How to be a More Effective Parent

FamilyDoctor.org advises parents to criticize a child’s bad behavior or mistake rather than the child. Explain why a behavior is wrong or harmful. For example, “Crossing a busy street without looking is dangerous” is the right thing to say. “You are a very bad boy for crossing the street without looking!” would be the wrong thing to say. Tell your child what to do instead. For example, "Always look both ways before crossing the street.” This parenting skill applies to behaviors from dating to driving.