Roller-skating and ice-skating are two different things - I found that out the hard way.
Children need explanations and they deserve explanations.
Never give up on your child. But also, you have to love your child.
What I do with my kids is I tell them I love them every day, but also I tell them the truth.
No matter how well you do, no matter how successful you are, they're always going to criticize you.