Dear Family Coach: My husband is a big kid. He is addicted to playing hockey games on the Xbox. Every night, he begs our son to play with him, but my son has no interest. Sometimes he even bribes him to play video games. This seems ridiculous to me. How can I convince my husband that bribing a child to play video games is problematic? — Married to a Kid

Dear Married: There's good news and bad news here. The good news is that your husband is actively trying to engage your son. Video games may seem like a complete waste of time to you. And you may see absolutely no redeeming value in them. But video games, like many other types of games, can actually be quite social. And just because people are staring at a screen doesn't mean it's mindless. Your husband is trying to engage your son in something that he himself enjoys. There's nothing wrong with that.

The bad news is that your son isn't interested in the activity. His strong efforts to spend time with your son are being heavily diluted because he isn't paying attention to what your son would like to do. Ignoring our children's interests and forcing our own on them could erode the core of the relationship. Children who are pressured to do only what the parent finds interesting could begin to feel the parent isn't really interested in learning about them.

Talk to your husband and son separately about spending time together. See whether you can help them find common ground. Then, encourage each of them to talk to the other about their interests. If they can't uncover any mutual interests, ask them to try alternating who gets to decide on the joint activity. Also, reassure your husband that he can play all the hockey games he wants after your son goes to bed.

Dear Family Coach: My wife's busy work schedule means she typically leaves early in the morning and doesn't return home until bedtime or after. At times I feel like my kids need their mother, especially my 7-year-old daughter. What can I do to ensure that my wife's work schedule doesn't create any problems for my kids in the future? — Stay-at-Home Dad

Dear Dad: It is unfortunate that your wife's job keeps her out of the home and away from the kids for long hours. I am sure it's hard on the children and your wife at times. For better or worse, modern life requires longer working hours, and more women are now working away from the house. There are bound to be times when your kids want their mother for this or that. That doesn't mean, though, there will be any problems in the future.

To help mitigate the loss your daughter sometimes feels, work out ways for your wife to be there when she can't physically be there. For example, maybe she can put sweet notes in your daughter's lunchbox every day. Or maybe your daughter could schedule a call with Mommy after school when she is at work. Have them check in about the day and discuss anything during that time. It might also help if your wife makes a habit of entering the kids' rooms to say good night even if they are already asleep. Lastly, help your wife find ways to have quality time with the kids on the weekend. Maybe she could take one kid out at time for a special treat on occasion.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman, the founder of The Family Coach, LLC, advises parents on all matters of child rearing. To write to Dr. Pearlman, send her an email at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Catherine Pearlman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.