Dr. Val Farmer
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  1. Val Farmer 35 Years of Counseling
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    Articles

    Playing The Dating Game (July 1997)

    Dear Dr. Farmer,

    I have a 16-year-old daughter about to enter the dating stage. That can be a troubling time for parents with "gorilla" boys out there - drugs, date rape and drinking. You went through this with your daughters didn't you?

    After An Adventure In Moving (November 1997)

    Nine reasons for not moving:

    1. Leaving dear friends, relatives, business colleagues and sentimental places is painful. Saying goodbye is hard. Giving up the convenience and efficiency of your life pattern is hard.

    2. You

    Exchange Students Talk About School In America (June 1996)

    I interviewed a group of foreign exchange students about their experiences in the US educational system. Most of the students were from new, independent countries formed after the dissolution of the Soviet Union - including Yuri who lived with u

    Looking At Life In The United States Through Russian Eyes (June 1996)

    What is life like in the United States as seen through the eyes of foreign exchange students from the former Soviet Union? To understand their backgrounds, consider the following:

    • The daily life of students is focused on school, h
    Moving: Don't Forget The Kids (March 1995)

    Do you want to move to a bigger house? To a different neighborhood? Does your work require you to move? Military transfer? Or is it more traumatic - a divorce, death or bankruptcy? Whatever the case, moving is one of life's most stressful experi

    Dear Daughter: Have A Great Summer! (April 2007)

    Our fifth and last daughter just graduated from high school. In a month she'll be on her way to college. That's when the real change will occur. Right now, she is enjoying the last fling of youth. She comes and goes while enjoying the security a

    Letters from Mongolia: Different Cultures, Different Languages, Common Lives (May 1999)

    My 21-year-old daughter Tawny has collaborated with me on a couple of columns in the past, "Getting along with College Roommates," and, "How to Play the Dating Game."

    Last November she began serving a church mission in Mongolia. She has been a faithful letter writer about her experiences there. Here are some of her insights about learning to live in a different culture.

    Have You Got Mail? (August 1999)
    This article describes the impact of e-mail and how families are putting it to good use. Family letters sent by e-mail help college age students away from home, elderly parents, and travelors. Fathers become better communicators with family members through e-mail. Dr. Farmer cites examples from his own family.
    Because Of Dog, Home Will Never Be the Same  (May 1993)
    A humorous account of the antics of a new puppy and the havoc she created on family life.
    When Father-In-Law Comes To Live (March 2003)
    This article describes a family decision to have an aging parent come to live in the home after the death of his spouse. We have some ideas and guidelines going into this challenging time. My 91 year-old father-inlaw is missing his role as a caregiver along with the normal grief of missing a lifelong companion.