Most parents really do have worthwhile advice to offer their teens … but sometimes, they mess up in the delivery.

Hi, I’m Mark Gregston … with Parenting Today’s Teens.

The key to offering constructive criticism is to deliver your message at the right time, in the right way, and with the right motives. Sound tricky? Listen to these tips …

First, wait for your teen to ask for your opinion before sharing it.

Second, give feedback on their behavior and choices, not their person.

And third, make sure your words are intended to meet their needs, not your own.

Proverbs 25:11 says that “a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” And constructive comments given at the right time, in the right way, and with the right motives can become a powerful tool for helping your teen grow up.