In Dr. Phil's new book, Family First, he talks about your
parenting style and whether it meshes or clashes with your
child's personality. The following is his advice for more
effective parenting. What is your definition of success as a
parent? Most parents have career goals or relationship goals,
but fail to set goals for parenting. You need to have a clear
definition of success as a parent, and the steps you'll take to
get there. One guest's definition is seeing her children growing
up happy and secure and feeling good about themselves. Dr. Phil
says this is a great goal, but adds that all parents should
"help their children discover their authentic self — discovering
that which is truly, uniquely theirs." Find your children's
strengths and then go with them. Do what works. Some parents
yell at their children or spank them repeatedly, only to have
them disobey. Dr. Phil advises against this type of parenting.
"If you're doing something that works, then you shouldn't have
to do it over and over again," he say