How to Be a Better Parent

Spend an hour each week where you devote 100 percent of your attention to observing, praising and showering your child with loving regard. Wait until your child begins an activity he excels at. Sit near him, watch what he is doing, and every two minutes or so praise something specific he has done or share some positive emotion or thought you have about him. Children thrive on their parents' attention, praise and unconditional love. Making your child aware of all you admire and love about him will improve your relationship.

Create positive family rituals with your child. Plan a family game night, eat dinner together, attend church each week or read her a book before bed every night. Healthy family rituals improve children's emotional health by creating positive memories, reducing stress and healing family tensions.

Discipline your child positively, in a way that strengthens rather than weakens your relationship. Affirm your connection with your child before you discipline him by establishing loving eye contact, picking him up or touching his shoulder. State limits clearly but empathize with how your child may feel sad, angry or disappointed. Encourage cooperation by offering him choices -- "Do you want to pick up your blocks or trucks first?" -- and by finding a way to say "yes" when you set limits -- "Yes, you may have a cookie after dinner."

Oversee your child's behavior and whereabouts. Limit your child's access to harmful content on television, in music and in video games. Monitor her use of the Internet, cell phone and other forms of technology. Know where she is and who she is with when she leaves your home. Don't give in to the temptation to just let her do whatever other kids her age are doing. Children who are unmonitored face increased risk of psychiatric problems and are more likely to begin drinking alcohol or experimenting with sex.