In order to be effective decision makers and to live satisfying and contented lives, people need to be aware of their goals, desires, and purposes and need to be able to evaluate or assess the extent to which they are heading in the direction specified by their inner standards.

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.

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.

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.

One of the premises of parenting might be that the job of parents is to teach their kids to get along without them.

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

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