Reader Question: Every year, we have this family conflict. My husband’s parents live about three hours away and mine are six hours away, in opposite directions. Both sets of parents want us to spend Christmas with them. How do we handle this without upsetting either family? This type of family conflict is common this time of…

Reader Question: My ex-husband has and I have divorced and he has visitation rights with our two children, ages seven and nine. The kids were scheduled to visit him over the Christmas holidays, but circumstances have changed and I would like some advice. My ex no longer goes to church and is living with a…

I’ve heard so many stories of hurt related to family cut off in my 25 years of being a family therapist. The person who cuts off is offended and angry.  And the cut off family usually desire contact and relationship. Cut off is especially difficult around the holidays. Even though the cut off member is still alive, grief is…

Question: Our 7-year-old son isn’t persistent and struggles to finish things he begins. He easily gives up. My husband doesn’t think this is an issue, but I disagree and would like my husband to require him to stick to things more. My husband takes a hands-off approach. Can you help with this? Persistence is a…

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