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About David Simonsen
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I am a licensed Marriage & Family therapist. I work primarily with teens and families on a weekly basis. You will get the straight truth. I will not pull punches.Ask an Expert - Visit my Virtual Office at Kasamba

Experience
I have been working daily with teens and families for the last 10 years.

Organizations
AAMFT; AACC; WAMFT

Education/Credentials
M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy

   

You are here:  Experts > People/Relationships > Grandparenting > Family Relations

Questions Answered By Expert  David Simonsen 
In Category  Family Relations

SubjectDate Asked

Over-Critical Mother11/18/2009
  Q: I have a problem. My mother critizes me about everything. Always has, and I'm afraid always will. ...
  A: Debra, You are stuck. As long as you are dependant on them then you will have to deal with her bad ...
Lack of communication11/17/2009
  Q: I know you have a lot of other questions to answer,;) so I'll get right to the point. I have been ...
  A: Giselle, I wouldn't jump to the assumption that this is the reason for problems in your ...
relationship with someone who is bipolar11/15/2009
  Q: I am seeing someone who has been diagnosed and is taking medication for bipolar. She doesn't like ...
  A: Randall, It's not a relationship I would want to be in. I would suggest you research on the net and ...
Not Sure What To Do11/10/2009
  Q: I'm fifteen years old, sixteen in two days. I just moved in with my dad's family in August, and I'm ...
  A: Jordy, I would suggest you go weekly to a counselor and talk to them. It would be helpful to you to ...
My fiance has not met his child11/9/2009
  Q: My fiance had a brief (3 week) relationship with a woman a few years ago. The woman found out she ...
  A: Angela, If he hasn't done so already, I would suggest that he get a DNA test. This child may not ...
daughter/father relationship11/6/2009
  Q: My daughter is 18 years old, and my husband her father don't have a really good relationship. They ...
  A: Mary, The root of the problem is that your daughter probably at some point recognized that no matter ...
My Problem10/19/2009
  Q: My parents have been divorced for a while. My mother has just gotten her boyfriend within this ...
  A: Amanda, It is unfortunate that your mother's focus is on the boyfriend now. Since you have already ...
won't move out10/8/2009
  Q: my question is very much like one you have answered before. It was from a 60 year old mother of a 27 ...
  A: Laura, I think that since he is 19 you give him a week or so to prove himself and that he wants to ...
Decisions on splitting up my family.9/26/2009
  Q: First I would like to say thank you in advance for taking the time to review my situation. Even ...
  A: Christina, When you decided to go the route of not having a true commitment from someone and having ...
14 year old son9/24/2009
  Q: I really just need to sort this stuff out for my son. He is 14 years old and has just gotten home ...
  A: Tara, You need to stop protecting him and encouraging a relationship with this sperm donor. He is ...
my granddaughter9/23/2009
  Q: I would like your thoughts on how I can best support my 18-year old granddaughter (financially, ...
  A: Jo, I think it is completely reasonable what you propose. I would just make sure that you are ...
Mixed Family9/18/2009
  Q: I am in a three relationship and we both have children, from our past marriages. He has two ...
  A: Rose, I couldn't tell if your were married or not from this post. If you are not married, I would ...
Parents.9/14/2009
  Q: My parents are now 79 and 75. They have bickered all their life. This is more difficult for me as ...
  A: Serena, The next phone call you receive should contain the following. If it begins to to be a ...
Mooching Family Member9/10/2009
  Q: A family member constantly needs money each month. His wife makes more than we do, he's a handyman ...
  A: Denise, You can't convince others you can only be in charge of what you can be in charge of. What I ...
Stuck in the middle9/9/2009
  Q: I write in desperation. I am stuck slap bang in the middle between my boyfriend (divorced) and my ...
  A: Ann, It is perfectly fine if you disagree with me. It is my opinion based on experience, education ...
Stuck in the middle9/8/2009
  Q: I write in desperation. I am stuck slap bang in the middle between my boyfriend (divorced) and my ...
  A: Ann, I agree why are you asking this question? You job is to raise your child not focus on your live ...
I'm so lost, Please help!9/2/2009
  Q: I have court ordered visitations with my daughter every other Sat. and phone calls every Wed. My ...
  A: Andrea, I think that if there is a court order then your MIL is in contempt of it. I suggest you ...
my daughter's upcoming wedding9/1/2009
  Q: I am divorced my daughter is getting married in October. I am meeting his parents and my daughter ...
  A: Dave, This is something you need to do to honor your daughter. It is only a short period of time ...
No TV in the am but that's not it.7/5/2009
  Q: My husband of 9 years and I have two small children and he has been increasingly unhappy since I met ...
  A: Apple, I apologize for the delay on this. I was away on vacation. You can't make him happy. I ...
Teenage daughter and her infant son6/30/2009
  Q: I am 42 and a single mom. I have a 19-yr-old daughter who has a 14-month-old son. I also have a ...
  A: Lisa, The fact that you haven't called CPS yet shows that your interests lie with you and your ...
best thing for my boys6/29/2009
  Q: I left my husband 4 years ago. He refused to leave our home and our boys then aged 9 remained with ...
  A: Franceska, I am always of the mind that your main focus and priority should be on your kids until ...
Disrespectful Stepson6/23/2009
  Q: My husband of eight years has a spoiled stepson in college. He is a momma's boy and believes ...
  A: Monica, A few ideas. separate your income so yours is yours and his is his sons. Make a monthly ...
Daughter's mental condition6/22/2009
  Q: Background: My daughter lives with her new husband (2 year married), her daughter from another ...
  A: Rick, First you need to recognize that she is making these choices, so whether or not the guy she is ...
favortism/grandmothers6/21/2009
  Q: I have been married for 9 yrs and have 3 children. One 8 yr old girl (the one favored by my mother) ...
  A: Tressa, I think you simply let you mother know that when you see the favoritism dissipate then they ...
4 year old and divorce6/17/2009
  Q: I have a 4 year old daughter who is currently in counseling or "play therapy" - she has been going ...
  A: K, I don't want to give you advice since your daughter is already seeing a therapist. I suggest you ...
23 year old, help with parents6/16/2009
  Q: my name is Natalie and I am a 23 year old college graduate. My boyfriend of 6 years has just been ...
  A: Natalie, This is the risk that you run. If you choose to move closer to him and then it doesn't work ...
mother/daughter relationship6/12/2009
  Q: I am a 58 year old retired, married woman. I have been married for 41 yrs to the same man and we are ...
  A: Maria, I agree with you that you don't need to tolerate bad behavior. I would suggest you simply ...
Stressed & in the middle6/11/2009
  Q: My parents are separated. my mother is disabled and taking care of my younger siblings (2 and ...
  A: Alexia, The focus should be on the younger children. If your mother is unable to adequately provide ...
is it a common feeling?5/21/2009
  Q: My mother is 85 years old and, in my opinion and others in our family, she has an unhealthy and ...
  A: Lee, I can't say it is abnormal. It seems she is recognizing her own mortality and values ...
Adult child living at home causing marriage problems4/29/2009
  Q: 26 year old daughter moved back home to finish her medical schooling. She has been living at home ...
  A: Terry, It seems that it would be beneficial to sit with a third party in order to get some ...
son won't forgive father4/26/2009
  Q: My son 16 yrs.won't talk to his father. He found txt messages on his father's phone and found out he ...
  A: Norene, I wouldn't push it. Your son is showing you how seriously he takes your relationship with ...
step son4/20/2009
  Q: I have recently married and I am having a hard time with my step son. This child has not had the ...
  A: Annette, I agree with you things NEED to change. The problem is that if your husband continues to ...
teenage daughter4/17/2009
  Q: I have a 14yr old daughter that I am having very difficult time with. She is doing very poorly in ...
  A: Cecilia, I am going to make a leap and say this has something to do with your parenting. If she is ...
mom complains about friends and i am losing friends4/12/2009
  Q: i'm a 23 yr old woman in college and about to graduate. I have been having this problem and I have ...
  A: If your friends are making the specific statements they feel like they are babysitting you then ...
mom complains about friends and i am losing friends4/6/2009
  Q: i'm a 23 yr old woman in college and about to graduate. I have been having this problem and I have ...
  A: Marquis, As long as you are living under your mothers roof you are a dependant adult. She doesn't ...
grandma favors sex offender over grandkids4/2/2009
  Q: Sorry this is so long, but it has been building up inside me for months! My 23 yr old sister lives ...
  A: Geraldine, Let me be very clear. You are choosing to protect children over a sex offender. Your ...
please can you answer me?3/27/2009
  Q: . I didn't seem to get this answered.. why is this? are you able to advise please? I'm looking for ...
  A: Chris, First off your father is not your counselor. Looking to him to soothe this unresolved grief ...
troubled Teen3/24/2009
  Q: Long story short, I have been married 11 years to a great man. We have 2 girls together (9yrs & ...
  A: Michelle, I strongly suggest he is not left alone with your daughters. This in my opinion is not the ...
gettin stepchildren and step parents to get along3/17/2009
  Q: I am a single mom with a 4 year old that has never had to share anything at all and has everything. ...
  A: Demetria, The question you should be asking is do you want to spend the rest of your life with this ...
Enabling his 22yo live-in son3/10/2009
  Q: I have lived with my boyfriend for about a year, and for most of that time his 22 year old son has ...
  A: Jamian, I assume you have already done pretty much everything you could have to convince your BF to ...
Parenting3/6/2009
  Q: My boyfriend and I just recently after dating for a year have moved in together. I have a two and ...
  A: Shannin, This is the reason that you shouldn't be living with one another. It will get worse as they ...
My husband talks with his ex girlfriend daily basis.3/5/2009
  Q: Hallo! I met a man in august and we fell in love at first sight and everything went so fast that we ...
  A: Grace, This is the reason you don't go fast in a relationship. You have two choices. You can always ...
Mom and my wedding planning3/4/2009
  Q: Mr. Simonsen, My fiancée and I are getting married this summer and my mother has requested that my ...
  A: Tam, Believe it or not this is YOUR wedding, not your mom's little social adventure. If your mother ...
Extended Family Wants to Reconnect3/3/2009
  Q: I guess I'll just jump right in. My parents didn't have the healthiest marriage and got divorced ...
  A: Stephanie, It seems obvious that you are going to need to talk this out with someone. Specifically ...
New potential boyfriend ...is this red flag?2/20/2009
  Q: ..I met a really nice man, he's 61 and I'm 54...so we both have had our marriages and our kids are ...
  A: Kathleen, I wouldn't say it is an immediate red flag. It would be the in between time of the ...
Grandparents don't know about our child.2/12/2009
  Q: I have a child with my on and off again Boy friend who is not a part of her life. She is soon to be ...
  A: Jules, Please stick with the choice to not push this girl to have a relationship with a flake who ...
I hate my dad2/4/2009
  Q: I'm a 18 years old girl, I'm in college but still living at home, for a while now I've been feeling ...
  A: Sara, When you say you stopped talking to your father, that was an example of acting like a child as ...
extended family1/27/2009
  Q: My daughter-in-law's stepfather has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. My partner wishes ...
  A: Margaret, It sounds like you may be more connected to the person that has cancer? I don't think it ...
Long & Complicated Problem.1/25/2009
  Q: I am in a bit of of a situation with my boyfriend and have no idea where the problem comes from and ...
  A: Steph, You have already violated your principles in this relationship and that I would think is what ...
Try n 2 decide if I should stay w/my kids dad1/23/2009
  Q: We've been together for 7 years & have 3 beautiful children together. I found out valentine's day ...
  A: I think for sure you should both go to couples counseling. You have to simply make the choice on ...
Family issue1/11/2009
  Q: I will give you some background and will try to be as brief as I can! I am a white 35yr old female, ...
  A: Amanda, I am probably the wrong person to ask, because I have pretty strong feelings about what you ...
Future wife and friend1/8/2009
  Q: Greetings , my future wife met a guy in a hospital and after awhile he moved in 'said she was just ...
  A: Paul, I would have to say I stick with my original answer. You are sounding a bit desperate to me. ...
step daughter lies1/2/2009
  Q: my stepdaughter is 30 and has moved in with my husband and I along with her 12 yr old boy. She lies ...
  A: Maree, You seem somewhat stuck because of the 12 year-old. What is the reason she is living with ...
Dysfunctional Family1/1/2009
  Q: A little background. Alcoholic father, physically abused mother and a brother. That brother is an ...
  A: Debbie, If you have done any type of study of the roles in addicts lives, you mom fits very well as ...
Future wife and friend12/30/2008
  Q: Greetings , my future wife met a guy in a hospital and after awhile he moved in 'said she was just ...
  A: Paul, You should not consider marrying someone who is so inconsiderate of you. There is something ...
Gradual but now complete alienation12/29/2008
  Q: I've been tempted to ask this question for some time but have up until now resisted it thinking ...
  A: Dave, You need to seek out a counselor who can help you get a better perspective on yourself and ...
grandmother trying to keep family together12/27/2008
  Q: I'm the mother of 3 grown kids and grandma of 2 little ones (71/2 months and 11 months). My 2nd ...
  A: Dee, You need to immediately see a family Attorney. I STRONGLY suggest you get custody of whatever ...
Not Fair I DON"T UNDERSTAND AT ALL I just want her to OPEN her eyes12/7/2008
  Q: i always feel angry after whenever my mom says that i spend a lot of money blindly. I'm 23 years ...
  A: Wen, You are 23 at some point you need to be the adult. So I would suggest you calmly talk to your ...
What should a mother do12/5/2008
  Q: What should a mother do if her 12 year old daughter got several real tattoos on her body arm/lower ...
  A: Alexa, You need to protect your daughter. I actually don't care if she gets mad at you. You need to ...
Problems with mom12/3/2008
  Q: My mom got a cellphone plan with TMobile. She added me to it a year ago. She added my brother to it ...
  A: Kayla, It sounds like you are an adult. She can't force you to pay it. I would simply stop and get ...
silenced family12/1/2008
  Q: my mother passed away a couple years ago. Ever since then and probably a few years before that, my ...
  A: Angel, They could be private people who are not willing to seek out others. I don't know them and ...
I want to reveal my secret relationship to my father...11/25/2008
  Q: David, I am a 27 year old woman from UK. My parents are from the Middle East. I was born in the UK. ...
  A: Helena, You are an adult woman who is living on her own. You have your own life as do your sisters. ...
inlaws11/24/2008
  Q: My father and mother in law have almost no income.My father in law has alztimers and is going to ...
  A: DEEDEE, Now is not the time to hold grudges. It is the time to honor parents who probably sacrificed ...
relationship-Christmas11/23/2008
  Q: David, I have been living with my boyfriend for more than 1 year. He has 3 kids from previous ...
  A: Kaka, WHY would you EVEN STAY in this relationship? you have to threaten, argue, convince, not trust ...
multi-generational household issues11/21/2008
  Q: My father passed little over two years ago and my mother sold their house just this past year. Then ...
  A: Joanie, If you do want her out, you need to give her a date. It sounds like things could be mended ...
Inappropriate for a son to do?11/20/2008
  Q: I'm 22 years old, and have been working since finishing college in December last year. My Mom, who's ...
  A: I would say it may not be the norm, but not out of line. You probably have a different relationship ...
family issue11/11/2008
  Q: My wife's sister is moving to Florida with her husband and one son.The other son is a 21year old ...
  A: George, ummmmmmmmm, when did people in your family lose their grips on reality? These are ADULTS ...
Parents, My First Love, And His Religion11/10/2008
  Q: I am 19 years old and lived in Lebanon (now going to the USA). When I was 15, I met my boyfriend on ...
  A: Naye, Time to grow up. This love you describe while wonderful is certainly not the end all be all of ...
help11/9/2008
  Q: My 30-year-old son is obsessed with a nineteen-year-old girl who is dating my other son who is 21. ...
  A: Rachel, My simple suggestion is that you keep out of it. These are two adult men acting foolishly ...
Marriage and Family Therapist Career Questions11/8/2008
  Q: but I don't know anyone who is in the field. So, I was wondering what do you do in your daily work? ...
  A: I would suggest you take classes related to counseling and such. You will at a minimum need your ...
Relationship with daughters after divorce11/6/2008
  Q: I was married for 29yrs to a man who was cheating on me for most of the marriage. We were teenagers ...
  A: Brenda, It is no surprise that your daughter married a cheater when she had a father who was a ...
Raising my grandson11/5/2008
  Q: I have had custody of my grandson for almost two years. He has lived with me all of his life and is ...
  A: Kristin, Lets be honest...YOU are the mom. You may have some hope that your daughter will one day ...
Family10/27/2008
  Q: I need some advice about my father. My father cheated on my mother. I have seen him and he has lied ...
  A: Scarlet, Yes I think you should stop being a baby first of all. Secondly, you need to seek out a ...
Family Separation and children10/17/2008
  Q: My girlfriend has recently left her former husband after a long term domestic violence issue and ...
  A: Wyatt, I would NEVER suggest you move in. It is just not the right thing to do. How long have you ...
Adult child won't move out10/15/2008
  Q: I was a single mother of 3 children. My daughters have long since gone to college and moved out. ...
  A: Linda, The only way YOU can help him is to call the police and have him trespassed from your ...
mother/daughter disagreement10/14/2008
  Q: My 22-year-old sister has been in the Airforce for the past 4 years. She was living in Florida with ...
  A: Stephanie, Don't move in with your boyfriend. Studies show that doing that leads to more breakups. ...
Should I hold out?9/30/2008
  Q: I've been dating the most wonderful man for the past 9 months. My most compatible relationship I've ...
  A: Melanie, Doesn't this seem like too much work? There are so many variables in this mix and you are ...
Should I hold out?9/25/2008
  Q: I've been dating the most wonderful man for the past 9 months. My most compatible relationship I've ...
  A: Melanie, Despite what he says, he most likely doesn't want to divorce. If he believed you were ...
Why do I feel like the bad one for speaking out against my perverted, degrading cousin?9/23/2008
  Q: Your opinion will be GREATLY appreciated by me. My family's policy is If you ignore problems and ...
  A: Anna, DON"T get caught up in the gossip. It doesn't matter what Wendy did or didn't do. Do you want ...
Half Brother?9/20/2008
  Q: I'm 21 years old and the oldest of my mother and fathers three children. When I was about ten or so, ...
  A: Ariel, It seems that it would be prudent to find out what his current situation is before you drop a ...
problem with boyfriend's son9/6/2008
  Q: i currently dating a divorced man of 1 son. His son hates me and threaten my boyfriend that he will ...
  A: Yvonne, I am usually of the opinion that a divorce person with children shouldn't marry until any ...
Issues within Marriage Creating Family Conflict9/5/2008
  Q: I have been married for 2 years (together for 5) with my husband. I love him dearly and he is my ...
  A: Megan, You are wanting the best of both worlds. You can't have that right now. You made vows and I ...
Relationship between my Mother & I8/22/2008
  Q: Please help, My mother & I are at war over her "man". Many, many years ago after the passing of my ...
  A: Wendi, Why are you doing this to your family. Do you think that this "relationship" with your mom is ...
relationships8/19/2008
  Q: We are sorry, but J.L. Slipak wasn't able to answer yourI have 19 yr old Uni step and 17 yr old ...
  A: Peggie, I am not sure I completely understand what is happening, but I would suggest you set ...
My cousin8/16/2008
  Q: My aunt and her family recently moved from South America to America, and my cousin, Jared, is ...
  A: So I assume they are living with you? I would suggest making friend outside of your home and spend ...
family issues8/13/2008
  Q: I'm a 26 year old female. I still have to live with my mother due to my financial situation. A ...
  A: Anon, You can gently let her know that you would like to spend some time with the B/F. If you can ...
step parent issues8/4/2008
  Q: I have already established a positive relationship with my soon to be 9 year old step-daughter but ...
  A: Carly, Kids always need to understand boundaries. Yet, you need to see from this girls perspective. ...
Meddlesome stepdad8/3/2008
  Q: Today my mom came to me with a comment my stepdad made about me being in my room with the door ...
  A: Kia, He probably feels like you should be out on your own and doesn't see that happening. So it ...
My son7/9/2008
  Q: I am a mother who is not sure where to turn. I have a 14 year old son who is acting out by ...
  A: Terry, It seems obvious to me that he is not happy about the divorce and new stepdad. There is some ...
Advice needed7/6/2008
  Q: first of all I hope you don't mind I am adult asking this question, I don't know where else to go ...
  A: Sister, At what point in your life will you stand up for what is right? When you don't stand against ...
step family and relationship7/4/2008
  Q: I married two years ago. I have three kids with my previous partner. My kids and my husband seem ...
  A: Canela, This is the exact reason I tell people not to remarry when they have divorced and have kids. ...
sisters shadow or jealousy6/25/2008
  Q: Good afternoon. I am 43 years old. I have 2 older sisters. Oldest is 45, middle is 44 and I am 43 as ...
  A: Juli, As long as YOU continue to compare yourself to them you will never get out of their shadow. ...
Issues with children6/23/2008
  Q: My wife and I are at odds sometimes when it comes to my son. I call him "my son" because he is from ...
  A: Adam, I imagine that your wife is feeling a bit insecure. She probably compares herself to your ex. ...
Mother driving us CRAZY!!!6/23/2008
  Q: David, I am a 35 year old Registered Nurse. I have been married to my husband for six years. I am ...
  A: Lyn, First off your mother loves her grandbaby. So some of the behavior she does while you may not ...
Family Relations6/22/2008
  Q: I have been married to my husband now for 8 years and each day I start to lose interest in our ...
  A: Kathleen, Yours is the exact reason I tell people not to remarry if they have kids. There are too ...
Family Relations6/19/2008
  Q: I have been married to my husband now for 8 years and each day I start to lose interest in our ...
  A: Kathleen, Protecting your children is the priority here. So moving back would not be wise if nothing ...
My mothers sheltering.6/18/2008
  Q: I have a boyfriend who I love, and is a good person who my parents like. It is summer now, and I ...
  A: Jennifer, You didn't break her heart you broke her trust. If she raised you right I am curious why ...
My Son6/16/2008
  Q: Is it wrong for me to ask my son who is 21 years old to pay 75.00/a week to live in mine & my ...
  A: Missy, The longer you let him mooch off of you the more harm you are doing. He should be paying for ...
Knife Weilding Mama6/10/2008
  Q: Once again my mama caught my stepdad looking at another womans behind (this time i saw him looking ...
  A: Kia, Not sure what you want me to say. This is an unhealthy situation and you simply need to leave ...
False Accusations6/9/2008
  Q: Simonsen, I'm writing about an issue that has been plaguing my family for years. I would really ...
  A: Danny, It is obvious you have carried a lot of hurt over what has happened in the past in your life. ...
Defiant Teen4/22/2008
  Q: We have a very defiant, disrespectful 18 year old daughter. She refuses to follow our rules, sneaks ...
  A: Sheila, Just because you have similar DNA doesn't mean you need to tolerate bad behavior. You ...
19 yr old Daughter will not speak to father after parents divorce3/25/2008
  Q: My wife and I are divorced after 19 years for the past year now. We have four children, three sons ...
  A: Mark, There are some things one just cannot fix. So in regards to your daughter you have to forge ...
Help I have a way too Overprotective mama3/23/2008
  Q: My mother has always been very overprotective of me. You would figure that as I got older she would ...
  A: Kia, From what you describe it doesn't sound like you can do anything to let her believe that you ...
Son and Fiance not getting along3/19/2008
  Q: My boyfriend (of seven years) and I recently became engaged. My son is 16 and for the past 7 years ...
  A: Mary, Isn't it obvious what you should do? You have traded one abusive man(your ex) for another ...
balancing time with family and boyfriend3/18/2008
  Q: I am hoping for a little help on a problem in my life dealing with relationships and my family. I am ...
  A: Katie, What you are doing is probably OK it may need to be done a bit differently. If your schedule ...
Husband gone all the time3/17/2008
  Q: This is my second marriage and my husband's fourth...(a whole other subject). We've been married for ...
  A: Valerie, ....and now you see why he has had 4 marriages. You say it's a whole other subject, but I ...
family problems3/15/2008
  Q: My wife and myself had been single parents for 14 years. I have 3 daughters, 36, 31, and 25. She ...
  A: Charlie, I don't know how they feel about you in general so that may play into her comments of you ...
ex3/13/2008
  Q: i asked you this in an another category, but they didnt send a response 1. my girl friend and I ...
  A: 1. you were moving with how you felt comfortable. So she left because she couldn't control you into ...
Big Changes!3/12/2008
  Q: I'm 22, I've been living with my boyfriend and his daughter for 2 years. I moved from family, ...
  A: Chris, I think that when people live together there is really no real committment to one another. ...
ex3/10/2008
  Q: i asked you this in an another category, but they didnt send a response 1. my girl friend and I ...
  A: Alan, Dating is a time to figure out if someone is right for you. As you describe it, you started ...
Ex-Girlfriend.3/5/2008
  Q: I have been in a relationship for going on two years now. My boyfriend has been in love only once ...
  A: Erin, When you date you are doing so to see if someone is compatible with you. So you do know that ...
Adultery2/26/2008
  Q: Im married my wife and I have been married for 3 yrs but we've been together for almost 15 yrs. We ...
  A: Ryan, Of course you connect with her. Don't make the mistake that just because she is an ex you are ...
son/boyfriend difficulties2/23/2008
  Q: I am desperate for answers to my dilema. I am a 32 year old woman, and was a single parent to my 15 ...
  A: Marie, Since I don't have feelings involved in this situation it is quite clear to me what you ...
Gift giving2/20/2008
  Q: One of daughters is completing her studies to do what you do. MyI get very irritated when I receive ...
  A: Bill, It sounds as if you are feeling unappreciated. I am sorry for that. What type of relationship ...
his daughter not mine2/14/2008
  Q: Due to the in-laws, he wasn't able to be a part of his daughter's early years. When I met him, my ...
  A: Jafina, There are still ways to show that you care. Yes, it probably hurts to not have it ...
his daughter not mine2/10/2008
  Q: Due to the in-laws, he wasn't able to be a part of his daughter's early years. When I met him, my ...
  A: Jafina, It does sound as if you have been hurt because it seems like your role is not defined. The ...
Too dependant on her mother2/9/2008
  Q: This may be a little long-winded but I will give as much information as possible. Here goes: I am ...
  A: Nick, I wouldn't blame this all on the relationship with the mother. You must have known that an 18 ...
Step child1/20/2008
  Q: My husband and I have three sons aged 2, 4 and 6. He has a son from a previous relationship aged ...
  A: Laurie, This is the only way your husband may know how to connect with his son. The son is the one ...
relationship with my parents1/14/2008
  Q: My mom continually expresses how she does not believe that i will make it past high school and just ...
  A: Ernest, While this way of thinking may give you satisfaction as a way to hurt your mom. Ultimately ...
boyfriend's relationship with ex1/13/2008
  Q: We have been togehter 8 months now. I have 2 children (12 & 13) and my boyfriend has 2 children (3yr ...
  A: Jane, What is best for the children is their dad to stay focused on them. Your statement shows why I ...
domestic violence12/25/2007
  Q: hya, i split from my kids dad 5 years ago due to his vilence and drinking, and i had 2 kids to think ...
  A: Niki, He probably thinks he still has a chance with you. If you give off the vibes for it then he ...
family relations12/23/2007
  Q: I was married 25 yrs and divorced for 3 yrs.My ex would not seek counseling for alcoholism w/opiate ...
  A: Linda, I often tell people spouses, companions come and go, but children are the ones who are ...
Disowning My Mother12/23/2007
  Q: I recently disowned my mother via an email...about four months ago. I was placed in a foster home ...
  A: Trina, It does sound like your mother may have some type of mental illness. Protecting children is a ...
Spring Break Trip- Mom doesn't approve12/22/2007
  Q: I am in college (19 years old) and I want to go on a school sponsored spring break trip to West ...
  A: I would encourage you to have a close girlfriend go with you that your parents know. I would also ...
my family is a disaster!!12/22/2007
  Q: I am at a total loss as to how to deal with my family situation, and I just need some unbiased ...
  A: Carlene, As I sift through the drama, I you and your daughter a big part of it. I would encourage ...
Stepdaughter causing tension12/21/2007
  Q: My 11 1/2 yr old stepdaughter has gone from being my best friend to being the person I dread seeing ...
  A: Lisa, This is fairly normal in homes broken by divorce. So on that end I can't help with normal. ...
Obsessed Grandmother with Step-Son12/21/2007
  Q: I am having a huge problem with my wife over her mother and her son from a previous marriage. My ...
  A: Jay, If there were a drug dealer living next door you wouldn't want your child, wife or you hanging ...
traveling with Mom and Dad12/17/2007
  Q: I was hoping that I could ask for some advice on how to cope with my parents on a 5 day stay at a ...
  A: Anna, It would probably be a good idea to be proactive in this situation rather than reactive. That ...
His Family12/13/2007
  Q: To make a long story short. I'm 20, he's 24. We both went to school the first semester then ...
  A: Amy, If you go the route you are going this is going to be your future life with your MIL. Is that ...
adult sibling conflict12/11/2007
  Q: I'm a 20 year old female with a 24 year old female sister. We live in separate residences, but to ...
  A: Andrea, A heartfelt gift with a note probably would be the best. Or getting away just the two of you ...
Boyfriends sisters hate me12/9/2007
  Q: I have been going out with my boyfriend for a year now. I am devasted and do not know what to do ...
  A: Katie, Both of you need to stop giving out relationship information to anyone in his family or your ...
Mom12/6/2007
  Q: My mom emailed my math teacher about my grades and he told her i failed 2 tests and now shes ...
  A: Hayden, Your mom will stop bitching when you get your grades up simple as that. She probably will ...
Where11/26/2007
  Q: About 3 years, my wife and I asker her brother and wife if they would be willing to take and raise ...
  A: I would ask your younger brother the possibility of this as well. Don't announce it to anyone just ...
10 Year Old Son Does Not Like Mom/Dad Being Intimate11/26/2007
  Q: Our 10 year old son has never really liked it when my wife and I are affectionate towards each ...
  A: Jeff, The simple answer is that what your wife is doing is having a psychological effect on him. I ...
family11/24/2007
  Q: My boyfriend recently got chocked and hit my his step dad and he left his house. He does not want ...
  A: Carman, Your parents are not emotionally involved in it like you are. Paying rent makes you B/F ...
Daughter Having an Affair11/17/2007
  Q: I suspect my 27 year old daughter is having an affair with an acquaintance of her husband. She has ...
  A: Lesia, Tough questions. I would first go to the person (your daughter) and let her know what you ...
family issues11/15/2007
  Q: I am in Australia so I am aware that laws maybe different but I am assuming people are pretty much ...
  A: Rochelle, It sure sounds like there are some definite communication problems going on. The biggest ...
Boyfriend trouble11/14/2007
  Q: I've been with my boyfriend for about 5 months, and everything has been great. A few weeks ago, I ...
  A: Christine, He is probably preoccupied with this test and all that goes with it. This is a good ...
I don't believe my husband has any respect for me11/8/2007
  Q: My husband and I have been married for over 8 years now, during that time though we were separated ...
  A: Brenda, I think you should take your kids and go to your parents. This sounds like a dangerous home ...
stepdaughter11/8/2007
  Q: I am just about at breaking point with my partner and the whole root cause of this is his daughter. ...
  A: Cassandra, You say partner so I assume you are not married. My answer is based on that. You have ...
easy father11/6/2007
  Q: I have been dating a man who is 31 yrs old i am 29. I have no children but he has three. He has ...
  A: Kathy, It could be he is attempting to show his children how to be polite in light of adversity. Are ...
never met 18 yr old son11/5/2007
  Q: 18 years ago I had a relationship with a woman in my acting class. We broke up, and then she ...
  A: Scott, I think the question you should be asking is not do I have the right to see my son, but ...
Clashing with 16 year old stepson11/1/2007
  Q: I stumbled across this site while trying to find a professional to go talk to about my problems with ...
  A: Tiffany, Well, my simple answer is move out. You have no obligation to this man or this child. You ...
HUGE family problem11/1/2007
  Q: I hope that you can help me, because my husband and I are both at our wits' end and I don't know ...
  A: S, I hate stuff like this....The big loser in this is the two young girls. They have no choice over ...
mixed family issues10/30/2007
  Q: My wife has two girls frm her first marriage. They are 16 and 18. We have had problems since we ...
  A: Will, As you see your are in a powerless position. It will not change. You do have power over how ...
my relationship with my fiances and my daughter from a previous marrige10/27/2007
  Q: My fiancee is constantly annoyed with my relationship with my daughter. I am a middle age man. My ...
  A: Joe, It is not her business. Do you think this is going to change once you are married? She is ...
Does he still love his ex?10/26/2007
  Q: I have been in a relationship with my fiancee for over 2 years and we recently became engaged. I ...
  A: Michelle, I would not be engaged to this guy. He still has something for his ex. He probably is ...
Parents and the holidays with grandchildren10/22/2007
  Q: We have a 3 year old and every year is a problem around the holdidays, who's house do we go to? My ...
  A: Shannan, There are several days around holidays that can be used for families. There is also no one ...
Issue with 23 year old daughter...10/18/2007
  Q: That's what I want the straight truth I like that. Well I have a 23 year old daughter that was ...
  A: Lynn, I would suggest you ask what the money is for and then write a specific check for whatever the ...
14 year old step daughter causing tension in the family10/12/2007
  Q: please help ive been a step mum for 13 years to my 14 yr old step daughter. we got custody of her 8 ...
  A: Sally, what you can do depends on what type of custody you have. If you have full custody then you ...
Parents Aren't Quite The Same Anymore10/9/2007
  Q: I'm 14 & I live in a family of 5. My parents haven't been experiencing any serious problems in their ...
  A: Lauren, Kids don't know what goes on behind the closed door of their parents lives. I would imagine ...
My 16 yr old daughter has become manipulative10/4/2007
  Q: My 16 yr old daughter has become very manipulative, and my husband is afraid that I'm too hard on ...
  A: Tami, I am sorry you seemed to have married a weak man. If I understood you right your daughter is ...
Aloof nephew/grandson10/4/2007
  Q: My step-father has recently announced that he is taking the family on a cruise together. He's ...
  A: Teresa, Wow this sounds like it can be confusing at times. I think that when someone crowds in ...
young adult children9/27/2007
  Q: I am the step mother of two girls. One 19 the other 21. The 21 yr old was diagnosed with severe ...
  A: Shauna, Why not be willing to pay first and last on the 21 year old's own apt. If she is working and ...
Our children/Gifts9/26/2007
  Q: I hope this doesn't sound like a trite question, but we struggle every occasion with how to handle ...
  A: Patricia, In my opinion it would be fair to spend the same amount on the single son as it would be ...
Relationships with my daughters/ family9/20/2007
  Q: please help: I have 2 daughters (and a 7 year old son), aged 18 & 19. They are now both in ...
  A: Jeff, There is nothing you can really do obviously to force your daughter into relationship with ...
advice on my daughter9/18/2007
  Q: i'm afraid we're in a difficult situation. my husband is not my daughters real father. we met when ...
  A: Magso, My opinion is that you should not tell your daughter this. She has her father and there is ...
Needs Advise on Daughter's Bahavior9/17/2007
  Q: I have a 10-yr old daughter and I'd never been married, never dated, and never been in any romantic ...
  A: Jane, I would say that this is normal given that she believes you are starting another family. It's ...
help with husband & step child9/17/2007
  Q: i hope you can help as i do not know where else to turn. I am in a long term relationship and i got ...
  A: Mandy, You did marry into this so to some degree your husband has a good point that you knew this ...
what do i do?9/16/2007
  Q: So I have been with my high school sweetheart for about 6 years now on and off. He wasn't what i ...
  A: Ashley, Love will not carry you through. I would suggest you both take a break from one another. ...
Teen Defiance9/13/2007
  Q: I have a 16 year old son who has determined that he has a right to do what he wants, when he wants ...
  A: Mark, Consider yourself a babysitter for the next two years. If you want to keep this kid on track ...
Daughter9/4/2007
  Q: Our youngest daughter has informed us that she does not wish any further contact with us. She ...
  A: Mary, Your daughter is most likely upset that she has made the choices she has. Instead of taking ...
Girlfriend's Adult Daughter9/3/2007
  Q: I've been living with my girlfriend for several years in her small home. We're not kids; we're in ...
  A: Jonathon, As you are finding out Love is not enough to keep a relationship afloat. You have a lot of ...
my parents are driving me nuts..plz i dont know what to do!?9/1/2007
  Q: hey, my name is Maisie and i have just turned 17. i live with a family of 5 (mum, dad, my two ...
  A: M, You can't have different parents. What you can do is connect with your school counselor ...
family fued8/25/2007
  Q: I have a really big problem with my family. I hope you can give me advice on what to do. First of ...
  A: Evelyn, Nieces and nephews don't matter in the bigger picture of doing what is moral, honorable and ...
My separation8/22/2007
  Q: OK I have been with my girlfriend it will be 2 years in december, we have a 6 month old baby and ...
  A: Matthew, If your girlfriend has wrote me I would tell her that she needs to leave you alone to let ...
teen boy8/22/2007
  Q: My youngest son "16" spends almost every waking moment with his girlfriend (also 16) despite hi ...
  A: Neal, Wow who is parenting who? If you truly believe you have ZERO control over your son, you need ...
Can someone drive you insane8/21/2007
  Q: My Mother had the classic co-dependant personality. Loving sweet, couldn't say no and would lie ...
  A: Heather the answer to your question is probably. I think it is more important to recognize how well ...
misrepresentation8/14/2007
  Q: I started dating my wife about a year before we were married. She was very sweet, affectionate, ...
  A: David, Have you actually sat with her and pointed this out. I don't mean tried to sit I actually ...
mother in law8/10/2007
  Q: I have been married to my husband for 5 years and together for 10, we have 1 child (4). A couple ...
  A: Valerie, I have to compliment you. A few times when someone could get offended you let it go. That ...
daughter 24 boyfriend 29 engagment8/8/2007
  Q: what should i do, daughter been going out with 29 year guy going to school for nuresing2 ...
  A: Denise, I think that your daughter is an adult. I also think the more you try to control her ...
Husband moved out8/6/2007
  Q: I'm 41, married for 17 years and have 2 kids (12 and 13). My husband decided last week to move out ...
  A: Di, You have to decide what you want to do. Have you made life enjoyable for him? Or have you been ...
baby mother drama8/5/2007
  Q: i dont know if i posted in the right categort but um i have this issue. Im 18 with a 13 month old ...
  A: Millie, Please don't move in with this guy. Chances are he is sleeping with this other woman. You ...
Family Reunion8/2/2007
  Q: I am living with my daughter's father for the past 5 years. He has a family reunion coming up and ...
  A: Cathy, By "living with" do you mean shacking up or are you married? If you are shacking up then it ...
daughter's car useage8/1/2007
  Q: I am a single mother with 3 kids; 17, 11 and 9. The 17-year-old is pretty much the most ...
  A: Lisa, I am pretty sure she won't lose her job. She sounds like a resourceful kid. Why don't you ...
Problems with grown up daughter7/30/2007
  Q: Over recent years our daughter (who is 35 and married with 2 young children) has not behaved as a ...
  A: John, I actually agree with you daughter. If what you write is accurate you have presumed much with ...
Laws on children sharing a bedroom?7/27/2007
  Q: Simonsen, I can not find anything on th web reguarding the subject of chilren sharing a bedroom in ...
  A: I don't know anything about the laws of Minnesota ask a lawyer on the all experts site. I don't ...
joint custody and discipline7/25/2007
  Q: I am a 16 year old girl, and I am asking this question with regard to my cousins, a boy my age and ...
  A: Emma, You have no power in this situation. The best advice I have for your uncle is to document ...
Teen using drugs7/22/2007
  Q: My girlfriends sister called today and said my girlfriends son who is 16 years old got busted ...
  A: Wayne, Any time a minor is off track in my opinion a parent must know. The parent is the one ...
12-year old son7/20/2007
  Q: In April my husband and I separated. I have a 12-year old son from a previous marriage (my son's ...
  A: Judy, Who is running your home.? Those items are easily taken care of. Lay down some ground rules ...
12-year old son7/19/2007
  Q: In April my husband and I separated. I have a 12-year old son from a previous marriage (my son's ...
  A: Judy, Your son is fearful you are going to leave most likely. Your focus should be on raising your ...
Mean adult Stepdaughter7/18/2007
  Q: I have a mean adult 26 year old stepdaughter. She recently got married and did not invite her ...
  A: Elaine, What do you want to confront her about? She has done nothing illegal that you have ...
Marriage7/12/2007
  Q: I have been married for over 10 years now, and i have two children, my husband is obsessed with his ...
  A: You can't really do anything but wait for his mom to die. You describe a pretty unreasonable ...
Guilt feelings7/8/2007
  Q: I am menopausal, 55, feel worthless and ugly. My husband and I help in raising a rebellious, mouthy ...
  A: Trish, I would suggest you stop parenting. It sounds as if you are being forced into doing it. You ...
sharing our home7/6/2007
  Q: My grown daughter, hubby and 3 very young children will be staying with us (my husband/her ...
  A: Lee Anne, You need to sit down and very specifically talk about what is going to be expected. Don't ...
former STEP-MOM steps over boundaries...7/6/2007
  Q: ok...here's the story. my mother passed away when i was 7 years old. then my dad re-married (we'll ...
  A: Jay, I think you be polite. She did after all marry your dad and take on two young children. I get a ...
family problems7/5/2007
  Q: I'm 43, have three kids (16,13,8) and have been married for 22 years. For many years I don't feel ...
  A: Lisa, This is much more than who looks good and who looks bad. It is about a lifestyle choice that ...
please help7/2/2007
  Q: I need some help because i am very concerned about my mothers mental state,this is kind of a long ...
  A: Michael, While you may think you know what is going on in the relationship with your father and ...
found naked pics of boyfriend's exgirlfriend on computer6/30/2007
  Q: my boyfriend and I just moved in together about a month ago and when he was at work I was on his ...
  A: Reyna, First is you should not be living with a guy who doesn't respect in any way. It only makes ...
10 year old6/24/2007
  Q: My husband and I are in our mid 50's and not in the best of health. My husband and I were truckers ...
  A: Trish, Your 10 yr old sees adults not working and probably wonders why she should be working. I ...
Confusing the Child6/21/2007
  Q: This is my friend situation: Sharon has a son,Dennis, who is currently nine year old. When Dennis ...
  A: Sandra, This is fairly complicated. Dennis know Jackie as his mom. Sharon coming into the picture ...
family relation issues6/20/2007
  Q: Your answer for the issue DIL is interesting. Currently, I am facing with this problem (DIL). I and ...
  A: John, I don't think there is morality related to those situations you describe. There are doing the ...
family relation issues6/15/2007
  Q: Your answer for the issue DIL is interesting. Currently, I am facing with this problem (DIL). I and ...
  A: John, Your job is to protect your wife. If your family is being rude to your wife then you need to ...
No contact with father in 17 years6/14/2007
  Q: I am a 35 years old, happily married with 4 children ages: 2,3,10,15. I haven't seen or spoken to ...
  A: Christine, You can't really know what your mother did or didn't do or say to your father. Every time ...
The STEPmom6/12/2007
  Q: My husband and I have been married for almost a year. He has an eleven year old daughter from a ...
  A: Melissa, You SD is in a pretty yucky position. She would prefer having her parents back together and ...
mother-in-law5/29/2007
  Q: I have three kids (16,13,8) and have been married 22 years. Right after we were married my in-laws ...
  A: Lisa, You don't have to deal with demanding relatives. If you married a mamma's boy then I am sorry ...
Dysfunctional family5/28/2007
  Q: Your question was "I am a college student. I am also an only child.My Mom and dad divorced when I ...
  A: Ivy, Bottom line is that YOU need to get boundaries for yourself. Your mother is an adult woman. You ...
my mother in law doesnt speak english5/27/2007
  Q: my mother in law does not speak English and my husband thinks that its rude of me not to learn to ...
  A: Crystal, You are in an English speaking country. I believe if your mother is here then it is her job ...
daughter4/21/2007
  Q: Hubby and I have a 21 y/o daughter. She lives w/girl from high school, goes to college p/t and ...
  A: Sharon, Since your daughter is no longer a minor she gets to make her own choices in life and also ...
Family ties tearing apart4/17/2007
  Q: i'm 16 yrs old.I'm an only child n until now my parents have been my best friends and ...
  A: Anita, Don't let your life suffer because of someone elses choices. It doesn't hurt them it truly ...
Wife and Stepdaughter4/10/2007
  Q: When I married my wife she had a 10 year old daughter who is now 16. The problem is that my wife is ...
  A: Bill, Acknowledging the past mistakes probably won't change the present behavior. What you need to ...
Divorce and Baby4/4/2007
  Q: My baby is 9 months old and my husband has decided he wants a divorce. Since he moved out, he has ...
  A: Liza, You need to get an attorney and work that out through the court. If you ask him to not contact ...
Grandson4/4/2007
  Q: I have a bright 4 yr old grandson - problem is he is too smart. We have a terrible time correcting ...
  A: Susan, While you love your grandson, I would bet you think too highly of him and thus in the process ...
daughter in law3/31/2007
  Q: My daughter in law is an intelligent, beautiful, accomplished woman. However, I am baffled as how to ...
  A: I find it interesting that there is no mention of your son in these exchanges with me. Your son ...
daughter in law3/29/2007
  Q: My daughter in law is an intelligent, beautiful, accomplished woman. However, I am baffled as how to ...
  A: brianna, Perhaps your DIL has a perception of you that you don't realize. Maybe something happened ...
My Mother3/23/2007
  Q: I am not sure if you are able to help me since this is more or less about my mother but if you ...
  A: Alina, You need to realize this is who your mother is and move on. It would be nice if she would ...
Son's mate3/20/2007
  Q: Is there anything I can do to make things better with a daughter-in-law to be that does not like me? ...
  A: Diane, All I can tell you is be polite. This is not about the DIL who isn't really even a DIL. She ...
blended family3/19/2007
  Q: My husband and I have been together for 7 years. We’ve been married for almost 5. This is the 2nd ...
  A: This seems complicated. I will say simply a boy needs his dad. If you come in the way of dad and son ...
Husband and his parents3/10/2007
  Q: Recently my grandma passed and I was very close to her, I for a long time have not been getting ...
  A: Ree, Okay there seem to be a lot of issues going on in this statement. First you need to acknowledge ...
boyfriend2/27/2007
  Q: Ok, I have been with my boyfriend for about 2 months now. but before this he was the one i went to ...
  A: Melanie, When someone likes you they don't make plans to get to know someone else. You need to not ...
grandchildren favoritism2/23/2007
  Q: I have been married to my husband for almost 13 years, have a 10 year old daughter who has ...
  A: Cynthia, Why would you continue to associate with someone who is so poisonous to your family. I ...
Re: My Marriage1/22/2007
  Q: I've been married for 7 years and have been with my husband for a total of 11 years. Generally, we ...
  A: Megan, It seems that you might need to fight in a smarter way with him. I don't know what your end ...
My mom1/19/2007
  Q: My mother has never actively participated in my sons life. She has not once babysat or done anything ...
  A: Amie, If you were really honest with yourself, you would admit that you don't have much of a mom if ...
blending teenage kids with younger1/10/2007
  Q: I have always put my children first and will continue to do so. I will never live with someone ...
  A: Jill, Even though dad is a crummy one, kids are going to want a dad around. It is probably something ...
blending teenage kids with younger1/10/2007
  Q: I guess the answer was right in front of me. I had a gut feeling that not marrying him is the right ...
  A: Jill, I truly appreciate and want to honor what you have done thus far with your children. It is ...
thinking of remarrying and how to best blend our children that are teenagers and elementary age1/8/2007
  Q: My boyfriend and I have discussed marriage. He is a wonderful father of 2 girls, ages 6 and 7. My ...
  A: Jill, You probably won't like my answer. Your kids would rather you focus your time and energy on ...
pack rat wife1/5/2007
  Q: my wife and myself have done well for ourselves, and mostly because of our financial specialities ...
  A: Michael, You have described doing everything but one....action. If you are serious only up the point ...
6 year old son1/5/2007
  Q: I've realized that I have started to feel guilty for his behavior, thinking that his unhappiness ...
  A: Nicole, The crazy thing about parenting is that it needs to change for each child. Keeping things ...
Concerned about a 14 yr old1/3/2007
  Q: yet rather some advice on a problem that my friend Ana is having with her daughter; below I am ...
  A: Mariano, My first thought is that you friend needs to start treating he adult daughter like an ...
Irresponsible MIL living with us!1/3/2007
  Q: David, I have been married to my husband for 4 years and am a mother of a 9 month old boy. Since the ...
  A: Celest, If what you describe is accurate I do not think you are being unreasonable. I wonder if his ...
Confused1/2/2007
  Q: My husband has just moved out without warning me, he has given me alot of excuses to his reasons, he ...
  A: Sharon, I have said nothing about a divorce. As a Christian for 20 + years who works closely with my ...
my grand daughter1/1/2007
  Q: my son and his girlfriend just split up and they have a 5 month old baby..she is the love of my ...
  A: Margee, I would suggest you contact a family law attorney to find out what your rights are. In some ...
how to convice my parents12/29/2006
  Q: I am Meghana. I am working in a MNC as software engineer. I am in love with my best friend since the ...
  A: Meghana, I'm not sure what I can do for you. If you are an adult, then you need to weigh the ...
his and her in-laws12/26/2006
  Q: My husband and I have been married 17 years. Every Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas are spend at ...
  A: Amyt, It first seems important to find out what your MIL means by only being here a few more years. ...
Family Gift Giving12/18/2006
  Q: My wife and I have been married for just over a year. We have been having an argument about how ...
  A: Larry, I think you need to be equal for your marriage sake. Is it worth the disruption to the ...
Trouble with my daughter n law12/17/2006
  Q: I don't know where to start. My Son, who has always been a good son so I thought. He seems to like ...
  A: Ruth, The most important thing is that you realize that your son is a jerk. While you may care ...
Problem with a new husband/daughter relationship12/15/2006
  Q: My husband and I have been together for 7 years. I have a 13 year old son from a previous marriage ...
  A: Kelley, From what you are saying it is all related to guilt feelings. I believe you need to sit with ...
My nephew is OUT OF CONTROL...12/13/2006
  Q: Please help... my nephew is out of control. His early childhood was very traumatic. His mother ...
  A: Kayrin, You indicate that you have tried many different things so I don't know how much more I can ...
Trying to turn my nephew's life around12/12/2006
  Q: My nephew just turned 16 but mentally he is more about 12-14.He had a horrible upbringing and yes, I ...
  A: Christine, Good for you that you are attempting to help a troubled kid!Your intentions are good. If ...
6 year old son12/12/2006
  Q: I have a very bright boy, but I am concerned about his behavior. He's great at school, but at home ...
  A: Nicole, I would say some of this is normal. While your child may do annoying things the most ...
ILs and husband are against me12/11/2006
  Q: Let me start by saying that I do not get along with my MIL. She is insecure and competitive. She ...
  A: Jennifer, You are putting so much energy into having things your way that you are probably making ...
family at xmas12/8/2006
  Q: I've been married for 21 years and have three kids (15,12 and 8). Right after our marriage my ...
  A: Lisa, I don't really know if you have the power to do anything different. You seem to have really ...
fiance and kids12/2/2006
  Q: my fiance and 14 year old son dont get along. she says he does not respect me. she said either my ...
  A: Roger, I beleive your focus should be on you son and not your love life right now. The fact that ...
Son's bio Dad11/28/2006
  Q: I hope that you can help me. My boyfriend and I have 3 children. 2 boys ages 9 and 6, and a daughter ...
  A: Tiffani, Why are you putting your kids through this drama. If you has married current boyfriend and ...
Golden years getting tarnished11/26/2006
  Q: David: Thank you for your reply. I have thought alot about your answer. I do feel comfortable when ...
  A: Acting is the key word. Despite how you feel don't let that rule you otherwise these relationships ...
Golden years getting tarnished11/25/2006
  Q: My husband and I have been married for 26 years. We have a 24 year old son. My husband was ...
  A: Margie, While this may be difficult this is what you married into. After being married so long I ...
My father11/22/2006
  Q: I am a 32 year old female with an alcoholic father. I have an older brother and sister and my mother ...
  A: Elinor, You job is to not get caught up in your father's drama and alcoholic rants. You have control ...
Question about conflict with son11/19/2006
  Q: here's what happened. A couple of years ago, I bought my (now 16 year old) son a cell phone, and I ...
  A: Tami, You are trying to be his friend. You need to be a parent. That cell phone should have been ...
Critical grandparent11/16/2006
  Q: We are living with my mother. My 12 year old daughter is participating in a variety show for ...
  A: Janet, While you disagree with your mom, your job is to teach your child good behavior. If your idea ...
Jelousy Can He Change11/7/2006
  Q: I have been with the same guy for 5 years and we have a daughter together. He is extremely jelous ...
  A: Lori, You have kind of backed youself up into a corner haven't you. Your daughter needs a father ...
Attached Mommy/daughter11/6/2006
  Q: I lived at home my whole life (28 years). I was very close with my mom - went shopping ...
  A: Debbie, Why did you get married........? When you marry you are supposed to detach from your family ...
I don't feel like family11/3/2006
  Q: I have an excellent relationship with my parents. And, they make sure that my husband is treated ...
  A: I just think when someone is really bothered by something that it usually means something bigger is ...
strong-willed child10/19/2006
  Q: Some good points. Thank you. What we do to discipline him is mostly removal of priveledges and ...
  A: Doug, You may tweak the way you look at dealing with him. You use the word threaten. Change your ...
Parents' workshop10/17/2006
  Q: Simonsen, We are a group of Mexican psychology students and we will hold a parents’ workshop (six ...
  A: Cesar, I would be interested in keeping in touch. I am in a Ph.D. family psychology program right ...
teenage step daughter10/17/2006
  Q: my husband and i have four children he has two from a previous maggiage and i have two from a ...
  A: Tammy, They are the center of his world. You children are not his bio children. I don't think he is ...
strong-willed child10/16/2006
  Q: Tell me what you know about strong-willed children. I have what I feel is a some-what strong willed ...
  A: Doug, I have heard it said that a strong-willed child has weak willed parents. I don't know if that ...
DISREPECTFUL DAUGHTER10/9/2006
  Q: I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO TREAT MY 18YR OLD DAUGHTER WHO LOSES HER TEMPER EVERYTIME I GIVE HER ...
  A: Maryann, Your daughter being 18 means that you have a choice to make. Do you want that type of ...
Mother in-law from hell10/8/2006
  Q: My husband and I have been married for 12 years and I love my husband very much. He is a wonderful ...
  A: Lesa, If it is as bad as you say it is, why would you even want to be in relationship with these ...
mother problems10/1/2006
  Q: i need some advice handling my mother. i have 2 girls, one 6 and the other 3. my mother has shown a ...
  A: Debra, The thing that I think your daughter will be resentful of is that you have not been around to ...
my older fiance9/28/2006
  Q: me and my fiance have some issues in our relationship. first of all there is a big agedifference, I ...
  A: Linn, Take this to heart please. LOVE cannot get you through these red flag issues you have just ...
boyfriends ex-girlfriend9/26/2006
  Q: i am with my boyfriend for 2 years we live togheter for year an half.he has son with his ...
  A: Paula, Is this really the life you want to keep leading? Why if you really "love" this guy are you ...
fiances ex-wife9/21/2006
  Q: Ever since my fiance told his ex-wife and his teenage children that he was moving in with me and we ...
  A: Pam, My opinion is this. You should not cheapen yourself by having this man live with you before you ...
Fiancee's Crazy Mother9/21/2006
  Q: First off, hi and thanks for answering this!! I've been dating my fiance now for a little over 16 ...
  A: Lindsey, You will not like this advice. You met this boy when you were 15/16 and you are calling him ...
Family Get togethers9/14/2006
  Q: I have been married for one year and my mother lives only 5 minutes away. Prior to getting married ...
  A: Chris, Why can't you keep a once a month lunch appt. with her. That seems more than reasonable. You ...
Tesnsion between Mother & Wife9/9/2006
  Q: I have been married for 10 years now and have a very caring but adamant wife. My mother is also the ...
  A: Prasad, You are not married to your mother. Thus, having her live with you is not only not healthy ...
Sisters/ Thak-you9/5/2006
  Q: I asked her not too but she feels that I am ignoring her life altering event, she is 28 and has been ...
  A: It does seem confusing that here this event is a year away and she can't find it in her mind to ...
Sisters9/5/2006
  Q: I am getting married next August 18th. I asked my sister to be my Maid of Honor.. She was ...
  A: Naomi, This is your special day. I think not sharing your day is a reasonable request. A reasonable ...
disrespectful daughter9/2/2006
  Q: I am at my wits end with my manipulative 21 yr old daughter. I am divorced after 24 yrs of marriage ...
  A: Mary, I must say I am very confused as to why you would still be in a relationship like this. Your ...
Is family normal?9/2/2006
  Q: As I grow older, I'm starting wonder if this whole family thing is normal. No other animals seem to ...
  A: Johnna, You should answer the question you ask, "why do I try?" I am of the mind that life is too ...
Step Children9/1/2006
  Q: My husband's four children came from another country to live with us about six months ago. The ...
  A: Jeanie, I beleived I answered another questions from you on 07/27/06. I don't think you have read ...
my boyfriends ex-girlfriend8/29/2006
  Q: my boyfriend and i moved in together about a month ago after a nine month long friendship, after we ...
  A: Sandi, Stop reading now because you will not like this answer. I truly beleive that you should not ...
Sister's fighting8/26/2006
  Q: It seems to be worse because the oldest one is going to college. The younger one who is 16 is ...
  A: Shelly, I imagine that there may be a lot of focus given to the older one right now. I would make a ...
mother trying to be both mom and dad8/23/2006
  Q: I am sorry I guess the question I had was do you have any ideas as to keep him on the right path. He ...
  A: Kim, This is absolutely not about you being too controlling. It is about your teen not respecting ...
My mother doesn't like her family8/23/2006
  Q: My mother doesn't like family get-togethers. She will do everything she can to attempt to sabotage a ...
  A: Maria, This is who your mother is. Like it or not confrontation is not going to change her. It may ...
mom trying to be both mom and dad8/22/2006
  Q: My husband passed away in a car accident over 2 years ago. My son was then 10. I was always the ...
  A: Kim, I am sorry for your loss. A boy needs his dad. I didn't see a question at the end of your ...
my sister's debts8/21/2006
  Q: My dearest husband died suddenly 5 weeks ago. I have some savings and I will receive a lump sm and ...
  A: Julie, I am sorry for your loss. I would suggest that it is too soon to be making big decision about ...
Aspereger's Syndrome daughter8/16/2006
  Q: I need an outside view on this one. My daughter is 24, has 2 daughters, age 4 and 3 months. She's on ...
  A: You may need to get some assistance from the government or from a local church. I do think you need ...
what ie the right thing to do8/12/2006
  Q: my ? is to make a long story short i have a daughter who is 23 years old.she was adopted by my ...
  A: That would be tough. Yet, you were not the one there during the years she formed her view of a ...
Rude Mother-In-Law8/9/2006
  Q: The other week I was at a cookout with my husband's immediate family. His mother and father are both ...
  A: Angie, There are two things you most likely need to do. Biting your tongue, while difficult, is ...
Boyfriends ex-wife...8/7/2006
  Q: My boyfriend is the father of 2 girls which he had in a past marriage. He has been divorced now for ...
  A: I would say you do have something to worry about. There sounds like there is a serious emotional ...
Mother-In-Law8/7/2006
  Q: She has been living with us for over 1 month, which has exceeded her initial 3 week agreement to ...
  A: You should first express your concern with your husband. Hopefully he is the type of man that will ...
why does she h8 me?8/6/2006
  Q: I am really sorry but i didn't know were else to ask this kind of question. I am 15 and my ...
  A: Clover- You may not like this answer, but I feel compelled to give it to you. At 15 you shouldn't be ...
Addressing Romantic Notions of Love8/2/2006
  Q: I have been with my boyfriend for 15 months. We have a good relationship on many levels. About three ...
  A: Susan you are wise in being concerned about this issue. While I must say at least your boyfriend has ...
disrespectful/mooching daughter7/31/2006
  Q: This may be quite lengthy, but I feel its important to explain things this way. First off... Thank ...
  A: I will spell this out clearly for you and your wife to understand. When you have an adult child that ...
Married with four new children from hubby's 1st marriage7/27/2006
  Q: I have four specific challenges that I would be honored to get your input on. First the background, ...
  A: Jeanie, I seriously think you may need to leave this marraige for a time. What you have described ...
Powerless in my own home7/21/2006
  Q: I am 40 years old and have a 19 year old step-son. I have been his step father for 16-years. As a ...
  A: I will cut to the chase. If it is as bad as you say you should leave...now! Let your wife be ...
Boyfriends son hates me7/17/2006
  Q: I am a 33 year old seperated mother with 2 girls which are 5 and 7. I have been dating a father of 2 ...
  A: Let me cut straight to the point. Why would you bring your daughters into this drama? When you are ...
Tell Her About Her Biological Father?7/3/2006
  Q: 15 years ago my wife had a brief extra marital affair and got pregnant. She had a beautiful baby ...
  A: You are her dad, father, daddy etc.. He is sorry to say a sperm donor. Risking your daugter's ...
Family reunion or Birthday party6/28/2006
  Q: My family has decided to have a reunion this year for the first time, a formal event and a picnic ...
  A: wow big families often complicate things at times don't they? I think you are not wrong for not ...

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