MY ANSWER

Our two young boys are at the age when they are asking all sorts of questions, including questions about God. Where can we find some answers?
Billy Graham writes, "Don't feel that you always have to give a full, detailed answer to their questions about God ... often a simple answer will satisfy them—and even be more understandable."

MY ANSWER

My son—who was born out of wedlock—doesn't want anything to do with me. Is God judging me for what I did wrong?
Billy Graham writes, "Bad decisions always have bad consequences. ... But does this mean God is now punishing you for what you did by somehow turning your son against you? No, I cannot say that."

MY ANSWER

Our teenage daughter just told us she's pregnant. I've never been in favor of abortion, but I'm beginning to wonder. What would you advise?
Billy Graham writes, "My prayer is that you and your daughter will not end the life of the little child who is growing within her."

MY ANSWER

How can I be a better father to my children so they'll be prepared for whatever life has in store?
Billy Graham writes, "One of the most important things you can do for your children is to let them know you love them—clearly and often."

MY ANSWER

My ex-husband makes a lot of empty promises to our kids. Should I tell them he's lying?
Billy Graham writes, "Avoid letting whatever bitterness or anger you feel from your divorce spill over on your children. No, you can't change the past, but you can try to keep its damage at a minimum."

MY ANSWER

Our son (who is 7) likes dinosaurs a lot, and he wonders why God didn't let them keep on living.
Billy Graham writes, "The Bible makes it clear that nothing happened on earth by accident; everything was created by God, and was in accordance with His perfect design."

MY ANSWER

How do you know when to give someone a second chance, and when to let them suffer the consequences of what they've done?
Billy Graham writes, "As a general rule, I urge parents to 'go the second mile' with wayward children—in other words, keeping some relationship with them if possible."

MY ANSWER

Our neighbors are nice people but their children are totally out of control. Should we say something to their parents?
Billy Graham writes, "It's hard to risk offending people you know—especially when you have to keep on living with them. But sometimes it's necessary, and this is probably one of those times."

MY ANSWER

Our daughter's teacher ridicules people who say they believe God created us. How can we help?
Billy Graham writes, "In spite of what her teacher says, many outstanding scientists believe in God and see no conflict between their science and their faith."

MY ANSWER

How can we teach our young son that it's wrong to lie?
Billy Graham writes, "First, let him know it displeases you—and it displeases you because it's wrong. Let him know also that it displeases you because you love him, and he only hurts himself when he tells lies."

MY ANSWER

We give some money to our grandchildren for their birthdays, and we've never received thanks from them.
Billy Graham writes, "An ungrateful, self-centered child easily becomes an ungrateful, self-centered adult—and now is the time for their parents to prevent this."

MY ANSWER

Our son turned his back on us years ago because we didn't approve of the way he was living, and now he wants to come home for Thanksgiving.
Billy Graham writes, "Let me ask you a question: Did the prodigal son's father know whether or not his son had changed his way of living when he welcomed him home?"

MY ANSWER

My son has been in and out of prison most of his life, and he just gets angry whenever I try to help him or give him advice. What can I do?
Billy Graham writes, "The most important thing you can do is to keep on praying. You can't change your son's heart—but God can."

MY ANSWER

One of my two sons never had much to do with me after my husband and I divorced, and after his father died he cut off all contact.
Billy Graham writes, "I'm sure you probably did the best you knew how to do under the circumstances, and you shouldn't bear the weight of responsibility for everything that's happened with your son."

MY ANSWER

My spouse and I have rededicated our lives to Christ. How can we introduce our adult children to Christ?
Billy Graham writes, "The most important thing you can do is to pray for your children. They are adults now, and you can't influence them the way you once did. But God can do what you can't do ..."

MY ANSWER

Our daughter (who's 16) wasn't with us for Christmas because she's in a court-ordered drug rehab program.
Billy Graham writes, "Pray for your daughter, and let her know that you love her and want to do everything you can to help her. In addition, urge her to put her life into Christ's hands."

MY ANSWER

When my husband walked out, I thought all my problems were over. But no one told me about the financial problems that single mothers have.
Billy Graham writes, "Divorce always has consequences, and they are almost always painful—as you have discovered. ... Divorce isn't the end, however, nor is it the unforgivable sin."

MY ANSWER

When our son and his girlfriend visited us, were we wrong to insist they sleep in separate bedrooms?
Billy Graham writes, "I'm sure this was awkward for you; you wanted to do what was right—but you also didn't want to alienate your son. But it is your house, and you have the right to insist that guests abide by your standards ..."

MY ANSWER

Our last child went away to college several months ago, and I can't believe how hard it's been adjusting to an empty house.
Billy Graham writes, "Yes, it's a time of great adjustment—even of stress for some couples. But with God's help it can become one of the most fulfilling times of your life."

MY ANSWER

Why didn't someone tell me how hard it is being a parent?
Billy Graham writes, "Parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world. But it also can be one of the most satisfying, if we learn to look beyond the immediate problems and heartaches and begin to see it from God's point of view."