17, continually puts ...
A: Step-parenting is a major challenge! I, too, am a stepparent and understand your frustration. I ...
|
| run away child | 10/13/2007 |
Q: my duaghter keeps running away from home and keeps bullying me and is sometimes violent to me can i ...
A: Yikes! This is YOUR 13 year old and you appear to be wanting to throw her away! First, I don't ...
|
| his, mine and ours | 10/11/2007 |
Q: My husband and I have been married now for 8 years. I have a 16 yr old son, he has a 12 yr old son ...
A: I wish I had some "quick fixes" for you but I don't. Step-parenting is a problem - there are no two ...
|
| i love my mom, but i never see her | 10/6/2007 |
Q: i am fifteen years old, and i am one out of four girls being raised by a single mother. she works ...
A: This is a hard question to answer - I'm sure your mother loves you and your sisters very much. She ...
|
| son and granddaughter | 10/4/2007 |
Q: our 30 year old son left his wife and 4 year old daughter for the next door neighbor, who is 32. He ...
A: I wish I had better news for you, but unfortunately grandparents have little to no rights to ...
|
| Teen Mother's Rights | 9/21/2007 |
Q: I am 17 years old and live in the state of Mississippi. I became pregnant at 14 and now have a 2 ...
A: First, I want to tell you how wonderful it is that you are continuing with school and moving forward ...
|
| teen emancipation | 8/22/2007 |
Q: My child is turning 16 and wants his own life and make his own decisions as to where he lives and ...
A: Emancipation of children should occur in very rare incidents. A 16 year old's brain is still not ...
|
| Urgent answer pls | 8/20/2007 |
Q: Hey, I am 18 yrs old and in a relation since the last 2year.Not an hanky-panky business but a ...
A: My first impression is that your family has different cultural beliefs on this subject and this is ...
|
| Stress Related to New Job | 8/19/2007 |
Q: I recently started a new social work position working with the elderly population. For the past 4 ...
A: I too, supervise six folks that work in our in-home program. One of the areas that "we" in social ...
|
| step-children problems | 8/6/2007 |
Q: I have been with my partner and his two daughters for over 7 years - they are now 14 and 15.(their ...
A: Well, you certainly have a lot of dynamics at work here. So, let's start with the lesser of the ...
|
| father in law issues | 7/30/2007 |
Q: my wifes mom has remarried ..her dad passed away .this guy gives me the creeps when hes around my ...
A: No, I don't think you are crazy - I think you are a concerned father. I'm not sure how long this ...
|
| interstate custody | 7/23/2007 |
Q: My Husband and I are divorcing and he has agreed to allow me to take the children out of state and ...
A: Actually, I would consult an attorney for a document that is binding. Yes, he may be agreeable now ...
|
| help for hoarders | 7/12/2007 |
Q: I am a writer working on a novel with a subplot dealing with the issue of hoarding, The hoarder is ...
A: I cannot specifically address the social service rules in Connecticut. You can probably research ...
|
| His best friend | 6/11/2007 |
Q: My boyfriend of two years is best friends with a woman whom I find toxic. She and I used to be good ...
A: This appears to be a classic case of your friend wanting what you have....mainly your boyfriend. I ...
|
| My son has a half sister that he doesn't know... | 6/9/2007 |
Q: I'm recently married and had a child with a man I've known since gradeschool. After highschool we ...
A: As I have written many times, there is a difference between child support and visitation so I will ...
|
| MY 50 YR OLD SIS IN LAW HAS NOT WORKED IN OVER 22 YRS - HOW WILL SHE LIVE IN HER OLD AGE? | 6/9/2007 |
Q: My sister-in-law is 50 years old and has not worked in about 22 years, since she moved with her ...
A: I had several thoughts as I was reading your letter. My first thought was has your sister-in-law ...
|
| Need advice asap!! | 6/6/2007 |
Q: I hope you can help me sort this out. I have a 5 year old girl with a man that I was never married ...
A: Well, we have several issues here to consider. The first being the safety of your daughter. This ...
|
| child discipline | 5/31/2007 |
Q: I am a divorced mom of 3 young kids (15mo., 7yr, 9yr). My ex and I do not agree on discipline, the ...
A: Spanking - I have never been a fan of this form of punishment simply because it teaches children to ...
|
| Visitation/child support | 5/18/2007 |
Q: My exhusband sexually molested at least 2 of his nieces, beginning at 13. My 2 children (4 & 6) ...
A: I'm sorry to hear that you were in an abusive situation but I truly applaud the fact that you were ...
|
| I don't know what to do - please help | 5/12/2007 |
Q: I need some advice. My fiancé has 2 children - a son who is 12 and a daughter 16. He has 50% ...
A: I run across this situation quite often with families. Should you call CPS - YES!! The children ...
|
| daughter | 4/23/2007 |
Q: Hubby and I have a 21 y/o daughter. She lives w/girl from high school. She goes to college p/t ...
A: Well, I have a lot of thoughts about this relationship. I guess I will start with your daughter. ...
|
| Deadbeat | 4/4/2007 |
Q: My niece married a deadbeat. They met at a strip club where he worked as a stripper. He is 30 and ...
A: Well, this is a touchy situation. Your niece probably won't listen to you and her mom probably is ...
|
| help | 3/25/2007 |
Q: My daughter is twenty six months old and of course she is acting like it. Do you have any ...
A: Your daughter is two years old......she is still a BABY!!! Please seek out some materials on Ages ...
|
| need advice | 3/20/2007 |
Q: My husband and I have been together for 7 years. We’ve been married for almost 5. This is the 2nd ...
A: There seem to be a lot of issues here to consider in giving you an answer to your letter. Why was ...
|
| i need help!! | 12/12/2006 |
Q: I'm Rachael, I'm 16 years old and a junior in high school. I would like to ask you a question if you ...
A: First, I am sorry about your loss. It is always difficult to lose a parent. I'm sure it is even ...
|
| a teen mothers rights | 11/27/2006 |
Q: i am sixteen years old a mother of a two year old and used to live at home with my parents until i ...
A: There are a lot of factors to take into consideration in giving you a direct answer. It is ...
|
| Teen faking pregnacy | 11/20/2006 |
Q: Our 12 year old granddaughter has always been crazy about babies. She has lied to counselors and ...
A: I have been away on a family emergency in another state. Many teens see "pregnancy" as a way to get ...
|
| what to expect out of a 22yr old? | 10/11/2006 |
Q: We have been married 10 years. My wifes son is now 22yrs old. We cannot even bring him up without ...
A: Well, it appears that there are several issues here so I will break them out as I read this: 1. An ...
|
| my sponge brother | 10/1/2006 |
Q: My brother is almost forty and still lives in my parents home with his two sons. He only works ...
A: I wish I could tell you how to become involved in this, but this is actually between your parents ...
|
| mother v/s wife | 9/9/2006 |
Q: I have been married for 10 years now and have a very caring but adamant wife. My mother is also the ...
A: There seem to be a lot of "issues" in this letter. So, I guess the best thing to do is start with ...
|
| emotional needs | 8/30/2006 |
Q: I really appreciate your reply. Unfortunatley I don't deny that this is all my fault. My mother is ...
A: Perception - maybe that is an area for you to work on. You stated it is anorexia victims "fault" ...
|
| emotional needs | 8/29/2006 |
Q: I don't know what experience you have of mental illness, but THIS is evidence of it: I was surprised ...
A: Guilt - that was the word that I believe you to be describing where your mother is concerned. Being ...
|
| emotional needs | 8/29/2006 |
Q: When I recently told my mother about my attempt to go to holland for euthanasia, she asked me how I ...
A: I can't help but focus on the first part - euthanasia! Why in the world would you even consider ...
|
| Grandparent Visitation | 8/13/2006 |
Q: My husband received full custody of my step daughter who is 5yrs old now back in Jan/2005. Our ...
A: First, congratulations on adopting Halen. All children benefit from having two parents - biological ...
|
| grandparents rights | 7/26/2006 |
Q: me and my partner are not married our baby is due aug 06 his mother seems to think she has rights ...
A: I'm not sure how old you are so I am going to assume you are over 18? If you are over 18, you have ...
|
| trouble | 7/21/2006 |
Q: my boyfriend and me have been together for 2 years and i do love him a lot but it seems lately all ...
A: I am not sure how old you are but I suspect you are in your teens? Have you talked to your ...
|
| Emancipation | 7/13/2006 |
Q: I live in Iowa, I am sixteen along with my friend. My friend (Trevor) lives with his parents most of ...
A: This appears to be a legal matter that an attorney could respond to better than I can. Since Trevor ...
|
| divorce and seeing other people | 7/10/2006 |
Q: my divorce papers were signed in Jan. 2006 I have friends that has helped me out a lot. Thier was ...
A: Divorce - there isn't anything pleasant or friendly about it. Couples who part as "friends" usually ...
|
| emanapantion | 6/12/2006 |
Q: im 15 ill turn 16 in sept ...i live in iowa...i resently ran away to xcape a the abuse of my mother ...
A: If you are being abused, you should talk with someone who can help you locally such as a minister, ...
|
| sons girlfriend | 6/12/2006 |
Q: my 18 year old son is seeing a girl who is a flirt and gets my son in fights defending her she ...
A: Sounds like a case of raging hormones!!! Sorry, but this is exactly what is going on. It is ...
|
| more help please | 6/8/2006 |
Q: I told my daughter that I will only be taking care of my grand daughter, not her dogs, nothing else ...
A: It sounds as though there is a lot of anger issues here that have not been addressed. It sounds ...
|
| Dealing with disfunctional family | 6/6/2006 |
Q: my daughter and son in law and i bought a house together. I live upstairs, I am on SS and care for ...
A: You have a major boundary issue that needs to be resolved immediately! 1) Have you told your ...
|
| What dont i know | 3/29/2006 |
Q: My family are happy more than happy we are married madly in-love,always wanted a boy he is 7 months ...
A: I'm not really sure what you are asking, so I am going on the assumption it is why your husbands ...
|
| Neglect | 3/25/2006 |
Q: My 2.5 year old daughter"s Father was recently reported to CPS for failure to give asthma ...
A: I wish I could give you a definate answer on this one, but social service agencies and their ...
|
| Children's Rights | 3/10/2006 |
Q: Our family has been in the biggest mess I have ever seen for the past 8 years. Two children are ...
A: Wow, there is a lot going on in this family. Children's rights - actually the children do have a ...
|
| going back to school | 2/24/2006 |
Q: I am a stay at home mom with a one year old. My husband provide a comfortable life for us but he is ...
A: Well, this could be answered several different ways and from many different viewpoints. I guess the ...
|
| advise | 2/12/2006 |
Q: What are the ten best advices that a parent can give to their children?
A: I wish I could give you a definate answer but you didn't state the age of the child. I think the ...
|
| I would like to visit my children | 2/4/2006 |
Q: My daughter lives in Kentucky, she has 2 children, ages little girl 5, boy 2. She and her husband ...
A: I wish I had better news for you but when the judge ruled on the permancy plan, he stipulated with ...
|
| Problems with son | 10/27/2005 |
Q: I regularly do not do this but my family is going through a crisis right now and I could really use ...
A: Yes, you have some serious issues here with your son. Without seeing him and being able to talk ...
|
| house rules | 10/3/2005 |
Q: i have a 19 daughter and a granddaughter2 that live with us and our son 14. we have some house ...
A: Sounds like there are a LOT of issues here. First, it is difficult for adult children and parents ...
|
| 19 yr does not like house rules | 10/1/2005 |
Q: my daughter 19 ,granddaughter 2 live with us.. i , warrant ,loan payment, which she created for ...
A: I really don't have enough information to give you a specific answer so I will give you ...
|
| Emancipation of Minors | 6/1/2005 |
Q: I live in Indiana and my husband and I travel alot. My children are 17 and 15. I was wondering if ...
A: You should probably seek legal assistance to answer that question. I would also suggest that you ...
|
| Best Friend's Mom | 5/17/2005 |
Q: My best friend, Marie, has two young children. Her mother, Catherine, essentially thinks that they ...
A: You sound like a very caring person who is willing to be a supportive adult in the lives of your ...
|
| Do you know anything about Interstate Custody of Grandchild? | 4/22/2005 |
Q: I'm trying to get custudy of my Grandson. He was taken from his parents in TX by CPS, due to drug ...
A: I would STRONGLY suggest that you seek legal counsel for yourself. They can better advise you about ...
|
| Families | 2/6/2005 |
Q: First, thanks for your time. i'm 21 (still living at home). i have father who constantly shouts ...
A: First, let me empathize with you for having to endure this type of behavior from a parent and to ...
|
| Teen Parent Responsibility | 12/18/2004 |
Q: My mother-in-law is currently taking care of my 7 month old niece. My sister in law (the mother of ...
A: Teen moms - that is a subject I could write about for a long time! Basically, I think it depends on ...
|
| My own children and stepdaughter | 12/8/2004 |
Q: I have three great kids (12 yr son, 8 yr daughter and a newborn baby son, which is only 13 days ...
A: You'll be glad to know you are not the only person in this boat - you have PLENTY of company. You ...
|
| eating dinner with your family | 12/6/2004 |
Q: I am curious about what you think the current status is of american families eating dinner together ...
A: Yes, I think it is important that families take time to sit and talk with one another. ...
|
| Just looking for input | 11/27/2004 |
Q: I would like your input on a situation. First a little history: My husband has two children from ...
A: Sounds like there are a number of issues at work here. First, it is extremely hard to be a step ...
|
| discipline vs. compassion | 11/11/2004 |
Q: It was REALLY well worded and thoughtful...and it really made me thinking. AND...my debate went ...
A: I'm not really sure what you are wanting...I'm thinking that you are looking at parenting from a ...
|
| Family roles in african american cultures | 11/7/2004 |
Q: I need to know what roles each family member plays and how they communicate.
A: Cheryl; Thank you for writing. This is really a broad area to cover. I am not african americian ...
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| Child care authorization | 10/5/2004 |
Q: Being a grand parent and one who will be soon having my grandchild live with me, I have written an ...
A: It is legal in most states to have just a handwritten letter from the parent(s) or legal guardian ...
|
| adult child paying rent | 10/4/2004 |
Q: ............ Our 20 year old son has had issues growing up......diagnosed ADHD when he was 9, in ...
A: I have mixed feelings about your son. Based on what I am reading, he has some mental health issues ...
|
| Hello,
My friend is currently... | 9/24/2004 |
Q: My friend is currently in a relationship with this girl. He recently told me that they were ...
A: I'm not really sure about the genogram that you provided...I would really need to see more names and ...
|
| permanency hearing | 9/22/2004 |
Q: My husband and I have had our 2 grandchildren with us since December as foster (kinship) parents. ...
A: I don't have the specifics for each state as each state does have some variation in laws. ...
|
| daughter having problems | 8/23/2004 |
Q: My daughter is almost 23 , with 2 kids no husband , in either case, no job ,living with my husband ...
A: Many times when people get out of "committed" relationships they begin to question their ability to ...
|
| Parental Rights? | 8/20/2004 |
Q: I need help! My son and daughter inlaw have lost their son, my granson to C.P.S. I am trying to get ...
A: Let me start with the fact that laws differ from state to state on child welfare and custody. Based ...
|
| What should i do? | 7/18/2004 |
Q: i have recently moved from south africa to canada with my mom. My parents are divorced and my dad ...
A: I can understand where you are coming from. I remarried several years ago and my step children and ...
|
| Debt | 4/13/2004 |
Q: If my husband owes child support (a debt) can liens be placed on my property for it? Thanks.
A: All I can tell you for sure is that each state can determine the course of action that can be taken ...
|
| custody | 3/15/2004 |
Q: We have been trying to gain the custody of our grandchildren from the DFS in Salem Missouri....we ...
A: First, you need legal advise in Arkansas and Missouri. Each state has different laws about child ...
|
| I really need advice.... | 12/3/2003 |
Q: I really need advice. I know I sound whiny. But my entire life I have had major self-esteem ...
A: It just so happens that I can TRULY empathize with you! I gave my ex husband custody of our 15 year ...
|
| Child endangerment | 3/17/2003 |
Q: My sister and her husband act like 35-year-old teenagers. My sister unexpectedly got pregnant a ...
A: After reading your letter, I can certainly see why you have issues with your sister and brother in ...
|
| H i Rebecca,
i wanted to... | 12/13/2002 |
Q: H i Rebecca, i wanted to ask u if you can answer this for me how can i know when can i get ...
A: It appears from your question that you are young. First, let me say that if you are in your teens, ...
|
