I can’t even take a stroll through a park. As soon as women see my face they start gathering up their children and running for home.

I can’t even take a stroll through a park. As soon as women see my face they start gathering up their children and running for home.

There is no one best way for parents to become the parents they want to be just as there is no one best way for a child to grow into a contented and contributing member of society.

Spending time with the child or adolescent in mutually enjoyable activities on a regular basis will help to build warmth and trust.

Any statements from the parents may seem like criticism or judgment by the child or adolescent. It's very important that the child or adolescent does most of the talking and the parent asks questions curiously to understand the perspective of the child or adolescent.

Prioritizing listening to their child or adolescent is extremely important. It can be very hard to listen to someone who is upset or troubled without offering advice or suggestions or otherwise telling him or her what to do.

Demonstrating faith and optimism in the child or adolescent's ability to work things out in their own time and in their own way can be very difficult but it is possible to do this while also offering assistance.