ArcaMax

Q: Between work, parenting, and just life in general, I feel totally swamped most of the time. Trying to take a day off doesn't seem to help. What can I do?

Jim: Some years ago, I crashed my motorcycle and broke my ankle. I hunkered down to recover at home, cancelled trips and tried to enjoy the extra time with family. But one event that I didn...Read more

Q: Do you have any advice for a newly married stepmom trying to build connections? My husband's kids aren't warming up to me no matter what I do. Help!

Jim: Let's acknowledge up front: Being a stepmom may be one of the toughest jobs a woman can have. No matter why the previous marriage ended, it often takes children a long time to adjust to ...Read more

Q: I try to be consistent with my kids. But there are days when I just don't have the patience with them that I should or give them the attention they deserve. It makes me feel like a total failure as a parent. I'm afraid I'm going to mess things up and lose my connection with them by the time they're grown.

Jim: I think every parent can ...Read more

Q: I'd say that our marriage is in pretty good shape, but my husband and I agree that we can probably do even better. We like word pictures -- do you have a simple one you could give us with some suggestions?

Jim: I've long appreciated an analogy presented by author Kim Wier. Many of us (especially the ladies) think of "spring cleaning" around ...Read more