Parenthood is an endless series of small events, periodic conflicts, and sudden crises which call for a response. The response is not without consequence: it affects personality for better or for worse.

Wise parents know that fighting a teenager, like fighting a riptide, is inviting doom.

I have great faith in 'ordinary parents.' Who has a child's welfare more at heart than his ordinary parent? It's been my experience that when parents are given the skills to be more helpful, not only are they able to use these skills, but they infuse them with a warmth and a style that is uniquely their own.

Responsibility is fostered by allowing children a voice and wherever indicated a choice in matters that affect them.

A modern teacher educates children to value their emotions.

When children feel understood, their loneliness and hurt diminish. When children are understood, their love for their parent is deepened. A parent's sympathy serves as emotional first aid for bruised feelings. When we genuinely acknowledge a child's plight and voice her disappointment, she often gathers the strength to face reality.

If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.