Parent writes: Dr. Todd, our daughter who is 14 has had a radical change in behavior in the past 6 months. She is consistently talking to us disrespectfully.

Jessica writes: Dear Dr. Cartmell, I have read most of your books as well as several other parenting books, however there is a situation with our oldest son that I would like your advice on how to handle. He is 10 years old and for the most part a kind, sweet, and helpful child.

Trisha writes: How can I encourage both my husband and my 15 year old son in their communication with each other and family? Our 15 year old son is very quiet (unless he's with his small group of close friends). My husband gets irritated with our son's lack of communication.  Thanks!

Melissa writes: My son was recently suspended at school for fighting. He swears that he had been bullied and that he was defending himself from it happening again. That being said, he never told a teacher until he got in trouble, (he said he thought that might make it worse) and nobody has come forward to say that they saw anything to support his stance.

Dana writes:I have a son who is 10 years old. He has a temper, started showing it more 3 years ago. But now he is in 4th grade, it has become worse, and we cannot find what triggers it to happen.

Hollie writes:My 3 year old daughter can be very sweet and kind at times and other times...not. When she gets into one of her moods, she becomes defiant, saying "No" to pretty much everything, even things that I know she likes. If her dad or I ask her something, she'll say she wants it and then in the next breath, scream that she doesn't want it, and on and on.

Marj writes:My 11-yr-old daughter is very shy. How can I help her develop the social skills she needs without hurting her or pushing too hard.Dr. Todd writes:Marj,A little listening and coaching will go a long way.First, ask her what situations she is the most shy in and make a top three list.Second, come up with a simple plan for what to say and do in those situations.

Joyce writes:I have a college graduating stepdaughter who has never wanted anything to do with me and is moving home for the summer. She has been disrespectful & insubordinate in the past. Her father does not see the problem.

Karen writes:I have a 16 (almost 17) year old daughter who is struggling with her sexuality. Actually, I should say her dad and I are struggling; not her. She is intent on labeling herself as a lesbian.

Annette wrote:

Hello! How can we impress on our 16yr old new driver the importance of telling us if his friends do dangerous or inappropriate things while driving? He has admitted that he would be afraid to tell us because he knows we would talk to the friend's parents and the friend would get in trouble.

Tami writes:My 7-year old (in 2nd grade) will not listen to me. No consequence matters to him. He is a smart little boy who is NOT applying himself at school and therefore getting bad grades.

Kim writes: How can I stress the importance of organization to a teenage boy?

Dr. Todd writes: Hi Kim, I would start with a low key discussion that will have a few layers.

First, I would want to know what your son thinks about being organized. Listening to his point of view will be an important way to start this. What does being organized (at school or home) mean? Is it important? Why or why not?