Dear Joyce and Marv, I am so worried about my oldest child who is starting Middle School in September. I hear that there are drugs, bad language, and gangs in schools. Help!!! Dorothy Dear Dorothy, Peer influence is a reality. Be encouraged that your home is still the biggest influence on your child’s life. Prepare your child by talking about issues and what to do when confronted with them. Church…
Dear Joyce, My husband and I argue about how to raise our two children. We have disagreement in parenting styles, on consequences and most everything regarding our children. Mary Dear Mary, It is very common to have different opinions on how to raise your children. You were raised in different homes with different styles so you are both comfortable with your upbringing. When parents are tired, they tend to…
Dear Joyce, I wanted to ask you for your advice about our 3 year-old. She is FEARFUL of so many things – almost anything with loud noise (dogs, trains, fireworks, people who speak loudly- including my brother and her teacher). If/when she sees or hears anything she is afraid of, she will cry hysterically and sometimes can’t contain herself.  She is also scared to go to sleep (so bedtime is…
Dear Joyce, Given Michelle’s keen intellect and analytical nature, did she ever question her faith, the existence of God, the creation story, etc.? I envision this is something I am going to have to work through with my child who is currently in 1st grade. It doesn’t help that her best friend at school is an atheist. Any advice? Help! Love, Stephanie Dear Stephanie, I love how seriously you take…
