When Jonathan and Mary decided to have a second child, they planned everything. When to have the baby, when to apply for maternity leave, how much money to put aside for the additional expenses, and the like.

Purity seems archaic; abstinence impossible. Why wait when everyone else is getting the goods now?

A fridge, a washing machine… Have you and your spouse bought any such household item together lately? Believe it or not, a recent study on relationship commitment shows buying decisions like these can be a significant pointer to your ability to stay together!

My oldest son is approaching the age where we had previously agreed to allow him to date. The more I think about it, though, the more the whole idea concerns me. It seems that even in the best of dating situations, the negatives exceed the positives. I can't help but feel that I am setting my son up for failure.

One of the first words in a child vocabulary is "NO"—usually accompanied by an emphatic shaking of head. From where did he learn this? Chances are he learned it from his parents.

There is a strong-willed child in almost every family. In contrast to the compliant sibling who is easy going, the strong-willed child is defiant and assertive, always ready to challenge the authority of his parents.

In any marriage, there are ups and downs and there are times during fights when one party wishes he or she could just walk away from it all.

The family can be under constant attack and it is the responsibility of each family member to combat these attacks and be committed no matter what.

It is very natural for the adult to reach a point when we feel we have reached the limit but the youngster seems to have boundless energy. When this energy is properly channeled into activities, it allows for growth and maturity in the pre-schooler.

Parenthood is costly and complex and we do not have the luxury of going through a 4-year full time course to obtain a degree in Parenting.