When a child or adolescent is troubled, the most important thing for the parent to focus on may very well be their relationship with their child or adolescent. Parents need to do whatever they can to make sure the relationship is strong.

Sometimes offering support and making yourself available when the child or adolescent is ready to talk can be the most helpful you can be.

Accessing a "professional listener" such as a psychologist or counselor can be useful if the loved one wants to use this form of support.

A parenting program should provide time for parents to clarify their own ideas about what it means to be an effective and successful parent.

Somewhat paradoxically, parenting programs should focus on the behavior of the parents not the behavior of the children.

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.

One of the most important goals to have may well be the goal to create the life you want without preventing other people from creating the life they want.