ArcaMax

Q: As a parent, I have a hard time watching my school-age children go through challenges; my natural inclination is to step in and fix things for them when I can. Isn't that what parenting is about?

Jim: The goal of parenting is to raise our children to be mature, responsible adults who can function on their own. Sometimes that involves letting...Read more

Q: My husband and I love being parents. But with three kids in the house now, our marriage isn't as fun as it once was. Is that normal?

Jim: I'd say it's common, anyway. As newlyweds, you and your spouse were probably able to schedule your life around the time you spent with each other. Now you're parents, and your marriage has slid down the ...Read more

Q: Our family recently heard about the need for foster families, especially those willing to adopt. We're intrigued. What should we think about before deciding?

Jim: With more than 100,000 legal orphans in United States foster care waiting for adoptive families, more and more families are looking into adoption. It's a big step to take, and ...Read more

Q: Why do so many people have trouble apologizing when they say or do something rude or even offensive? It seems to me like we've lost the ability to extend this common courtesy; at least, I've certainly seen it in my own extended family.

Jim: "I'm sorry" could be two of the hardest words in the English language to say. And that's too bad -- ...Read more

Q: I'm almost ready to retire. I don't feel "old," but I'm a bit concerned about how this transition might affect me. Do you have any advice?

Jim: George Burns once said, "You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old." If anybody was qualified to give that advice, it'd be George, who lived to be 100 years old. But I think even he...Read more