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Family Relations/Questions Answered by Expert David Simonsen
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Parents keeping secrets from me and themselves- please help on situation | 1/25/2012 |
| Q: Hey. So I have to give you a bit of background information before i ask my question. i am an only ... A: Carolina, I wouldn't approach it. They are adults and have reasons for the way they act. So let's ... | |
| The Grandparents!!!! | 12/14/2011 |
| Q: I live with the in-laws and my fiance and I am a proud parents of a four month old... I am a stay at ... A: Danielle, There are several options you have. One is to get married and move into your own place ... | |
| My fiance is embarrassed to show his face around my family after they walked in on us? | 12/9/2011 |
| Q: Okay, well, I'm 22, and my fiance Mikey, is 26, and we just got engaged a couple of weeks ago. Mikey ... A: Jamia, If you are unable to talk about this incident with your parents and Mikey is unable to deal ... | |
| granddaughter growing up/changing | 12/4/2011 |
| Q: I would just like some help in not feeling teary when I see my granddaughter change as she becomes ... A: Janelle, Change is a difficult thing! I imagine there may be some of your own stuff from the past ... | |
| My Mother. | 11/27/2011 |
| Q: Simonsen, People tend to judge the "child" when it comes to parents, if there is a problem. That's ... A: Beth, If what you are saying is true, then I think cutting off or at least limiting contact is the ... | |
| My mom wants me to live nearby forever | 11/21/2011 |
| Q: My boyfriend and I are in a serious long term relationship and we plan on getting married in two ... A: Anissa, If you are unable to simply leave with the man you will be making vows with then you ... | |
| adult son | 11/20/2011 |
| Q: My 35 year old adult son still lives with me. He is a very unpleasant alcoholic who has never held a ... A: Oz, What has caused this is the inability of you to kick him out when he first had the behavior. You ... | |
| Finding my sister | 2/1/2011 |
| Q: I don't know if you will be able to help me with this, it's quite specific question so I will start ... A: Ellie, You weren't supposed to find this information out. Your nan did the wrong thing in telling ... | |
| DAUGHTER | 1/16/2011 |
| Q: I had a relationship with a woman who was married and was getting a divorce. She became pregnant ... A: James, I think in all things you need to do what is best for your daughter. I'm not sure if you have ... | |
| feedback please | 1/15/2011 |
| Q: We've been together nearly twelve years and married a little over eight years. The world of long ... A: Pedro, The ONE thing you need to give her is security. It all comes back to that...emotional, ... | |
| Relationship stressed, fiancé has issues with my son | 1/12/2011 |
| Q: We have had several close calls on ending the relationship, the way I see n feel it is that he has ... A: Dee, I think your fiancee feels threatened by this new relationship. Two things: Your son is 18 and ... | |
| 5-year-old | 1/6/2011 |
| Q: we are both 36, our oldest son is 5.5 , our daughter is 3.5 and youngest son is 7 months. We have ... A: I can't point you in a direction since I know nothing about martial arts. I think searching an ... | |
| adult child with issues | 1/1/2011 |
| Q: would you say that there is something a parent should continue to do for an adult child (25) who has ... A: Lori, I think you simply offer finances for rehab and that is it. There are plenty of social ... | |
| family driving me nuts | 12/29/2010 |
| Q: My name is Ryan and I have lived with divorced parents since I was in the 4th grade. I am now a ... A: Ryan, I will lay it out clearly for you. You want it all, but don't want to sacrifice anything for ... | |
| Awkwardness | 12/25/2010 |
| Q: I'll give you the basic details first: I'm a 22 year old guy. My immediate family consist of a 20 ... A: Patrick, I think you should first be in therapy. Finding ways to overcome your social anxiety not ... | |
| 21 year old son poor decisions | 12/12/2010 |
| Q: I have a 21 year old son. Here is the background. He moved to a town about 1 1/2 hrs from our ... A: Gayla, Don't you think that your son already knows you don't agree? Hopefully you are not paying for ... | |
| parents/advice | 12/10/2010 |
| Q: My mom tends to be moody and sometimes overreactive. Recently, she got home from work, and 2-3 hours ... A: Caleb, I would say that your mother is overwhelmed with her life. The more you and your brother can ... | |
| Girlfriend spends every night with her ex husband | 12/9/2010 |
| Q: I've been in a relationship with a great girl for a couple of years now. Our relationship started ... A: Jesse, I must say I'm confused as to why you are still with this woman? Please don't tell me it's ... | |
| my sister's boyfriend is emotionally abusive | 12/2/2010 |
| Q: I am a very concerned big brother. My sister has been in a rocky relationship with her boyfriend for ... A: Kevin, What you are finding out is the parents nightmare of not being able to control or influence ... | |
| Sister | 12/1/2010 |
| Q: I have just recently started talking to my sister again after not speaking for 8 years. It was not ... A: Sue, Since I don't know all the dynamics of your family, you are going to have to be the one who ... | |
| relationship | 11/15/2010 |
| Q: Ok, so i am recently engaged and my fionce and i have been planning to move into our own place, and ... A: I strongly suggest you rethink this relationship. He has too many attachments and the current plan ... | |
| Boyfriends family | 10/26/2010 |
| Q: Ok. My boyfriends family well dad, step mom, and step sister have been calling me all kinds of names ... A: Lora, Ok first off, this is probably a relationship you shouldn't even be in. You should be in ... | |
| Does my mother have issues? And what should I do? | 10/22/2010 |
| Q: There are some things that I've noticed she does a lot when she is angry: -Mutters loudly under ... A: Lia, I think you need to speak to a counselor at your high school. What you describe is abuse and ... | |
| How do I handle bad grandparents? | 10/21/2010 |
| Q: I am about to have my first child and do not want my mother and step-father to watch, babysit, or ... A: Jennifer, I think you simply sit with your mother and calmly let her know what you she can expect ... | |
| party | 10/17/2010 |
| Q: I'm a 17 year old female. Last weekend I was at my best girlfriends birthday party at her mum and ... A: Nicola, First off stop going to parties where you engage in risky behavior. What do you expect to ... | |
| Long standing guilt-relationship with my mother | 10/13/2010 |
| Q: I am a therapist and counsillor myself but need someone objective to give me some advise and a clear ... A: Yvette, Your job is not to caretake your mother. She is a big girl. Your job is to enjoy your ... | |
| Mentally Challenged Cousin | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: I don't know if you can help me or not, or maybe refer me to someone who can. I have a Mentally ... A: Bea, I think you need to start with an agency in your state that deals with mentally challenged ... | |
| Encouragement | 9/21/2010 |
| Q: My married sister with 2 children,who has been living with her family in another state,recently ... A: Randy, It seems that you should help her find a therapist who can give her some guidance on what she ... | |
| Ending relationship with an older man, can't balance family and him | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: I have been in a relationship with a nice man for two years and we have had many good times ... A: Sue, I think this is a great example of things not being a good match. You probably knew earlier in ... | |
| Help with not getting along with parents | 9/9/2010 |
| Q: I know it's really common for teenagers to not get along with parents occasionally. This sounds ... A: Ellen, Ok the picture you paint at the beginning of your question is much different than the picture ... | |
| please help | 9/1/2010 |
| Q: Me and my boyfriend have been together for a little over 2 years I have a 12 year old son and he has ... A: Veronica, The right thing to do in this instance is the following. You go to a family member and ... | |
| Stepfather's Temper | 8/30/2010 |
| Q: I'm writing this in order to help my mom. She has been married before, but recently she was married ... A: Brittany, Your mom is the one who is the adult here, thus she needs to focus on keeping you and your ... | |
| Dangerous dogs with infant, husband insists | 8/28/2010 |
| Q: My son, 10m, has been bitten TWICE while my husband has been watching him. My husband absolutely ... A: WOW...If I could put WOW in bigger print I would have. What in your mind could posses you to stay in ... | |
| My teenage SON | 8/18/2010 |
| Q: Before anything, I THANK YOU for volunteering your time to help people out. Apologies for a lengthy ... A: Nagy, I think you need to get into family therapy. I think it is obvious that he has some hidden ... | |
| home and children | 8/17/2010 |
| Q: Married 8 years. In house for 7 years. Husband has 2 children and I have 1 from previous marriages. ... A: Cindy, These kids did not ask for this situation. So to some degree I think you need to recognize ... | |
| PARENTING PROBLEMS | 8/5/2010 |
| Q: I've been married for 8 years my stepdaughter is now 15 not really stepdaughter i adopted her two ... A: Samy, You have 3 more years of being powerless. Your husband unfortunately has guilt unresolved ... | |
| Mother Issues | 7/25/2010 |
| Q: My best friend has been told she has mother issues, but has chosen to suppress her feelings. I know ... A: Paula, I think it is directly related to "mother issues". I have someone in my life with "parent ... | |
| teenage son | 7/23/2010 |
| Q: I have a few problems with regard to my, soon to be 19 year old, son. Firstly, I am so proud of him. ... A: Joan, I think that if you are able to have good conversation with your son then I wouldn't be too ... | |
| How do I tell my parents my boyfriend has two children from a previous relationship? | 7/20/2010 |
| Q: I am 21 and my boyfriend is 25, but since I'm the youngest and still live at home, I feel that they ... A: Yolanda, Should you even be dating this guy? He needs to be focusing on raising his kids not on ... | |
| My mother in law | 7/13/2010 |
| Q: I am not sure if you can help me or not. I have never been one that trusts people nor talks about my ... A: Ashley, I think you simply state it to her like you just did to me. If she doesn't know that you ... | |
| Family problem............sorry its so long | 6/29/2010 |
| Q: I am 23 years old and having serious family problems. For one I am not happy and since I don't have ... A: Shayla, you need to move out even if it is with another family or friend. This is a dangerous place ... | |
| Grandparents has custody of 6 year old grandson. Need advise | 6/28/2010 |
| Q: Our grandson is 6 and half years old and has not seen or heard from his mother or 4 year old brother ... A: Tina, I think something you could do is start putting him in charge of somethings. While putting him ... | |
| Mother issues | 6/21/2010 |
| Q: I live with my parents at the moment, and I only have 1 sibling, my elder sister who is married and ... A: Valerie, I would imagine that your mother is worried for your sister and much of what is going on is ... | |
| Moving away | 6/11/2010 |
| Q: My husband, and twin girls who are 8 years old now, have just recently moved away from my parents ... A: Sue, So when one gets married they are supposed to leave mom and dad and start a life with the ... | |
| Boyfriend's grandmother angry over pregnancy | 6/7/2010 |
| Q: My boyfriend and I are both 22, we discovered our unplanned pregnancy in February 2010. When we ... A: I completely agree with you, this is not about appeasing a G'ma. It's about disliking someones ... | |
| Boyfriend's grandmother angry over pregnancy | 6/4/2010 |
| Q: My boyfriend and I are both 22, we discovered our unplanned pregnancy in February 2010. When we ... A: Callisto, I suggest that you and your boyfriend get married and do this the right way. In my mind ... | |
| Grandparent good/bad influence | 5/31/2010 |
| Q: Me and my wife worry a lot that my mother in law, might be a bad influence over my 4 year old son, ... A: Andres, You first priority with your young children should be to protect them from danger and ... | |
| 21 year old son and step-son | 5/21/2010 |
| Q: Our son and step-son is 21 yrs old. He goes to college at UNC, we (his parents) live in Ia and Ne. ... A: Connie, Your ADULT son is not going to listen to you. While hard to accept it is the reality. What ... | |
| Will relocating often be hurtful to my children? | 5/20/2010 |
| Q: My husband and I have been married for 18 years and have three children ages 17,16,13,6. Three ... A: Crystal, The best think for your children is a good relationship with their father. How good can it ... | |
| my boyfriend. | 5/15/2010 |
| Q: i am 21 year old i am with my boyfriend for 5 years, he love me very much and i too but his anger ... A: Teena, Seriously Teena life is way too short to bother with this type of outrageous behavior. This ... | |
| dealing with mother | 5/10/2010 |
| Q: I think I've talked to you before. in fact I know I have. I'm still having issues dealing with my ... A: Do you know that she is the reason you were in an abusive relationship. You seem to expect that ... | |
| How do I deal with my selfish younger brother? | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: I'm 29 and my brother is 27. I cannot take it anymore. He works maybe 3 times a month, and during ... A: I suppose my advice may not be helpful for you since you say you have tried numerous things, but I ... | |
| My husband and family don't get along | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: We were at a family dinner and my husband told my brother's girlfriend to stop correcting his ... A: Jen, I would imagine that your husband tends to be a difficult person to deal with. There also seems ... | |
| moving to get married | 4/30/2010 |
| Q: I want to marry a great woman who lives in another state. She has 2 kids and an excellent job and ... A: Jim, What you say is legitimate for two parent biological families. In my experience the ... | |
| moving to get married | 4/29/2010 |
| Q: I want to marry a great woman who lives in another state. She has 2 kids and an excellent job and ... A: Jim, I don't think you should move and it's for a totally different reason. I think that the woman ... | |
| Mom suggestion on a delay in marraige | 4/23/2010 |
| Q: So yesterday i was on the phone with my mom taslking to her, and i brough up how my fiance (who i've ... A: The difference between the two I suppose is a matter of views on commitments and covenants. It is ... | |
| Mom suggestion on a delay in marraige | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: So yesterday i was on the phone with my mom taslking to her, and i brough up how my fiance (who i've ... A: Stacy, Your mother can say what she wants, especially if you are expecting her to pay. You can ... | |
| legal issues with adult child | 4/11/2010 |
| Q: what advice would you give to a parent of a 24 year old who refuses to get a job, wont abandon the ... A: Lori, No, NO, NO, NO, NOOOOOOOOOOO. Hopefully you catch my drift. This kid is where he is at because ... | |
| Broken Relationship | 4/10/2010 |
| Q: I have been with the father of my kids for 8 years off and on and we have always had the same ... A: Bridget, If you continue to be in this relationship, please consider giving up your kids to a family ... | |
| Not able to see my child | 4/8/2010 |
| Q: My name is Daniel 21 y/o living with parents and been having a tough time with my girlfriends ... A: Daniel, You should care what they think of you. That is what is keeping your son away from you. If ... | |
| Not able to see my child | 4/4/2010 |
| Q: My name is Daniel 21 y/o living with parents and been having a tough time with my girlfriends ... A: Daniel, You first should actually be showing everyone you can take care of things. The reason you ... | |
| Stepson's Mom getting a little close for comfort | 3/31/2010 |
| Q: This question is in regards to boundaries. First, I'll give you a bit of background history. My ... A: I would agree this is a bit odd. I would suggest that you simply unfriend her on facebook. You still ... | |
| I hate my Dad | 3/24/2010 |
| Q: im 16 and a half years old and I live with both my Mum and Dad and four yoounger siblings. I dont ... A: Christina, I am not sure what the laws are in Australia. It there i a better place to live where you ... | |
| Feeling Traped | 3/8/2010 |
| Q: I am 28 years old lady, and a mother of a 2 years old. I live with my husband, his mother, father ... A: I would suggest you let your husband know that things need to change or you will be leaving to a ... | |
| Differing parenting styles.. | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: First.. thank you for your time. My 14yo daughter has lived with her father and stepmother for the ... A: DJ, The problem as you point it out is that you are liberal and they are conservative in their ... | |
| Family Issues | 2/26/2010 |
| Q: I am a 15yr old girl, and last year I got my boyfriend of 7 months. Two months into the relationship ... A: Instead of complaining about what you can't do, start negotiating with your parents about what you ... | |
| Family Issues | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: I am a 15yr old girl, and last year I got my boyfriend of 7 months. Two months into the relationship ... A: Dakota, I don't know what to tell you. I think your parents may have certain expectations of you ... | |
| sister wants to bring dog | 2/23/2010 |
| Q: Both my sister and I are in 50's. She lives 5 hours south of me. On her way to visit her cabin 8 ... A: Renee, I think you keep a minimal amount of communication open on a weekly or monthly basis. It is ... | |
| Grandchildren | 2/20/2010 |
| Q: 14 months ago I attempted to purchase my Family's Business which I had been running for several ... A: David, It seems to me that these people are not to be trusted. Until you have a conversation about ... | |
| Need help fast!!! | 2/16/2010 |
| Q: ok here is the issue I am 19 and i'm married to an 18 year old who is turning 19 very soon we have a ... A: Kassie, WHY in the world did you marry this loser????? I strongly suggest you move back in with your ... | |
| sister wants to bring dog | 2/9/2010 |
| Q: Both my sister and I are in 50's. She lives 5 hours south of me. On her way to visit her cabin 8 ... A: Renee, Unfortunately your sister is a petty woman. Your focus as a rational person should be ... | |
| Stepmother getting in way of Father/Daughter/Grandson Relationship | 2/5/2010 |
| Q: I've always had an off and on relationship with my father. As I grew into an adult it seemed easier ... A: Lauren, You are going to have to figure out a time when she isn't around and make plans then. He ... | |
| Just need an honest opinion | 1/26/2010 |
| Q: I'm not really sure how to put my question into words, so I first off apologize for this being so ... A: Christine, I would agree with you that the relationship with your dad has impacted how you view ... | |
| When do I intervene? Or should I even care? | 1/25/2010 |
| Q: I have a 10 year-old stepson, I do not have children of my own but have gained two step-sons ages: ... A: Kris, If you weren't emotionally attached I would say you could probably use some of your skills in ... | |
| Adult Stepson | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: I am a 44 year old stepmother of a 31 year old stepson. I've been a stepparent to him since he was ... A: R. I suggest that you sit with your husband and come up with a plan for him to be able to see his ... | |
| I think my boyfriends son is threatened by me | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know how to ensure my boyfriends only child is not threatened by me but can learn to ... A: Anita, This is not behavior you will be able to change. He is being protective of his relationship ... | |
| Need help fast!!! | 12/26/2009 |
| Q: ok so here is the issue I'm 18 and my husband is 18 aswell and we got married like 8 months ago but ... A: Kassey, I think you should give your child up for adoption and then work on your marriage. He ... | |
| christmas family issue | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: After dealing with our current issue I thought I'd ask an expert with an objective opinion on this ... A: Manuela, Life is too short to let these family issues stop memories from taking place. What I ... | |
| frustration and bitterness | 12/13/2009 |
| Q: I had a brother Dave who committed suicide at age 20 when I was 17; I've almost 46 now. Have always ... A: Lisa, Guilt implies that you have done something wrong. Thus, there is appropriate guilt and ... | |
| Over-Critical Mother | 11/18/2009 |
| 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 communication | 11/17/2009 |
| 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 bipolar | 11/15/2009 |
| 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 Do | 11/10/2009 |
| 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 child | 11/9/2009 |
| 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 relationship | 11/6/2009 |
| 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 Problem | 10/19/2009 |
| 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 out | 10/8/2009 |
| 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 son | 9/24/2009 |
| 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 granddaughter | 9/23/2009 |
| 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 Family | 9/18/2009 |
| 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 Member | 9/10/2009 |
| 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 middle | 9/9/2009 |
| 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 middle | 9/8/2009 |
| 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 wedding | 9/1/2009 |
| 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 son | 6/30/2009 |
| 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 boys | 6/29/2009 |
| 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 Stepson | 6/23/2009 |
| 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 condition | 6/22/2009 |
| 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/grandmothers | 6/21/2009 |
| 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 divorce | 6/17/2009 |
| 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 parents | 6/16/2009 |
| 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 relationship | 6/12/2009 |
| 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 middle | 6/11/2009 |
| 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 problems | 4/29/2009 |
| 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 father | 4/26/2009 |
| 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 son | 4/20/2009 |
| 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 daughter | 4/17/2009 |
| 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 friends | 4/12/2009 |
| 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 friends | 4/6/2009 |
| 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 grandkids | 4/2/2009 |
| 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 Teen | 3/24/2009 |
| 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 along | 3/17/2009 |
| 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 son | 3/10/2009 |
| 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 ... | |
| Parenting | 3/6/2009 |
| 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 planning | 3/4/2009 |
| 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 Reconnect | 3/3/2009 |
| 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 dad | 2/4/2009 |
| 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 family | 1/27/2009 |
| 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 dad | 1/23/2009 |
| 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 issue | 1/11/2009 |
| 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 friend | 1/8/2009 |
| 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 lies | 1/2/2009 |
| 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 Family | 1/1/2009 |
| 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 friend | 12/30/2008 |
| 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 alienation | 12/29/2008 |
| 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 together | 12/27/2008 |
| 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 eyes | 12/7/2008 |
| 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 do | 12/5/2008 |
| 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 mom | 12/3/2008 |
| 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 family | 12/1/2008 |
| 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. ... | |
| inlaws | 11/24/2008 |
| 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-Christmas | 11/23/2008 |
| 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 issues | 11/21/2008 |
| 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 issue | 11/11/2008 |
| 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 Religion | 11/10/2008 |
| 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 ... | |
| help | 11/9/2008 |
| 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 Questions | 11/8/2008 |
| 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 divorce | 11/6/2008 |
| 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 grandson | 11/5/2008 |
| 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 ... | |
| Family | 10/27/2008 |
| 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 children | 10/17/2008 |
| 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 out | 10/15/2008 |
| 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 disagreement | 10/14/2008 |
| 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 son | 9/6/2008 |
| 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 Conflict | 9/5/2008 |
| 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 & I | 8/22/2008 |
| 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 ... | |
| relationships | 8/19/2008 |
| 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 cousin | 8/16/2008 |
| 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 issues | 8/13/2008 |
| 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 issues | 8/4/2008 |
| 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 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: Kia, He probably feels like you should be out on your own and doesn't see that happening. So it ... | |
| My son | 7/9/2008 |
| 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 needed | 7/6/2008 |
| 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 relationship | 7/4/2008 |
| 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 jealousy | 6/25/2008 |
| 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 children | 6/23/2008 |
| 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 Relations | 6/22/2008 |
| 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 Relations | 6/19/2008 |
| 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 Son | 6/16/2008 |
| 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 Mama | 6/10/2008 |
| 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 Accusations | 6/9/2008 |
| 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 Teen | 4/22/2008 |
| 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 divorce | 3/25/2008 |
| 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 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: 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 along | 3/19/2008 |
| 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 boyfriend | 3/18/2008 |
| 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 time | 3/17/2008 |
| 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 problems | 3/15/2008 |
| 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 ... | |
| ex | 3/13/2008 |
| 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. ... | |
| ex | 3/10/2008 |
| 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 ... | |
| Adultery | 2/26/2008 |
| 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 difficulties | 2/23/2008 |
| 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 giving | 2/20/2008 |
| 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 mine | 2/14/2008 |
| 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 mine | 2/10/2008 |
| 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 mother | 2/9/2008 |
| 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 child | 1/20/2008 |
| 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 parents | 1/14/2008 |
| 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 ex | 1/13/2008 |
| 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 violence | 12/25/2007 |
| 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 relations | 12/23/2007 |
| 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 Mother | 12/23/2007 |
| 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 approve | 12/22/2007 |
| 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 tension | 12/21/2007 |
| 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-Son | 12/21/2007 |
| 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 Dad | 12/17/2007 |
| 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 Family | 12/13/2007 |
| 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 conflict | 12/11/2007 |
| 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 me | 12/9/2007 |
| 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 ... | |
| Mom | 12/6/2007 |
| 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 ... | |
| Where | 11/26/2007 |
| 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 Intimate | 11/26/2007 |
| 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 ... | |
| family | 11/24/2007 |
| 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 Affair | 11/17/2007 |
| 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 issues | 11/15/2007 |
| 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 trouble | 11/14/2007 |
| 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 me | 11/8/2007 |
| 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 ... | |
| stepdaughter | 11/8/2007 |
| 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 father | 11/6/2007 |
| 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 son | 11/5/2007 |
| 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 stepson | 11/1/2007 |
| 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 problem | 11/1/2007 |
| 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 issues | 10/30/2007 |
| 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 marrige | 10/27/2007 |
| 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 grandchildren | 10/22/2007 |
| 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 family | 10/12/2007 |
| 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 Anymore | 10/9/2007 |
| 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 manipulative | 10/4/2007 |
| 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/grandson | 10/4/2007 |
| 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 children | 9/27/2007 |
| 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/Gifts | 9/26/2007 |
| 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/ family | 9/20/2007 |
| 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 daughter | 9/18/2007 |
| 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 Bahavior | 9/17/2007 |
| 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 child | 9/17/2007 |
| 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 Defiance | 9/13/2007 |
| 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 ... | |
| Daughter | 9/4/2007 |
| 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 Daughter | 9/3/2007 |
| 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 fued | 8/25/2007 |
| 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 separation | 8/22/2007 |
| 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 boy | 8/22/2007 |
| 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 insane | 8/21/2007 |
| 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 ... | |
| misrepresentation | 8/14/2007 |
| 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 law | 8/10/2007 |
| 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 engagment | 8/8/2007 |
| 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 out | 8/6/2007 |
| 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 drama | 8/5/2007 |
| 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 Reunion | 8/2/2007 |
| 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 useage | 8/1/2007 |
| 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 daughter | 7/30/2007 |
| 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 discipline | 7/25/2007 |
| 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 drugs | 7/22/2007 |
| 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 son | 7/20/2007 |
| 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 son | 7/19/2007 |
| 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 Stepdaughter | 7/18/2007 |
| 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 ... | |
| Marriage | 7/12/2007 |
| 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 feelings | 7/8/2007 |
| 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 home | 7/6/2007 |
| 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 problems | 7/5/2007 |
| 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 help | 7/2/2007 |
| 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 computer | 6/30/2007 |
| 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 old | 6/24/2007 |
| 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 Child | 6/21/2007 |
| 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 issues | 6/20/2007 |
| 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 issues | 6/15/2007 |
| 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 years | 6/14/2007 |
| 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 STEPmom | 6/12/2007 |
| 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-law | 5/29/2007 |
| 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 family | 5/28/2007 |
| 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 english | 5/27/2007 |
| 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 ... | |
| daughter | 4/21/2007 |
| 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 apart | 4/17/2007 |
| 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 Stepdaughter | 4/10/2007 |
| 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 Baby | 4/4/2007 |
| 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 ... | |
| Grandson | 4/4/2007 |
| 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 law | 3/31/2007 |
| 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 law | 3/29/2007 |
| 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 Mother | 3/23/2007 |
| 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 mate | 3/20/2007 |
| 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 family | 3/19/2007 |
| 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 parents | 3/10/2007 |
| 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 ... | |
| boyfriend | 2/27/2007 |
| 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 favoritism | 2/23/2007 |
| 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 Marriage | 1/22/2007 |
| 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 mom | 1/19/2007 |
| 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 younger | 1/10/2007 |
| 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 younger | 1/10/2007 |
| 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 age | 1/8/2007 |
| 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 wife | 1/5/2007 |
| 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 son | 1/5/2007 |
| 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 old | 1/3/2007 |
| 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 ... | |
| Confused | 1/2/2007 |
| 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 daughter | 1/1/2007 |
| 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 parents | 12/29/2006 |
| 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-laws | 12/26/2006 |
| 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 Giving | 12/18/2006 |
| 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 law | 12/17/2006 |
| 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 relationship | 12/15/2006 |
| 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 around | 12/12/2006 |
| 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 son | 12/12/2006 |
| 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 me | 12/11/2006 |
| 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 xmas | 12/8/2006 |
| 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 kids | 12/2/2006 |
| 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 Dad | 11/28/2006 |
| 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 tarnished | 11/26/2006 |
| 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 tarnished | 11/25/2006 |
| 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 father | 11/22/2006 |
| 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 son | 11/19/2006 |
| 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 grandparent | 11/16/2006 |
| 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 Change | 11/7/2006 |
| 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/daughter | 11/6/2006 |
| 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 family | 11/3/2006 |
| 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 child | 10/19/2006 |
| 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' workshop | 10/17/2006 |
| 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 daughter | 10/17/2006 |
| 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 child | 10/16/2006 |
| 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 DAUGHTER | 10/9/2006 |
| 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 hell | 10/8/2006 |
| 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 problems | 10/1/2006 |
| 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 fiance | 9/28/2006 |
| 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-girlfriend | 9/26/2006 |
| 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-wife | 9/21/2006 |
| 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 Mother | 9/21/2006 |
| 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 togethers | 9/14/2006 |
| 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 & 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: Prasad, You are not married to your mother. Thus, having her live with you is not only not healthy ... | |
| Sisters/ Thak-you | 9/5/2006 |
| 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 ... | |
| Sisters | 9/5/2006 |
| 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 daughter | 9/2/2006 |
| 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 Children | 9/1/2006 |
| 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-girlfriend | 8/29/2006 |
| 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 fighting | 8/26/2006 |
| 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 dad | 8/23/2006 |
| 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 family | 8/23/2006 |
| 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 dad | 8/22/2006 |
| 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 debts | 8/21/2006 |
| 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 daughter | 8/16/2006 |
| 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 do | 8/12/2006 |
| 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-Law | 8/9/2006 |
| 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-Law | 8/7/2006 |
| 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 Love | 8/2/2006 |
| 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 daughter | 7/31/2006 |
| 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 marriage | 7/27/2006 |
| 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 home | 7/21/2006 |
| 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 me | 7/17/2006 |
| 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 party | 6/28/2006 |
| 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 ... | |
Family Relations
Answers by Expert:
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. I have been working daily with teens and families for the last 10 years.Experience
Organizations
AAMFT; AACC; WAMFT
Education/Credentials
M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy
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