Cheryl Wetzstein

Cheryl Wetzstein, a Washington Times staff member since 1985, is manager of special sections in The Washington Times' Advertising and Marketing Department.

Previously, she spent 30 years as a Washington Times news reporter, covering national domestic policy, in addition to being a features writer, environmental and consumer affairs reporter, and assistant business editor.

Beginning in 1994, Mrs. Wetzstein worked exclusively on welfare and family issues such as child support enforcement, abstinence and sex education, child welfare, sexually transmitted diseases, marriage, divorce, cohabiting and gay marriage.

She has won several newspaper awards, including 1977 Cub Reporter of the Year and 1983 Heart of New York award, both from the New York Press Club.

Articles by Cheryl Wetzstein

WETZSTEIN: Making the case for teen marriages

I recently wrote about the issue of teen marriage in light of the brouhaha over Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's 17-year-old daughter Bristol, who is pregnant and planning to marry the baby's 18-year-old father. Published October 5, 2008

WETZSTEIN: Mutual consent divorce

For more than 30 years, most Americans have told the General Social Survey (GSS) that they approve of divorce as a cure for a sick marriage. Published September 30, 2008

WETZSTEIN: Suicide hot lines save thousands

"I think maybe if I had talked to someone like you, I wouldn't have done it." The sad young woman who said these words in 1906 died from the poison she had swallowed. But her words became a clarion call for suicide intervention, and today, countless lifesaving services are available for people struggling with life or death decisions about themselves. Published September 28, 2008

WETZSTEIN: Making marriage fireproof

The new independent film "Fireproof" is about marriage on the rocks. Published September 23, 2008

WETZSTEIN: Drinking age at 18 will hurt women

This summer, more than 100 college and university presidents and chancellors called for a public discussion about the legal drinking age. Published September 21, 2008

WETZSTEIN: Women smarter with kids

The elevation of Sarah Palin to Republican vice-presidential nominee has produced more than a little clucking in the media about whether she can do the job while she has children at home. Published September 16, 2008

WETZSTEIN: Save marriage with ‘friendly’ aid

For decades, we've heard the advice. "Marriage in trouble? Go see a counselor." Published September 14, 2008

WETZSTEIN: Married teenagers need aid

Can you handle just a little more conversation about the wedding plans of parents-to-be Levi Johnston and Bristol Palin? Published September 9, 2008

WETZSTEIN: Covenant marriage works

Eleven years ago, a handful of Louisiana lawmakers convinced their colleagues to legalize a new kind of divorce-resistant marriage called "covenant marriage." Published September 7, 2008

WETZSTEIN: Poverty measure outdated

The new Census Bureau poverty numbers are out, and the 2007 rate of 12.5 percent is not statistically different from 2006. Published September 2, 2008

WETZSTEIN: Honesty best way to prevent affairs

When it comes to extramarital affairs, Peggy Vaughan may have heard it all. Since 1980, she and her husband, James, have spoken publicly about how they saved their marriage despite his infidelities. Now 72 and married for 53 years, Mrs. Vaughan has written several books and talked with thousands of people about the cheaters in their lives. Published August 31, 2008

WETZSTEIN: Advice on sex at college

It's college time again, which means new classes, new roommates, new laptops and new experiences. Published August 26, 2008

WETZSTEIN: Marriages can survive affairs

The stunning news of John Edwards' affair — and possible love child — with a younger woman who worked on his presidential campaign is all too familiar to Peggy Vaughan and Anne Bercht. Published August 24, 2008

WETZSTEIN: Young teens smoking less; use of drugs, alcohol down

Do you have a 13-year-old or 14-year-old at home? Here's some pleasant news to ponder as they head back to school. Published August 17, 2008

WETZSTEIN: Maces marriage pioneers

A few weeks ago, a woman died in Burlington, Vt., at the age of 106. Such a long life is extraordinary for anyone, but for Vera Mace, it was a modest accomplishment compared with the impact she and her deceased husband, David, had on the institution of marriage. Published August 12, 2008

WETZSTEIN: Prevent car deaths with safety rules

On July 8, when a Loudoun County father realized he had left his newly adopted 21-month-old son locked all day in a hot sport utility vehicle, he collapsed at the car, collapsed at the police station and remained hospitalized for days, according to news reports. Published August 10, 2008