Wouldn’t it be nice if all the problems you have with your kids would disappear at the snap of a finger?

I hate to be bearer of bad news, but there’s no quick fix to family problems. Instead, I’ll suggest a plan of action to making gradual—but effective—changes in your home.

First, identify the problem areas. What exactly do you wish were different?

Second, communicate the change. Make sure everyone at home knows what needs to change and how they’re going to get there.

Finally, implement the plan.

Your course of action may at first cause pain, discomfort, or uneasiness. But don’t give up! On the other side of these changes, you’ll find deeper relationships and healthier people.

If you listen on a mobile phone or tablet, please download our Parenting Today’s Teens app available for Apple or Android. If you listen on a desktop or laptop computer, press the “play” button above to enjoy daily parenting advice.