Persistent criticism breeds resentment and defiance, and undermines a child's initiative, self-confidence and sense of purpose. We need to prevent the buildup of these unhealthy attitudes in the minds of our children.

It's often said that parents of children with special needs divorce at a higher rate than the general population. So, I asked John Gray: What do you think are the causes and what suggestions can you give to these parents?

If you have a picky eater who's well out of toddlerhood, do not despair! Whether you've gotten a bit off track with meals or are just starting to introduce solid foods, now is the perfect time to get going in the right direction.

Not quite four years ago, I dropped my son off at a stately southern campus, gave him a hug and shed a few tears for change that felt like loss. Then ...

If you pay attention, kids will teach you how to laugh loudly, how to love deeply and how to live fully. They will also ruin all your stuff.

The Italian approach to life has been well-chronicled in bestsellers such as Eat, Pray, Love and Under the Tuscan Sun, but we shouldn't overlook the valuable lessons the Italian approach to food can teach our children.

How can you tell them what peace is? Even better, how can you help them discover peace and non-violence for themselves? If you are a father, this assignment becomes critical, something you need to do now. Today.

I know you didn't expect most of this. I know you never realized how this incredible amount of love and stress and self-doubt could all stem from even one small child in your life. I know you wish you could do it better.

How do you really tell your children that one of the most important people in their lives has cancer?

Now, I have a whole new way to consider parenting her -- a way that is the total opposite of my extroverted instincts.

There's something remarkable about having three kids under three years old. It doesn't last long, by its very nature, even with triplets, there's a three year maximum. But during that time you must learn to be omniscient.

How about if this Mother's Day we all step away from our self-appointed roles as judge and jury and embrace the idea that we are in this together as a community?

The tooth fairy only brings a quarter. There is no adjustment for inflation. Your birthday cake will probably always come from the store, as will your Valentine's cards for school. I didn't buy baby moccasins because the ROI on that investment was one good Instagram picture.

I don’t know whether to celebrate or mourn. The news from Cleveland is both every parent’s hope (missing children found alive) and worst night...

Like water dripping from a leaky faucet, a kid's constant nagging can be annoying and almost impossible to ignore, but giving in can have real financial consequences.

Take away struggle, disappointment, and heartache completely from childhood and you are left with what will become a fragile and incomplete adult.