Expert Advice

  • Family Life

    Discipline in Step-FamiliesIt may be necessary to get all parents and step-parents involved in counseling, if discipline between step-families becomes a problem.
  • Family Life

    Can Mom and Stepmom Homeschool Jointly?Does the boy's natural mother have the ability and commitment to homeschool? The rewards are great, but homeschooling involves a serious commitment by a generous, loving parent.
  • Family Life

    Stepdaughter Says She Hates StepmotherThis type of response to a stepparent's setting limits are a child's way of manipulating and are very normal.
  • Family Life

    Rivalry Between SistersSibling rivalry is at its worst when the younger child outshines the older sibling.
  • Family Life

    Teasing in the HomeAsk your older children to put themselves in your little guy's place. Sometimes children don't realize how painful words can be. Try to talk about these things when you and the kids are alone and relaxed, perhaps just before bed.
  • Family Life

    Older Daughter Is Mean to SiblingForcing your older girl to include her sibling when she visits her friends is setting her up to resent the little sister you want her to care for.
  • Family Life

    Grandparent Wants to Help Gifted GrandchildGrandparents can assume some wonderfully unique and significant roles in the lives of their gifted grandchildren.
  • Family Life

    Stepson Not Helping with ChoresYou have every right to determine the rules and consequences for the time your stepson spends in your home. Those should include helping around the house, playing fairly, and managing his anger.
  • Family Life

    Out of Control KidsYou may need to try family counseling if out-of-control stepchildren aren't responding to discipline.
  • Family Life

    New Baby, New ProblemsIt's not uncommon for a formerly only child to react negatively when a younger sibling is born.
  • Family Life

    Stepson Caught Between ParentsOur expert encourages a stepmother not to discipline her stepson for things he does while at his mom's home.
  • Family Life

    The Other MotherFind out how best to deal with the other parent of your significant other's child.
  • Family Life

    Step-Sibling RivalryJealousy often flares up when a child from another marriage gets a new sibling.
  • Family Life

    Daughter Maturing EarlyYour attitude toward your maturing daughter is the most important tool you have for helping her feel good about herself.
  • Family Life

    Rivalry Between BrothersConflict between siblings is normal. What's important is how the children and parents handle the conflict.
  • Family Life

    Separating a Child and ParentEncourage a child to be a separate person from his mother.
  • Family Life

    Setting Limits with StepsonGather advice on how to handle a defiant stepson.
  • Family Life

    A Close RelationshipRead about when a relationship between parent and child is too close.
  • Family Life

    Raising GrandchildrenRaising grandchildren can require a different approach than raising your children.
  • Family Life

    Competition Between TwinsParents can reduce rivalry between twins by removing unnecessary competition.