Just Asking

My kids are growing up. How can I build a transparent relationship with them?

My kids are growing up. How can I build a transparent relationship with them?

Just Asking with Peter Banzon Q: My kids are growing up. How can I build a transparent relationship with them? What practical things can I do? A: There is a saying “we must become evidence of what we want practiced.” You must model what you want your children to do. The Bible says in Luke 6:31, “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” So, in order for transparency to develop in your chi ...[Read More]

How can I set boundaries with my adult children?

How can I set boundaries with my adult children?

Just Asking with Peter Banzon I love my children so I allowed them to live with me even though they already have their own family. I am happy with this, but sometimes I feel that they are taking advantage of me. Often they leave their children with me while they meet their friends and then they come back very late. I am obliged to cook because I don’t want my grandchildren to go hungry. Is there a ...[Read More]

My son thinks he’s madly in-love with his girlfriend

My son thinks he’s madly in-love with his girlfriend

Just Asking by Peter Banzon “My 19-year old son thinks he is madly in love with his 18-year old girlfriend. He completely ignores our advice and does what he wants. Nagwo-worry kami for possible consequences nito.” Love is a very powerful emotion. The Bible says in Songs of Solomon 8:7, “Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house fo ...[Read More]

My husband and his brother are not on speaking terms

My husband and his brother are not on speaking terms

“My husband, my children and myself are not on speaking terms with my brother because he was mad at us when we moved out of the family compound. I feel awkward about meeting him at our reunion this Christmas, but I know my mother will be glad to see us together again. What should I do?” For the Filipino, nothing is as comforting as having the family living together in one location, one house, or o ...[Read More]

I lost my husband in an accident …

I lost my husband in an accident …

My husband died suddenly in a car accident. We thought we would grow old together. Now all that remains are shattered dreams. I am angry at God for allowing this to happen. I feel He is so unfair.  Please help me. First of all let me express my deepest condolences to you and your family. There are no simple answers to your situation. As you grieve and try to move on, the worse thing you can do is ...[Read More]

We can’t give new things to my kids this Christmas.

We can’t give new things to my kids this Christmas.

Just Asking with Peter Banzon Q:  Every Christmas, I buy my children new clothes and toys.  This year, our Christmas will be difficult because my husband was laid off, and has just taken a new job.  How can I lift my kids’ spirits and help them not to be ashamed of not having new things this Christmas? A:  Since your children are used to having new things during Christmas, they will be disappointe ...[Read More]

Living-in with your partner before marriage?

“I am living in with my boyfriend who separated from his wife even before we met.  A friend said it is okay as long as we are happy and we’re not hurting anyone.  But I feel something is wrong.  What should I do?”

How to deal with in-laws who spoil your children?

How to deal with in-laws who spoil your children?

Disciplining your children is a very important responsibility given to parents by God.  Discipline helps mold our children’s behavior and contribute to their maturity.  Your in-laws may spoil your kids by unknowingly contradicting the rules of behavior you have set for them.