Q: My husband and I recently moved to a new city. As we make new friends we wonder how much of our personal story to share. We experienced significant marital issues and eventually divorced, but later reconciled and have remarried. Our old friends knew everything; is there any reason to […]

Q: At a recent family gathering I felt overshadowed and inadequate around other women. I feel like a complete failure because my sisters and female cousins all have satisfying careers – but I’m just a mom. How do I know I’m not wasting my life? Graeme: I’ve noticed that mothers […]

Q: My husband and I have “filet mignon tastes,” although our current incomes are more on the “hamburger” level. We both work full-time and are trying to pay off debt while looking for better jobs. It’s exhausting – do you have any ideas? Graeme: I think your scenario is pretty […]

Q: My adult daughter is 35 years old; I haven’t spoken with her since she was 17. I definitely wasn’t the best father, but I’ve made positive changes in recent years. I long for our relationship to be restored. Should I reach out to her or wait for her to […]

Q: What can I do to stop my young child’s temper tantrums? Graeme: Tantrums can be exhausting, but very informative. It is not uncommon for young kids to struggle with managing their overwhelming feelings of anger, frustration, and disappointment. But there is always something behind the thoughts and emotions. Here […]

Q: I never experienced any real traditions and good Christmas memories as a child. It was just transactional – once the presents were opened and the wrapping picked up, Christmas was done. Now that we’re starting a family my husband and I want to change that. Do you have any […]

Q: I’m dreading Christmas this year. The whole extended family will be in the same place together, and there’s a lot of unresolved conflict simmering just beneath the surface (some of it involving my household with others). Do you have any advice for navigating a tense and awkward situation? Graeme: […]

Q: How’s a parent supposed to connect with teens when life is always crazy? My husband and I both work, while our kids have school, chores, friends, and all sorts of activities. Everybody in our house is constantly coming and going. Help! Graeme: My three girls are teenagers now, so […]

Q: My wife and I have decent incomes, but neither of us has ever been all that great at making informed financial decisions. I feel like most of the time we’re just winging it. Do you have any practical insights for managing our resources well? Graeme: Realistically, I don’t think […]

Q: I’m worried about cultural influences on my preteen. How can I maintain parental influence in a world competing to take it away? Graeme: The tide of culture can make it feel like your child is slowly being taken out of your hands. While it’s inevitable that your child will […]