MY ANSWER

Our daughter ran off with her boyfriend, and my husband and I don't know how to deal with it. What would you do in our situation?
Billy Graham writes, "I can understand your feelings—but don't let your confusion, your pride or anything else keep you from facing this situation honestly."

MY ANSWER

I don't think people realize how hard it is being a single mother. Please pray for me.
Billy Graham writes, "Being a parent is the greatest responsibility most of us will ever face, and I know it's especially difficult for those who have to bear it alone."

MY ANSWER

How can we help our children understand that the real meaning of Christmas is not receiving presents?
Billy Graham writes, "Children naturally get excited about Christmas, and sometimes it's hard to get them to see beyond the gifts and the glitter. But I believe we should be thankful for their excitement ..."

MY ANSWER

My husband and I really want to help our two children learn about God but we don't know how.
Billy Graham writes, "The most important thing you can do is to be an example to your children. Do they see Christ in you? Do they see His love and patience and purity?"

MY ANSWER

When we try to talk with our son about his problems he just gets angry and tells us to mind our own business. Is there anything we can do to help him?
Billy Graham writes, "The most important thing you can do is to pray for him and his family. That may not seem like much—but it is, because only God can get his attention, and only God can change his heart."

MY ANSWER

My husband doesn't care if the children and I go to church but he doesn't want anything to do with it. How can I explain this to our children?
Billy Graham writes, "You don't say how old your children are, but if they are still quite young the best approach is to be as positive as you can under the circumstances."

MY ANSWER

Our baby died when she was only a month old. Why did God let this happen?
Billy Graham writes, "Almost nothing in life is harder for any parent to bear than the death of a child."

MY ANSWER

I know I ought to be taking my children to church, but I'm a single mother on a limited income, and I'm afraid people will just look down on us because we can't afford fancy clothes.
Billy Graham writes, "Which should be more important to you: worrying what others might think about you—or helping your children learn to follow Jesus?"

MY ANSWER

We are very concerned about our son, because it looks to us like college has turned him away from God.
Billy Graham writes, "Young people often question their faith as they grow older, particularly when they get away from home and run into people who reject God."

MY ANSWER

Our son's youth group is going on a summer mission trip to help build houses in a fairly primitive country. He really wants to go, but we're very nervous about it. Should we let him go?
Billy Graham writes, "I suspect most parents reading this will understand your nervousness—and, of course, you'll want to find out as much as you can about the trip and how it will be organized."

MY ANSWER

My husband and I got married a year ago. Our stepchildren don't get along, and sometimes I wonder if it would be better for us just to split up.
Billy Graham writes, "Have you ever noticed that what looks like the easy way out of a problem usually turns out to be the wrong way?"

MY ANSWER

We've been urging our kids to avoid drugs, but they recently found out that we experimented with drugs when we were in college. Have we lost our right to speak to them about this?
Billy Graham writes, "No, not necessarily—and in fact if you handle it wisely, it may give you greater credibility with them."

MY ANSWER

I'm in my 20s and I just found out that I was adopted as a baby. Don't you think my parents should have told me much earlier?
Billy Graham writes, "Rightly or wrongly, your adoptive parents chose to conceal this from you, and I'm sure that at the time they felt they were doing the right thing."

MY ANSWER

My wife left me about a year ago, and I really miss our children (who are almost in their teens now). I admit I wasn't a very good father, but is there any way I can go back and make things right?
Billy Graham writes, "We may not be able to change the past, but we can change the future—with God's help."

MY ANSWER

My husband and I are discussing whether or not to send our children to Sunday school. He thinks it would be a good thing but I think they're too young to understand. What's your opinion?
Billy Graham writes, "I would urge you to take your children to Sunday school as soon as you can."

MY ANSWER

My wife and I come from different church backgrounds. How do we decide which church to raise our children in?
Billy Graham writes, "Elsewhere in your letter, you admit that one reason this hasn't bothered you before is because neither of you has taken your faith very seriously. Is God perhaps using your new daughter to remind you of your need for Him?"

MY ANSWER

Our adult daughter has lots of problems, and she blames us. We always end up arguing. What can we do?
Billy Graham writes, "Your daughter sounds like she's been playing what someone has called 'the blame game'—refusing to accept responsibility for her own actions in life, and instead blaming everyone else for her problems."

MY ANSWER

Our son is almost 4, and we wonder if you think he's too young for us to try to teach him to pray.
Billy Graham writes, "No, your son is not too young to learn to pray—not at all. The fact that he's asking questions about God shows that he isn't too young ..."

MY ANSWER

We don't believe our children should have religion crammed down their throats, but should be free to make up their own minds about it when they get older.
Billy Graham writes, "Do you do this with other areas of your children's lives? Do you, for example, let them make up their own minds whether or not it's a good idea for them to go out and play in a busy street, or swallow pills from your medicine cabinet?"

MY ANSWER

A friend has hinted that God must be punishing us by severely handicapping our three-year-old daughter. Is he right?
Billy Graham writes, "Why did God bring this child into your lives? I have pondered questions like this repeatedly over the years, and to be honest I don't have a complete answer."