Just remember the four Cs. First, check your emotions. Before you speak to your teen, make sure you're in a state of mind that's calm rather than emotional. Second, be confident that what you are saying is in their best interest, not just yours. Third, be clear in what you tell them, ask them to do, or not do… don't beat around the bush. Fourth, be concise in what you say. Don't repeat yourself over and over...

If you really want to know, ask a single parent. Their job is never-ending. Their work is never done. Day after day they carry the load … alone. No wonder they often feel like they have the whole world on their shoulders. So how can we help single moms or dads? Start with the little things. The next time you're washing your car, offer to wash theirs too. Drop off dinner, or watch their children for the evening, so...

If you know a single parent—a mom or a dad—you may not realize the unending struggles they face. Making a living, maintaining a house, and meeting the never-ending needs of their family are hard enough when there are two parents sharing the work. But single parents do it all themselves. If only they had some relief in sight... Well, you and I can give that relief. Let's treat their family to dinner, baby-sit so...

There's a controversial new television show called Bleep my Dad Says. It's based on the colorful and irreverent exchanges between a father and his son. What began as a Twitter feed became a book, and now a syndicated sit-com, of profanity-laced life-lessons. Your children WILL repeat what you say, good and bad. So be mindful of your conversations, not only when you talk to them, but also with others. Will you...

The best way for your child to learn to be a good decision-maker, is to involve them in your everyday decisions. For example, if you are in the market for another car, ask your child to research it with you on the Internet, go with you to the car dealer to look at cars, discuss with you the options…new or used, lease or purchase, low or high mileage. Sure, you'll ultimately decide, but bringing them into the...

It's tough to stay in touch with your kids when you spend most of your time at work… and they spend most of their time in the classroom. One family handles it this way: When the kids get home from school, the first thing they do—even before they head to the refrigerator—is call their father. It's not just a once-in-a-while thing. Dad puts it on his calendar… and sets that time aside every day, so he'll be free...

A lot of parents have a hard time telling the difference. And that's a problem. You've seen it…a mom dressed like her teenage daughter. A dad who offers his teenage son a beer while they watch the game. When mom or dad becomes a buddy, the child loses out on the most important relationship…that of parent and child. Your kids have plenty of friends, what they need from you is guidance, love and boundaries. They...